Safety terminologies

A Abnormal Event Absolute Absorption Accident An unplanned or unusual event or occurrence. A non negotiable duty imposed by a regulation when it uses the term 'shall' or 'must' without the qualification of 'reasonably practicable'. The entry of a substance into the body through broken or unbroken skin An undesired event or series of events causing (or with the potential to cause) injury, ill-health or damage. An accident is an unplanned event that interrupts the completion of an activity and that may (or may not) cause damage to person, property or environment.

Accident Consequence Analysis Accident Investigation

An analysis of the expected effects of an accident, independent of frequency and probability. A systematic investigation of an accident to find out what happened and determine immediate and underlying causes as well as reviewing existing risk assessments, safety procedures and control measures with a view to introducing measures to prevent recurrence.

Accident Prevention

Measures taken to prevent accidents from happening. Can be either pro-active, i.e. implemented before an accident happens, or re-active, i.e. taken in response to an accident that has already happened.

Accident Rate

A normalisation of the number of accidents taking into account the number of workers employed and the hours worked. Generally accepted as No. of Accidents x 100,000/No. of Hours Worked.

Acid ACOP Action Level

An organic or inorganic compound, usually a liquid with a pH of less than 7. Acidic materials are corrosive to human tissue. Approved Code of Practice The level above which action should be taken. For example the Noise at Work Regulations 1989 define two actions levels. The lower level 80dB(A) at which the employer must provide information and training and make hearing protection available. The upper exposure action level of 85dB(A) above which the employer should take reasonably practicable steps to reduce noise and the wearing of hearing protection becomes mandatory. In the US the action level commonly refers to the exposure level at which the OSHA regulations take effect.

Acute Effect Acute Exposure

An effect arising from exposure to a hazardous substance which happens immediately on exposure. Single exposure to a hazardous substance over a short period of time. The

seriousness of this exposure will depend on the toxicity of the substance. Adaptation Aerosols AIB AIDS Air Exchange Rate The ability of people to cope with situations that are less than perfect. Aerosols are tiny liquid and solid particles suspended in the air. Asbestos Insulation Board Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome The rate at which outdoor air replaces indoor air. Often stated as the number of changes per hour. Air Pollution Contamination of air by harmful substances like toxic gas, dust,vapour, acid fumes, flue gases fuel gases etc. when it exceeds legal permissible limit,it is considered legally harmful. ALARA As Low As Reasonably Achievable. An approach initially developed in the nuclear industry to ensure that facilities and practices were designed to keep risks As Low As Reasonably Achievable. ALARP As Low As Reasonably Practicable. An approach initially developed in the nuclear industry to ensure that facilities and practices were designed to keep risks As Low As Reasonably Practicable. Alkali Chemical compounds that have a pH value of more than 7. Alkali's are also known as Base or Caustic materials. These materials can be corrosive to human tissue. Allergen ALU Anti-glare Screen Any material which produces an allergic reaction in an individual. Asbestos Licensing Unit A monitor screen that is treated to reduce glare from light sources. This can be achieved as part of the manufacturing process or by fitting a separate screen filter. LCD screens may completely eliminate glare. Apparent Loudness Apparent loudness is how loud the noise is perceived by the individual. This is where the logarithmic nature of the dB scale has greatest impact, in that an increase of 10dB results in a doubling of the apparent loudness. Appointed Person This is a defined role from the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981. If the workplace is a low risk workplace (office, shop, library,etc.) and employs less than 50 employees there is only a requirement for one Appointed Person. This person will have undergone a one day training course covering CPR and very basic first aid. They will also be responsible for maintaining the first aid box for the organisation. Approved Code of Practice Approved Codes of Practice are published by the HSE to cover many regulations. Approved Codes of Practice although not law themselves do give guidance on how to comply with the law and as such have a special legal status, similar to the Highway Code. If you comply with an Approved Code of Practice it is likely that you will be doing enough to comply with the law. As far as reasonably practicable The degree of risk in a particular situation can be balanced against the cost, in terms of time, trouble, money and physical difficulty of taking measures to avoid the risk. If this cost is disproportionate to the risk it would be

unreasonable to expect any employer to incur those costs to avoid the risk. Asbestos Asbestos is the name used for a group of natural minerals, which comprises three main types. Crocidolite (Blue Asbestos), Amosite (Brown Asbestos) and Chrysotile (White Asbestos). The type of asbestos cannot be identified just by its colour. Although these fibres have many good properties such as being fire retardant, the fibres are very very small and once airborne are easily breathed in and can become stuck in the lungs, causing debilitating and fatal diseases such as Asbestosis and Lung Cancer. Asbestosis Asphyxiant Asbestosis is the scarring of the lung tissue by asbestos fibres which stops the lungs from working properly causing a shortness of breath. A material capable of displacing the level of oxygen in the body. This happens most commonly when the substance displaces air in an enclosed environment. Some asphyxiants can act directly on the oxygen carrying capability of the blood, such as Carbon Monoxide, which will be taken up by the body in preference to oxygen and can lead to unconsciousness and even death. This is a particular hazard from incomplete combustion in a faulty appliance. ATEX Audible Range Explosion Protection Directive. Derives its name from the original working title "ATmosphre EXplosible". Audible range is the range of frequencies which can be detected by the human ear. For a normal adult this is between 20 & 20,000 Hz. Ultrasound is a sound whose frequency is too high for hearing. Infrasound is a sound whose frequency is too low for hearing. Audiometry Audiometric Testing B Background Level Balance of Probabilities The normal or typical level existing in the environment. Can be used in terms of radiation or chemicals. The standard of proof required by by the courts in a civil law claim. Also known as the 'preponderance of evidence' in the US. The standard is met if there is a greater than 50% chance of the proposition being true. Described by Lord Denning (Miller Vs Minister of Pensions) as 'more probable than not'. Barrier Cream A cream which can be applied to the hands to help protect them from oils, greases, and other mild irritants. Some creams can also be absorbed by the skin to help safeguard against contact dermatitis. These should not be considered as a substitute for proper PPE. Base Chemical compounds that have a pH value of more than 7. Bases are also known as Alkalis or caustic materials. These materials can be corrosive to human tissue. Best Practice A management concept that there is a way that is more effective at delivering results than others. This is often considered alongside benchmarking, which is about making comparisons with others and learning the lessons that those Audiometry is a screening technique used to detect early damage to hearing as a result of exposure to noise. See Audiometry.

comparisons throw up. Beyond Reasonable Doubt Biological Agent A biological agent is an infectious disease or toxin, which has the ability to adversely affect human health. This may be relatively mild allergic reactions or serious medical conditions and even death. Biological Monitoring BLEVE Biological monitoring is the process of monitoring how much of a chemical has entered a persons body. This can be done by testing breath, urine or blood. Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapour Explosion. A very powerful explosion which occurs when a vapour, stored as a liquid under pressure within a pressure vessel is allowed to boil (often as the result of of a failure of the pressure vessel) and then ignite. BMA Boiling Point BSE BSI Business Continuity Plan C CA Competent Authority - A defined term in some regulations such as the Control of Major Accident Hazard Regulations and The Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations. The competent authority for COMAH is jointly between the HSE and the Environment Agency in England and Wales and the HSE and the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) in Scotland. The competent authority for The Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations is the HSE on their own. CCA Competent Authority Centre for Corporate Accountability. A charity concerned with the promotion of worker and public safety. A defined term in some regulations such as the Control of Major Accident Hazard Regulations and The Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations. The competent authority for COMAH is jointly between the HSE and the Environment Agency in England and Wales and the HSE and the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) in Scotland. The competent authority for The Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations is the HSE on their own. Contributory Negligence CAD Carcinogen A common law defence to a claim or action. It applies to a situation where the plaintiff or claimant has, through their own negligence, caused or contributed to the injury they suffered. Chemical Agents Directive Chemicals that are known or suspected to cause cancer. British Medical Association The temperature at which a liquid changes state to a gas (usually measured at atmospheric pressure). Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy British Standards Institute An all encompasing term covering both disaster recovery planning and business resumption planning. The standard of proof required by a criminal law case.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is the result of the median nerve, running from the forearm to the hand, being squeezed at the wrist. This can result in burning, tingling or itching numbness in the palm of the hand and fingers. This may or may not be caused by the repeated use of vibrating hand tools. See also RSI.

Catalyst Caustic CBI CCF CD CDM CEN Central Nervous System CFC's

Usually a chemical compound that accelerates a chemical reaction, without being consumed itself in the chemical reaction. A strongly alkaline material that is either corrosive or irritant to human tissue. Confedration of British Industry Common Cause Failure Consultative Document The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 1994 Comite European de Normalisation Essentially the Brain and Spinal Cord. ChloroFluoroCarbons. Any organic compound composed of Chlorine, Flourine, Carbon. These are typically refrigerants and aerosol propellants such as Freon. CFC's have been found to pose a serious environmental threat.

Chemical Accident

An accident involving a fortuitous or sudden or unintended occurrence while handling any hazardous chemicals .[defined in rule 2(b)]resulting in continuous, intermittent or repeated exposure to death or injury to any person or damage to any property but does not include an accident by reason only of war or radioactivity.

CHIP

Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply) Regulations 2002. CHIP is the law that applies to suppliers of dangerous chemicals. It is these regulations that give rise to Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).

Chronic Effect

An effect arising from exposure to a hazardous substance which takes a long time to take effect. This may take months or even years for the effects to become evident.

Chronic Exposure CHSW CITB CMF CMIOSH Code of Practice

Multiple exposures to a hazardous substance over a long period of time. The seriousness of this exposure will depend on the toxicity of the substance. The Construction (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1996 Construction Industry Training Board Common Mode Failure Chartered Member of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health Rules established by regulatory bodies or trade associations, which are intended as a guide. Beyond evidence of best practice they do not have any legal standing. See also Approved Code of Practice.

COMAH Combustible Liquid Common Law

The Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) Regulations 1999 Mainly a US term (see Flammable Liquid for UK). Defined as any liquid having a flash point at or above 100F. See also Flash Point. Unwritten law, originally based on the merging of various local customs and

laws as a result of various royal judges who toured the country. Cannot be in conflict with Statute Law. Common Mode Failure Competent Person A common mode failure results from a single fault (or set of faults). Computer systems are vulnerable to common mode failures if they rely on a single source of power, cooling or I/O. A Competent Person is defined by the HSE as somebody with the skill, knowledge, practical experience and training to enable them to assess the risks arising from the work activity. Compliance Confined Space Compliance normally means ensuring that activities undertaken agree with both the letter and the spirit of the law. A Confined Space is a place which is substantially enclosed (though not always entirely), and where serious injury can occur from hazardous substances or conditions within the space or nearby (e.g. lack of oxygen). CONIAC Controls Corrosive COSHH COSLA CRT Cryogenic Liquid D Damage Damage Control S e v e r i t y o f i n j u r y o r t h e p h y s i c a l , f u n c t i o n a l o r monetary loss that could result if control of a hazard is lost Directly concerned with the protection of machinery, materials and manufacturedgoods assets from accidental loss within the factory. Danger dB dB(A) DDA Deefie Dermatitis Indirectly it is concerned with money asset and manpower asset. It expresses degree of exposure to a hazard. By taking suitable precautions,the danger is reduced. Machine guarding or safety device reduces thedanger of a particular hazard. A logarithmic measurement commonly used to measure sound. Sound measured using the "A weighting". Commonly used as the measurement of environmental or industrial noise. Disability Discrimination Act 1995 A Glasgow term for having received your compensation for noise induced hearing loss, as in "Have you had your deefie yet?" An inflammation of the skin, also called Eczema. It causes red, itchy skin which may also blister. Often caused by direct contact with a substance which irritates the skin. DETR Department for Environment, Transport and the Regions. Now replaced by the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions. Construction Industry Advisory Committee Actions taken or measures put in place to reduce risks arising from work activity. A material that will cause destruction or irreversible damage to living tissue on contact. The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 1988 Convention of Scottish Local Authorities Cathode Ray Tube A liquefied gas at a very low temperature, such as liquid oxygen, nitrogen or argon.

DfEE DfES Dilution Ventilation

Department for Education and Employment. Now replaced by the Department for Education and Skills. Department for Education and Skills Dilution Ventilation involves bringing in clean air to dilute the contaminated air and then exhausting the diluted air to the outside via exhaust fans.

Disaster

a catastrophic situation in which the day -to-day patterns of life are, inmany instances, suddenly disrupted and people are plunged into helplessness and suffering and as a result need protection, clothing, shelter, medical and social care andother necessities of life, such as- 1) D i s a s t e r s r e s u l t i n g f r o m n a t u r a l p h e n o m e n a 2 ) disastrous events occasioned by man, or by man'simpact upon the environment

DOH Domino Theory

Department of Health A theory on accident causation proposed by Heinrich in the 1920's. Heinrich's Domino Theory suggests that an accident leading to injury or damage is the result of a five stage sequence and each stage (domino) represents a linked cause. Remove any one and the sequence cannot run its course and the accident will be prevented. The five stages are; 1. Work Situation, 2. Fault of Person, 3. Unsafe Act, 4. Accident, 5. Injury or Damage.

DSD DSE DSEAR DSER DTI DTLT Due Diligence

Dangerous Substances Directive Display Screen Equipment Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 Display Screen Equipment Regulations Department of Trade and Industry Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions Some health and safety regulations allow a defence of "due diligence". This allows a person who may be subject to legal proceedings to establish a defence if they can show that they have taken "all reasonable precautions and exercised due diligence" to avoid committing an offence. Interestingly this defence is not available under The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.

Dust Duty of Care

Solid airborne particles. A legal precedent which states that "You must take reasonable care to avoid acts or omissions which you could reasonably foresee would be likely to injure your neighbour". Established by Donoghue Vs Stevenson (1932). - It's what put Paisley on the map!

E EA EAW EC Ecology Environment Agency Electricity at Work Regulations European Community It includes interaction between microbes, plants and animals and

their environment,which are primarily affected by climate, water resources, soil and man, ecosystem studies, ecology of grasslands, woodlands and wetlands, arid zones and high altitudeenvironments, coastal ecosystem, mangroves, aquatic ecosystem, fresh waiter, ri ver basins, brackish water, marine, estuarine and soil ecology EEC EH40 EHO EMAS Embryotoxin Emergency Emergency Plan European Economic Community An HSE publication defining Occupational Exposure Limits in support of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations. Environmental Health Officer. A local authority position responsible for enforcing health and safety legislation at a local level. Employment Medical Advisory Service Also known as fetotoxin. A substance which can harm or kill an unborn baby. Any situation, which presents a threat to safety of person or/and property. It may require outside help also. A legal requirement for Upper Tier COMAH sites. A written plan detailing the actions to be taken in the event of an emergency or serious incident.

Emergency Services Encapsulation

External bodies which are available to handle majoraccidents and their consequences both on-site and off-site, e.g. fire authorities,police, health services etc A technique used in the manufacture of equipment for use in potentially explosive atmospheres, where the equipment is encapsulated either in oil or resin to prevent any potential ignition source from coming in contact with the explosive atmosphere.

Environment

The natural environment comprises all living and non-living things that occur naturally on earth. The environment may also include the built environment. Essentially the environment in which we work and which may affected by our work activities.

Environment Agency

The Uk's public body for protecting and improving the environment in England and Wales. Joint Competent Authority for the enforcement of COMAH regulations in England and Wales.

Environment Management

In its broad meaning it includes Government policies, planning, programmes,r e g u l a t i o n s a n d l e g i s l a t i o n s , international agreements, environmental i m p a c t assessments(EIA), environmental education, environmental law and legal actions,sustainable development, siting of industries, clean technologies, eco -developmentand ecosystem management, managerial aspects of forestry, biosphere, conservation,waste and wildlife. Any solid, liquidor gaseous substance present in such concentration as may be, or tend to be, injuriousto environment. Environment Protection Agency. The US equivalent of the Environment Agency. Federally regulates and enforces federal environment protection standards.

Environmental Pollutant EPA

Epidemiology Ergonomic Hazards

the scientific study of factors affecting the health and illness of populations. Workplace conditions that pose a risk of musculoskeletal injuries. Ergonomic hazards include repetitive and forceful movements, vibration, temperature extremes and awkward postures that arise from improper work methods and improperly designed workstations, tools and equipment.

Ergonomics

The study and knowledge of human abilities and limitations to help design and build for comfort, efficiency, productivity and safety.

Errors

Of different types, viz. human error, design error; planning, production,operation and maintenance error etc. 1) H u m a n e r r o r c a n b e d e f i n e d a s a h u m a n ' s a c t i o n , w h i c h d i f f e r s f r o m o r i s inconsistent with prescribed or established behaviours or procedures. It may be of twotypes: predictable or random. 2) Predictable error occurs under similar conditions and can be foreseen because it has occurred more than once. 3) Random error is non-predictable and unique in natur e. For example, all of asudden a fly or insect enters in eye due to which a worker may throw away a tool or l o s e h i s b a l a n c e and cause error. But if flies become common p h e n o m e n a i . e . predictable, the error becomes predictable one and remedial measures are required.

EU Evaporation Evacuation Event Tree

European Union The process of a material changing state from liquid to gas. To move all people from a threatened area to a safer area. It is required as afunction of Onsite or Offsite Emergency Plan. A tree like diagram used to determine alternative potential scenarios arising from a particular hazardous event. Can also be used quantitively to determine the probability or frequency of different consequences arising from the hazardous event.

Explosive Explosion Proof Protection Ex Rated Exposure Records F Fatality Fault Tree Analysis

Sudden expansion of a material, usually accompanied by the production of heat and large changes in pressure. A range of techniques applied to the manufacture of equipment for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. An item of equipment which has been manufactured for use in a potentially explosive atmosphere. Records of an individual's personal exposure to a harmful substance such as a hazardous substance or radiation. Death An analysis technique that visually models how logical relationships between

failures, human errors and external events can combine to cause specific accidents. FIAT Acronym standing for Fixed, Interlocked, Automatic & Trip. This represents the type of guarding that can be applied to a machine and the order in which it should preferably be applied.

Fire Prevention and Control First Aid

special

aspect

of

damage

control.

It

protects

machinery,

m a t e r i a l s , manufactured goods, money assets and

manpower from damage due to fire. The immediate aid provided to a sick or injured person to 1. Preserve Life, 2. Prevent Further Injury and 3. Promote Recovery. Covered in the workplace by the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981. Flammability Flammable Gas Flammable Liquid Flammable Solid Flash Fire and Jet Fire A flash fire is the non-explosive combustion of a vapour c l o u d r e s u l t i n g f r o m a release of flammable material into the open and which after mixing with air, ignit es. A jet fire occurs when flammable gas releases from the pipeline (or hole) andt h e r e l e a s e d g a s i g n i t e s i m m e d i a t e l y . D a m a g e d i s t a n c e d e p e n d s o n t h e o p e r a t i n g pressure and the diameter of the hole or opening flow rate Flash Point FLT FMEA The lowest temperature at which the vapour of a substance, mixed with air will 'flash' when a flame is applied to the mixture. Forklift Truck Failure Mode and Effects Analysis. A methodology designed to identify potential failure modes for a product or process, to assess the risk associated with those failure modes, to rank the issues in terms of importance and to identify and carry out corrective actions to address the most serious concerns. FMECA FOD FOI Foot Rest Failure Mode Effects and Criticality Analysis. As FMEA but also applying a Criticality Analysis to the process. Field Operations Directorate. The division of the HSE responsible for most industrial workplaces. Freedom of Information Act A support on which to rest the feet. Often provided as part of a workstation assessment to ensure comfort and safety while using Display Screen Equipment. FPA Freezing Point The Fire Protection Association. The temperature at which a liquid changes state to a solid (usually measured at atmospheric pressure). The ease with which a substance will ignite.

Fume Fume Cupboard

Vapours, dusts or gases given of by a substance. A type of Local Exhaust Ventilation. Typically a cabinet with a moveable front sash window, made from safety glass. Air is drawn into the cupboard under and through the opened sash and is exhausted through openings in the rear and top of the cabinet to a remote point, such as an exhaust stack on the roof of the building.

G Glare GMC GMP Bright light that interferes with with a person's ability to see. Glare can cause discomfort and can lead to eyestrain and headaches. General Medical Council. The UK's body for regulating doctors and ensuring good medical practice Good Manufacturing Practices. The standard of controls required for the production of pharmaceuticals and biopharmaceuticals in the US, UK, Europe and Japan. Good Practice A management concept that some ways are more effective at delivering results than others. This is often considered alongside benchmarking, which is about making comparisons with others and learning the lessons that those comparisons throw up. Guarding H H&S Rep Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome Health & safety Representatives. Safety Reps are appointed by trade unions to represent their members on health and safety matters. Hand-arm vibration affects the nerves, blood vessels, muscles and joints and is the result of too much vibration associated with the use of hand held vibrating power tools. Hand-arm Vibration Syndrome includes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Vibration White Finger. Use of any device or combination of devices which prevents any person gaining access to a dangerous part of a machine.

Handling of a Substance HASAWA

The manufacture, processing, treatment, package, storage, transportation, use, collection, destruction,conversion, offering for sale, transfer or the like of such substance. The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. This is the primary health and safety legislation in the UK. It is considered an "umbrella" act under which more specific regulations exist to cover specific areas of health and safety.

HAV Hazardous Chemical HAZCHEM HAZOP

Hand Arm Vibration A chemical or substance which can put peoples health at risk. Controlled by the Control od Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations Abbreviation for Hazardous Chemicals. Hazard and Operability Study. Often referred to as HAZOPS, Hazard and Operability Studies. A technique pioneered in the chemical and process industries to examine potential hazards and operability problems caused by deviations from the design intent.

HCFC's

HydroChloroFlouroCarbons. Any organic compound composed of Hydrogen, Chlorine, Flourine, Carbon. These are typically refrigerants such as R22. Like CFC's, HCFC's have been found to pose a serious environmental threat.

Hazard

An object, situation, or behaviour, that has the potential to cause harm in terms of injury, ill health, or damage to property or the environment. (See also Risk). 1) Chemical Hazard is a hazard due to chemical (including its property, storage, process, handling, effect etc.) and it is realised by fire, explosion, toxicity, corrosion,radiation etc. 2) Major Hazard is a large-scale chemical hazard, especially one, whichmay be realised through an acute even. 3) Occupational hazards a r e t h e h a z a r d s a r i s i n g i n c o u r s e o f a n d o u t o f occupation or employment. They include physical, chemical, biological, mechanical,electrical, psychological and all occupational health hazards, diseases and poisoning 4) Rapid ranking method i s a m e a n s o f c l a s s i f y i n g t h e h a z a r d s o f s e p a r a t e elements of plant within an industrial complex, to enable areas for priority attention to be quickly established.

Hazard survey

T h e t o t a l e f f o r t s i n v o l v e d i n a n a s s e s s m e n t o f t h e hazards from installations and their means of control The Health and Safety Commission is responsible for health and safety regulation in the UK. They are supported by the Health and Safety Executive and Local Authorities who act as the enforcing authorities in support of the Health and Safety Commission.

Health and Safety Commission

Health and Safety Executive Health Monitoring Health Surveillance

The Health and Safety Executive are the enforcing authority for health and safety legislation in the UK. Health Monitoring is about collecting and using information about workers' health, related to the substances they use. Health Surveillance is about systematically watching out for early signs of workrelated ill health in employees exposed to certain health risks, such as hazardous substances or excessive noise.

Heat Exhaustion

A serious illness caused by too much heat. It is often brought on by overexertion or profuse sweating in a hot, humid, poorly ventilated environment.

Heat Stroke

A life threatening condition. The persons cooling system, which is controlled by the brain has stopped working and the internal temperature has risen to the point where brain damage or damage to other internal organs may occur.

Heinrich's Domino Theory

A theory on accident causation proposed by Heinrich in the 1920's. Heinrich's Domino Theory suggests that an accident leading to injury or damage is the result of a five stage sequence and each stage (domino) represents a linked cause. Remove any one and the sequence cannot run its course and the accident will be prevented. The five stages are; 1. Work Situation, 2. Fault of

Person, 3. Unsafe Act, 4. Accident, 5. Injury or Damage. HID HR HSAC HSC HSCER HSE HSWA Hazardous Installations Directorate Human Resources. The new name for Personnel. Health Services Advisory Committee The Health and Safety Commission The Health and Safety (Consultation with Employees) Regulations 1996 The Health and Safety Executive The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. This is the primary health and safety legislation in the UK. It is considered an "umbrella" act under which more specific regulations exist to cover specific areas of health and safety. Human Factors The environmental, organisational and job factors and human and individual characteristics which influence behavior at work. Careful consideration of human factors can improve health and safety by reducing accidents and cases of illhealth at work. See also Ergonomics. Hygiene Hypersensitive Hypothermia I Ignition Source IIRSM A flame, spark or hot surface capable of igniting flammable vapours or fumes. The International Institute of Risk and Safety Management. A professional body for health and safety pacticioners, created to advance professional standards in accident prevention and occupational health throughout the world. Illuminance The total amount of visible light illuminating (incident upon) a point on a surface from all directions. Formerly called brightness. Measured in Lumens/square metre or Lux. Improvement Notice A notice issued by the Health and Safety Executive that requires steps to be taken to improve health and safety by a specified date. Improvement notices are commonly issued following an accident but may be issued following a routine HSE inspection. Incident Incident Investigation Industrial (occup ational) accident Ingestion Inhalation An unplanned event, which in different circumstances, could have resulted in an accident, including injury to persons or damage to property. A systematic process of gathering and analysing information about an incident for the purpose of identifying causes and making recommendations to prevent recurrence. An undesirable eventthat result in a certai n length of disab ility and stoppage of work and time loss due to the effect of a production-related dangerous factor or a combination of such factors. The swallowing of a substance. See also Routes of Entry. The breathing of a substance in the form of gas, vapour, fume, mist or dust. See also Routes of Entry. The assessment and control of chemical, physical or biological hazards in the workplace that could cause disease, ill health or discomfort. An immune response that damages the body's own tissues. A life threatening condition in which the body temperature drops below the level required for normal metabolism and body function.

Inhibitor

Injury

Considered to include occupational disease and work-connected disability. Work injury is defined as an injury suffered by a person, which arises out of and inthe course of his employment. It is an external damage to human body; disturbance or d y s f u n c t i o n r e s u l t e d f r o m a n a c c i d e n t . B y c a u s e i t m a y b e m e c h a n i c a l , t h e r m a l , chemical, radiated or combined. The entry of a substance through a puncture wound. The number of injuries per 100,000 hours worked. The following formula can be applied. No. of Injuries x 100,000 Hours/Total No. of Hours Worked. A measure of the days lost to injuries during a specific period. The following formula can be applied. No. of days Lost x 100,000 Hours/Total No. of Hours Worked. Institute of Directors Institute of Occupational Safety and Health. A non corrosive substance which can cause inflammation through immediate, prolonged or repeated contact. Ionising Radiations Regulations International Standards Organisation. Responsible for international standards, such as the quality standards ISO 9001 and the environmental standard ISO 14001.

Injection Injury Frequency Rate Injury Severity Rate IoD IOSH Irritant IRRs ISO

IT J Job Design Job Hazard Analysis

Information Technology Job Design defines the way people do their job and behave in the work environment. It also influences the culture of the organisation. A technique that focuses on job tasks as a way to identify hazards before they occur. It focuses on the relationship between the worker, the task, the tools and the work environment. Ideally once uncontrolled hazards have been identified control measures will be applied to eliminate or reduce them to an acceptable level. The US equivalent of a Risk Assessment.

K Key Element L LA LAA LEL LEV Local Exhaust Ventilation Local Authority Local Authority Associations Lower Explosive Limit. The level of concentration of an explosive gas below which an explosion will not occur due to insufficient explosive gas. See also UEL. Local Exhaust Ventilation Local Exhaust Ventilation is a form of ventilation which encloses the material, equipment or process as much as possible and ensures air flow into the A constuction industry term to describe a structural member whose removal would cause more than limited collapse ofthe building.

enclosure and away from the worker and workspace. Lock Out A specific set of procedures for ensuring that a machine, once shutdown for maintenance or repair is secured against accidental start-up or movement of any of its parts for the length of the shut-down. See also Lock Out/Tag Out. Lock Out/Tag Out Specific practices and procedures to safeguard employees from the unexpected energisation or start-up of machinery and equipment or the release of hazardous energy during service or maintenance activities. See also Lock Out. LOLER LOPA Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 Layer of Protection Analysis. A risk analysis technique which lies somewhere between a quantitative risk assessment and a fully blown HAZOP study. It founded on the basis that plants are protected by several "layers" of protection. Loss Control Measures taken to prevent or reduce loss. Loss is considered and any loss arising from injury, illness property damage, fines etc. Total Loss Control involves reporting to control centres all property damagea c c i d e n t s a n d i n j u r y c a u s i n g a c c i d e n t s , s u p p l e m e n t e d b y s p o t c h e c k s a n d s a f e t y audits. Loss Prevention Lost Time Accident Lower Tier A term used in risk management to describe a number of methods used to reduce the amount of all losses. Any accident that prevents a worker from performing their normal duties. See also Reportable Accident. Defined in the Control of Major Accident Hazard (COMAH) Regulations 1999 as any site with storage of flammable liquid in excess of 5,000 tonnes and less than 50,000 tonnes. Lower tier COMAH sites are required to produce a Major Accident Prevention Policy (MAPP). LPG LTA Lumbar Luminance Lux M MAFF Manual Handling MAPP Material Safety Data Sheet MEL Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Transporting or supporting a load, including lighting, putting down, pushing, pulling, carrying or moving by hand or bodily force. Major Accident Prevention Policy. A requirement for lower tier COMAH sites. A Material Safety Data Sheet is a document that contains information on the potential hazards (composition, first aid, fire precautions, spillage precautions, environmental hazards) and how to work safely with a chemical product. Maximum Exposure Limit. Defined in the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations and updated in EH40. The MEL sets the maximum exposure to which an employee can be exposed to a specified hazardous substance. Mesothelioma Mesothelioma is the name given to a cancer of the lining of the lung, which is Liquefied Petroleum Gas See Lost Time Accident The lower region of the back. Between the diaphragm and the pelvis. Measure of luminous intensity. Measured in Candela. Unit of measurement for illuminance.

often caused by breathing in asbestos fibres. Method Statement A document detailing how a particular process will be carried out. Such a statement is commonly used to describe how construction/installation works can be carried out safely. MIOSH MOD MSD MSDS Mutagen N Narcotic NAW Near Miss Substances that result in drowsiness or dulling of the senses. National Assembly for Wales A near miss describes an incident which given a slight shift in time or distance might have resulted in injury, ill-heath or damage. By reporting, investigating and acting on lessons learned from near misses, accidents should be prevented. NEBOSH National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health. An independent awards body who are responsible for two well known and well respected qualifications. The NEBOSH General Certificate. An examined qualification, usually following the equivalent of two weeks of study. Considered the 'de facto' standard for managers and supervisors and as preparation for the Diploma. The Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety is approximately equivalent to 3rd year degree level and is the recognised standard for Health and Safety Professionals in the UK. Negligence "Negligence is the omission to do something which a reasonable man, guided upon by those considerations which ordinarily regulate the conduct of human affairs, would do, or do something which a prudent and reasonable man would not do." Blyth Vs Birmingham Waterworks Co. (1856) NHS NII Noise Induced Hearing Loss National Health Service Nuclear Installations Inspectorate. The division of the Health and Safety Executive responsible for ensuring safety in the civilian nuclear industry. Noise induced hearing loss can be caused by a one-time exposure to a loud sound as well as by repeated exposure to sounds at various loudness levels over an extended period of time. Noise induced hearing loss is the result of damage to the tiny hairs in the inner ear which detect and transmit sound to the brain. Because these tiny hairs are broken or damaged noise induced hearing loss cannot be cured. NuSAC NVQ O Occupational Health Occupational health is about the effect your work has on your health and about Nuclear Safety Advisory Committee National Vocational Qualification. Work related, competence based qualifications. Member of The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health. Ministry of Defence Musculoskeletal Disorder Material Safety Data Sheet A substance which may cause changes in human cells and may be handed down from generation to generation.

making sure that you are fit for the work you do. Occupational Illness OECD OH&S OHSAS 18001 Any illness an employee suffers because of the hazards they have been exposed to at work. Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Occupational Health and Safety Occupational Health and Safety Assessment Specification. Not yet adopted and an International Standard. OHSAS 18001 is an assessment specification for Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems, following the same format and structure as ISO 9001 and ISO 14001. It is expected that OHSAS 18001 will be adopted as an international standard at some time in the future. OHSAS OSHA A private company providing occupational health and safety advice. Formerly the Occupational Health and Safety Services for the NHS in Fife and Tayside. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The US Department of Labor department responsible for workplace safety in the US. Oversight Means overlooking of something, error or supervision. When thereare more switches side by side and looking identical, an operator may operate a wrongswitch by oversight. While counting many things, by oversight, someone may makemistake. Thus oversight denotes a state of mind by which error or mistake is possible d u e t o l a c k o f c o n c e n t r a t i o n o r a t t e n t i o n . R e s u l t o f o v e r s i g h t i s m i s t a k e o r e r r o r . Oversight leads to unsafe action and that may result in accident Strong oxidising agents are often very reactive chemicals and in contact with combustible materials, such as paper, sawdust of fabric, may for unstable mixtures which may constitute a risk of fire or explosion. P PAT Testing Permit to Work Portable Appliance Testing. A permit to Work is a formal, written procedure used to control work activities which are identified as particularly hazardous and where special precautions are required to control the hazards. Primarily used for non-routine work activities. Personal Monitoring A technique used to determine an individual's personal exposure to a hazard, such as a hazardous substance or noise. This is usually achieved by using a personal sampling device worn on the person. The monitoring of hazardous chemicals is done at the mouth. The monitoring of noise is done at the ears. PHA Process Hazard Analysis. An approach to hazard analysis which focuses on the hazards associated with a process. This approach may comprise HAZOP studies and "what-if" scenarios. A mainly US term, see OSHA. Planning Supervisor Poison Policy Portable Appliance ppb PPE A defined role within the The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 1994. A substance that can cause injury, illness or death. A statement of intent. See also Health and Safety Policy. An item of electrical equipment fitted with a plug. Parts per billion Personal Protective Equipment

Oxidising Agent

ppm Practicable Preventative Maintenance

Parts per million In health and safety law this term is usually taken as meaning 'that which is physically possible, in light of current knowledge and invention.' An approach to maintenance for preventing machinery and equipment failure through scheduled regular maintenance, knowledge of the reliability of the parts, maintenance service records, and maintaining a spares holding of the least reliable parts and the parts scheduled for replacement.

Procedure Prohibition Notice

A step by step description of how to do a task, job or activity properly and safely. A notice issued by the Health and Safety Executive that requires specified activities to cease, usually forthwith. Commonly issued following a serious accident if the inspector considers there is a likelihood of repetition.

Protective Hand Cream PUWER Pyrophoric Q QA QC R Radioactive RCD Reactivity

See Barrier Cream. The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 A substance that ignites spontaneously. Quality Assurance Quality Control A substance which emits radioactivity Residual Current Device The capability of a substance to undergo a chemical reaction with the release of energy. This could include an increase in pressure or temperature or the formation of hazardous substances.

Reasonably Practicable

The degree of risk in a particular situation can be balanced against the cost, in terms of time, trouble, money and physical difficulty of taking measures to avoid the risk. If this cost is disproportionate to the risk it would be unreasonable to expect any employer to incur those costs to avoid the risk.

Regulation Relative Humidity

Mandated by the government. Also a legal requirement (below the Health and Safety at Work etc Act) covering a specific area of health and safety legislation. A measure of the amount of water vapour in the air, relative to what the air can 'hold' at that temperature. Can have a big impact on the comfort level of a working environment.

Reproductive Toxins Residual Current Device Residual Risk res ipsa loquitur

Toxins which may affect male or female reproductive organs and may affect the ability to have children. An electrical device that senses a leakage of current to earth and breaks the electrical supply. The remaining risk after treatment or control measures have been put in place. Latin for 'The thing speaks for itself'. Legal term meaning to succeed in an action for negligence, the claimant must show on the balance of probabilities that the defendant's breach of a duty of care was causative of his (the

claimant's) loss or injury. RIDDOR Risk Risk Assessment The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 The chance, high or low, that somebody could be harmed by a hazard in the workplace, together with an indication of how serious the harm could be. A Risk Assessment is simply a careful examination of what, in your work, could cause harm to people so that you can weigh up whether you have taken enough precautions or should do more to prevent harm. Risk Management Risk Phrase Root Cause Root Cause Analysis RoSPA Routes of Entry RPE RSI The practical steps taken to protect people from real harm. The standard phrases defined in EH40 and used in the classification, packaging, labeling and provision of information on hazardous substances. The real or underlying cause of an event, as distinguished from the immediate cause or causes which are usually fairly obvious. A systematic analysis of the causes of an accident to try and identify the root causes. Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents The method by which a hazardous substance can enter the body. There are 4 main routes of entry, 1. Inhalation, 2. Injection, 3. Ingestion, 4. Absorption. Respiratory Protective Equipment Repetitive Strain Injury. The name given to a group of injuries affecting the muscles, tendons and nerves, primarily in the neck and upper limbs. RSI is often caused by a combination of overuse and repetition, awkward or static posture and insufficient recovery time. RSP S Safe System of Work Safety A method of work designed to eliminate hazards, where possible and to ensure that the work is performed in a safe manner. Defined as a positive, organized activity or program based o n knowledge of the reaction between man and his working environment, which aids business enterprise by minimizing death, losses caused by injuries, health impairment,fires, explosion and other occupational accidents. Safety Audit An audit, as opposed to an inspection, is an independent, objective and systematic review of safety management arrangements. This should ensure that policies and procedures are in place to cover the risks present as well as confirming that these policies and procedures are being implemented and complied with. Safety Case A formal requirement for Upper Tier COMAH sites. A documented set of evidence that provides a convincing and valid argument that a system or approach is adequately safe for a given application in a given environment. Safety Committee A committee comprising management and worker safety representatives that Registered Safety Practitioner

reviews health and safety performance and promotes good health and safety practices with a view to improving health and safety performance. Safety Culture Safety Inspection Safety Passport The degree to which good working practices and positive attitudes towards health and safety are embedded within the culture of an organisation. A Safety Inspection, as opposed to a Safety Audit, is an examination of the actual conditions and working practices within a workplace. A scheme used in various industries, but most notably construction, to provide a framework for safety training to ensure that workers are aware of the risks of their workplace before being allowed to work in that environment. Safety Phrase The standard phrases defined in EH40 and used in the classification, packaging, labeling and provision of information on hazardous substances. Safety Team A group, which may be established by the works management for specific safety purposes, -e.g. inspections or emergency planning. The team should include worker s or their representatives where appro priate, and other persons with expertise relevant to the tasks. Sampling The process of taking small representative samples of a gas, liquid or solid for the purpose of analysis. Used to confirm Asbestos Containing Materials and in Environmental Monitoring. SBS Sick Building Syndrome. A term used to describe the situation where building occupants experience acute health and comfort effects that appear to be linked to the time spent in the building, but no specific illness or cause can be identified. Scaff Tag A proprietary brand of safety equipment for the inspection and management of safety on scaffolding systems. Security It protects the material, methods, manufactured goods and money assets by security personnel and Insurance. Generally it includes security staff (guards) in 3 shifts ie 24hours for the protection of company assets.Security should be distinguished from safety which is mostly concerned with protection from hazards by engineering and other control methods Assessments that are performed by the individual. Usually performed following some form of training Sensitisation Sensitiser SEPA Seveso Directive The development, over time, of an allergic reaction to a hazardous substance. See Sensitisation Dermatitis. A substance which may cause a person to develop an allergic reaction following repeated exposure. Scottish Environment Protection Agency The Chemical Accidents directive, named after the Seveso accident which happened in 1976 at a chemical plant in Seveso, Italy and prompted the first Seveso Directive, which has since been replaced by the Seveso II directive. SFARP So Far As Reasonably Practicable.

Self Assessment

Short Term Exposure Sick Building Syndrome SIL

The exposure to a hazardous substance continuously over a short period of time. A term used to describe the situation where building occupants experience acute health and comfort effects that appear to be linked to the time spent in the building, but no specific illness or cause can be identified. Safety Integrity Level. Originally defined in IEC61508, the European standard for safety in programmable electronic systems, as a measure of the dependability of of a safety related function. There are usually 4 defined levels of SIL, SIL 4 being the most dependable and SIL 1 being the least.

Six Pack

The'Six Pack' was the UK Government's response to the EU Framework Directive and comprised; The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1992 The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1992 The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 The Display Screen Equipment Regulations 1992 The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992

SME So Far As Reasonably Practicable Solubility Solvent SRSCR Statute Law Stress Substitution

Small and Medium Sized Enterprise The degree of risk in a particular situation can be balanced against the cost, in terms of time, trouble, money and physical difficulty of taking measures to avoid the risk. If this cost is disproportionate to the risk it would be unreasonable to expect any employer to incur those costs to avoid the risk. The ability of a given substance to dissolve in a liquid. A fluid which is capable of dissolving a material. The Safety Representatives and Safety Committees Regulations 1977 The formal, written law of a country or state. Stress is defined by the HSE as "The adverse reaction people have to excessive pressure or other types of demand placed on them." An approach promoted in the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations that promotes substituting a less harmful substance for a harmful substance.

SVQ Synergistic Effect Synonym Systemic T Task Analysis

Scottish Vocational Qualification. Any effect of two chemicals acting together which is greater than the simple sum of their effects when acting alone. Words with similar or identical meanings. Affecting the whole body. Task Analysis is the analysis or breakdown of exactly how a task is performed. This analysis can then be used to improve the design of tools or processes to improve the safety of the task.

Teratogen

A harmful substance which may adversely affect an unborn child. See also Embryotoxin and Fetotoxin.

TGWU Time Weighted Average Tinnitus

Transport and General Workers Union Usually calculated as an 8 hour TWA. An average value of exposure over the course of an 8 hour shift. Tinnitus is the name given to the condition of noises 'in the ears' and/or 'in the head' with no external source. Tinnitus noises are described variously as ringing, whistling, buzzing and humming.

Toolbox Talks

Toolbox talks are short, focused sessions that address one topic such as how to do a specialised job. They are not a substitute for formal training sessions but are meant as a reminder or refresher on the safety aspects of one particular area. They should be performed on a regular basis and should seek to involve shop floor workers.

Total Loss Approach

A spin out from Total Quality Management (TQM). The traditional approach to health and safety management focuses specifically on technical and management factors associated with hazards. A Total Loss Approach concentrates on developing and implementing control systems and processes to eliminate the underlying causes of accidents and therefore reduce accidents.

Toxic Toxicity Toxin Trem Cards TUC TWA U UEL Ultra Violet Light Ultra Sound Upper Tier

A substance that is capable of causing injury or damage to a living organism. A measure of the degree to which a substance is toxic or poisonous, also defined as the potential of a substance to cause harm to living things. A substance that is known to be harmful to biological systems Transport Emergency Cards. Must be carried, displayed and made accessible in the vehicle cab when transporting a hazardous substance. Trades Union Congress Time Weighted Average Upper Explosive Limit. The The level of concentration of an explosive gas above which an explosion will not occur due to insufficient oxygen. See also LEL. Electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength between that of visible light and XRays. Sound whose frequency is above the Audible Range. Defined in the Control of Major Accident Hazard (COMAH) Regulations 1999 as any site with storage of flammable liquid in excess of 50,000 tonnes. Upper tier COMAH sites are required to produce a Major Accident Prevention Policy (MAPP) as well as a full Safety Report and on-site and off-site Emergency Plans.

UWED V Vapour VDU Ventilation

Use of Work Equipment Directive Gaseous form of a material normally encountered in a solid or liquid state. Visual Display Unit. Defined in and covered by the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992. Defined as the movement of air. In health and safety terms it is usually considered either as Dilution Ventilation or Local Exhaust Ventilation, both of which are used to reduce the harmful effects of hazardous substances.

Vibration

Vibration experienced by the body as a result of using vibrating power tools. Usually classified either as whole body or hand-arm vibration. See also HandArm Vibration Syndrome.

Vibration White Finger

A condition caused by exposure to hand held and other vibrating equipment. Excessive vibration can cause the blood vessels in the hand to constrict, which reduces the blood supply to the fingers causing tingling, numbness and whiteness. See also White Finger.

Vicarious Liability

An employer can be found to be vicariously liable for negligent acts or omissions by their employee in the course of their employment whether or not such act or omission was specifically authorised by the employer. To avoid vicarious liability an employer must demonstrate that the employee was not negligent in that the employee was reasonably careful or that the employee was acting in his own right, rather than on the employer's business.

volenti non fit injuria W WEEE

Latin for 'to a willing person, no injury is done.' This doctrine holds that a person who knowingly and willingly puts himself in a dangerous situation cannot sue for any resulting injuries. The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive. A European directive intended to prevent the production of waste electrical and electronic equipment and encourage its reuse, recycling and recovery.

Whistleblower

An employee or former employee who reports misconduct to people or authorities who have the power to take corective action. Generally the misconduct is a breach of law, regulation or public interest.

White Finger

A condition caused by exposure to hand held and other vibrating equipment. Excessive vibration can cause the blood vessels in the hand to constrict, which reduces the blood supply to the fingers causing tingling, numbness and whiteness. See also Vibration White Finger.

WHO Workplace Exposure Limit

World Health Organisation A limit on the exposure to hazardous substances, established by the HSE in EH40. Defined as a Long-term exposure limit (over an 8 hour reference period) and a Short-term exposure limit (over a 15 minute reference period). generally measured in ppm or mg/m3.

Workplace Inspection Workstation

An inspection of the workplace, conducted in an organised and structured manner, to identify and report existing and potential hazards. A term used in the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 to refer not only to the Display Screen Equipment but also all associated equipment, such as desk, chair, lighting etc.

WRMSD WRULD X X-Ray

Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorder Work Related Upper Limb Disorder Electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength in the 10 to 0.01nm. A form of ionising radiation, which can be dangerous. Usually used for diagnostic

radiography, either in medicine or non destructive testing. Y Young Person Defined by the The Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations as someone between 16 & 18 years of age. Special provision is made to recognise their physical and psychological capacity and to protect them from harmful exposure to toxic and carcinogenic agents, radiation, risks from extreme heat or cold, excessive noise and vibration. Z Zone 0 Zone 1 Zone 2 Areas in which an explosive mixture is continuously present or is present for long periods. Areas in which the explosive mixture is likely to occur under normal working conditions. Areas in which an explosive mixture is not likely to occur during normal working, but if it does, will only exist for a short time.

Sources : http://www.scribd.com/doc/53809485/1/SAFETY-TERMINOLOGIES