Glossary

For specific subjects or definitions of terms not listed in this glossary, see the index or section contents pages. Forms are not listed in the glossary. Descriptions of the forms and any definitions of terms used in them are in chapter 7 of this manual.

aerial liftIncludes the following types of vehicle-mounted aerial devices used to elevate personnel to job sites above ground: extensible boom platforms, aerial ladders, articulating boom platforms, vertical towers (scissor lifts), or a combination of any such devices. Aerial equipment may be made of metal, wood, fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP), or other material; powered or manually operated; and deemed to be an aerial lift whether or not it is capable of rotating about a substantially vertical axis.

affected employeesIndividuals who operate or work with equipment or machinery but are not authorized to use lockout/tagout procedures.

assigned protection factorOn the average, the minimum anticipated protection provided by a properly functioning respirator or class of respirators to a properly fitted and trained employee.

authorized employeesIndividuals who apply locks or tags to machines or equipment in order to perform servicing or maintenance on that machine or equipment.

blood-borne pathogenMicroorganisms in human blood that can cause disease in humans. These microorganisms include, but are not limited to, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

body beltA strap secured around the waist and attached to a lanyard, lifeline, or deceleration device.

body harnessStraps secured around a person in a manner that will distribute the fall-arrest forces over at least the thighs, pelvis, waist, chest, and shoulders. Also used to attach to other components of a personal fall-arrest system.

contaminantAny unwholesome or undesirable foreign substance that causes the environment to be potentially unfit for use.

contractorA person who is not a Church employee and who performs a specific job for the Church under conditions outlined in a contract.

energized workAny work on electrical equipment, circuits, devices, systems, or any other energized part where an employee is required to deliberately or may accidentally place any part of his or her body, a tool, or other material in contact with electrical devices. The voltage of these devices must have been deemed to be in excess of 50 volts.

ergonomicsA science concerned with designing and arranging materials and equipment so that people, materials, and equipment will interact in the most effective and safe manner; also called human factor engineering.

fire department connectionA device that permits the fire department to pump supplemental water into the automatic fire sprinkler suppression system, by means of fire hose, to boost the water pressure and volume. Typically, these connections are located on the front of the building, adjacent to street access.

flammable-liquid storage cabinetFlammable- and combustible-liquid storage cabinets are designed to protect internal contents from a fire outside the cabinet. The maximum capacity of the cabinet should not be more than 60 gallons (230 L).

ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)A fast-acting circuit breaker. The GFCI will detect an electrical imbalance within milliseconds and open the circuit before a serious shock can occur.

hazardA condition or changing set of circumstances that could cause injury, illness, or property damage.

hazardous atmosphereAny atmosphere dangerous to life or health. A hazardous atmosphere lacks oxygen or has a toxic or disease-producing contaminant exceeding the legally established permissible exposure limit (PEL) or, where applicable, the threshold limit value (TLV) established by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH).

hazardous material (hazmat)Any substance capable of producing adverse effects on the health or safety of individuals.

hot workThe process of welding, cutting, soldering, grinding, or brazing with electricity or gases that create high temperatures. Hot work is extremely hazardous and requires a permit.

immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH)Conditions, including the atmosphere, that pose an immediate hazard to life or health.

incidentAny unplanned occurrence, event, or sequence of events that result in:

1. Injury or illness, no matter how slight.

2. Equipment or property damage.

3. Chemical spills considered out of control or that may have contaminated the soil or entered a public waterway or sewer.

live-circuit workThe process of working on electrical equipment or transmission lines while they are energized.

managerA Church employee whose profession is to direct assigned employees and oversee business affairs for the Church. A manager may have supervisors or team leaders report to him or her. He or she also oversees authorized and affected employees for various safety programs.

managing directorThe title of a manager who directs the business affairs of a Church department.

musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)Injuries or pain in joints, ligaments, muscles, nerves, tendons, and structures that support limbs, neck, and back. MSDs are degenerative diseases and inflammatory conditions that cause pain and impair normal activities.

near-miss incidentsAny unplanned occurrence, event, or sequence of events that (1) causes $500 or less in damages to equipment but does not injure employees or (2) causes no damage, but the likelihood of injury to an employee was great.

other employeesIndividuals whose work operations are or may be in an area where energy-control procedures may occur.

oxygen deficiencyWhen the oxygen level is 19.5 percent or less.

plumbed eyewash units and showersFirst-aid stations specifically plumbed with water to rinse the eyes and bodies of those who come in contact with hazardous chemicals.

pneumatic toolsTools powered by air pressure.

powder-actuated toolsA fastener-driving tool that uses magazine explosive cartridges to drive nails or other anchors into a hardened surface, such as concrete or metal.

power take-off (PTO) shaftA supplementary mechanism (like on a tractor) that lets the engine power operate a nonautomotive apparatus.

protection factorThe degree of protection a respirator provides against a given respiratory hazard. The protection factor is generally the concentration outside the respirator divided by the concentration inside the respirator.

protocolA prescribed procedure or strict adherence to guidelines.

respiratorA device worn over the mouth and nose to protect the person’s respiratory tract.

riskThe probability or threat of loss or injury; a peril or danger.

safety canA listed container having a screen or strainer in each fill and pour opening and having a spring-closing lid and spout cover designed to safely relieve internal pressure when exposed to fire.

safety data sheets (SDSs)Written or printed sheets with information about a hazardous chemical. They are distributed with chemicals by chemical manufacturers and distributors.

safety professionalsIndividuals who, because of their education, experience, and work assignments, are concerned about all workplace hazards, with an emphasis on preventing traumatic injuries and workplace fatalities. They help implement, provide training for, and evaluate the implementation of safety programs.

substance abuseThe use of alcohol or other drugs, including prescription medications not prescribed by a medical doctor, resulting in an employee’s performance being impaired.

supervisorA Church employee who oversees the work of a group of employees. A supervisor may also oversee a particular project. He or she also oversees authorized and affected employees for the general safety of employees.

volunteerSomeone who donates his or her services to the Church and is not paid a wage for the work provided, including Church-service missionaries.