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Abnormal Event
Absolute
A non negotiable duty imposed by a regulation when it uses the term 'shall' or
'must' without the qualification of 'reasonably practicable'.
Absorption
The entry of a substance into the body through broken or unbroken skin
Accident
An undesired event or series of events causing (or with the potential to cause)
injury, ill-health or damage.
Accident
Investigation
Accident Prevention
Accident Rate
Acid
ACOP
Action Level
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
Adaptation
The ability of people to cope with situations that are less than perfect.
Aerosols
Aerosols are tiny liquid and solid particles suspended in the air.
AIB
AIDS
The rate at which outdoor air replaces indoor air. Often stated as the number of
changes per hour.
ALARA
ALARP
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
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
Approved Codes of Practice are published by the HSE to cover many regulations.
Practice
As far as reasonably The degree of risk in a particular situation can be balanced against the cost, in
practicable
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
Asbestosis is the scarring of the lung tissue by asbestos fibres which stops the
lungs from working properly causing a shortness of breath.
Asphyxiant
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
Explosion Protection Directive. Derives its name from the original working title
"ATmosphre EXplosible".
Audible Range
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
See Audiometry.
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B
Background Level
The normal or typical level existing in the environment. Can be used in terms of
radiation or chemicals.
Balance of
The standard of proof required by by the courts in a civil law claim. Also known
Probabilities
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
Beyond Reasonable
Doubt
Biological Agent
Biological Monitoring 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.
BLEVE
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
An all encompasing term covering both disaster recovery planning and business
Plan
resumption planning.
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C
CA
CCA
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.
Contributory
Negligence
CAD
Carcinogen
Carpal Tunnel
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is the result of the median nerve, running from the
Syndrome
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
Consultative Document
CDM
CEN
Central Nervous
System
CFC's
CHIP
Chronic Effect
Chronic Exposure
CHSW
CITB
CMF
CMIOSH
Code of Practice
COMAH
Combustible Liquid
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.
Common Law
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
A common mode failure results from a single fault (or set of faults). Computer
Failure
systems are vulnerable to common mode failures if they rely on a single source
of power, cooling or I/O.
Competent Person
Compliance
Compliance normally means ensuring that activities undertaken agree with both
the letter and the spirit of the law.
Confined Space
CONIAC
Controls
Actions taken or measures put in place to reduce risks arising from work
activity.
Corrosive
COSHH
COSLA
CRT
Cryogenic Liquid
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D
dB
dB(A)
Sound measured using the "A weighting". Commonly used as the measurement
of environmental or industrial noise.
DDA
Deefie
A Glasgow term for having received your compensation for noise induced
hearing loss, as in "Have you had your deefie yet?"
Dermatitis
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.
DfEE
DfES
Dilution Ventilation
Dilution Ventilation involves bringing in clean air to dilute the contaminated air
and then exhausting the diluted air to the outside via exhaust fans.
DOH
Department of Health
Domino Theory
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
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
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!
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E
EA
Environment Agency
EAW
EC
European Community
EEC
EH40
EHO
EMAS
Embryotoxin
Also known as fetotoxin. A substance which can harm or kill an unborn baby.
Emergency Plan
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.
Encapsulation
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.
EPA
Epidemiology
the scientific study of factors affecting the health and illness of populations.
Ergonomic Hazards
Ergonomics
The study and knowledge of human abilities and limitations to help design and
build for comfort, efficiency, productivity and safety.
EU
European Union
Evaporation
Event Tree
Explosive
Explosion Proof
Protection
Ex Rated
Exposure Records
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F
Fatality
Death
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
Flammability
Flammable Gas
Flammable Liquid
Flammable Solid
Flash Point
The lowest temperature at which the vapour of a substance, mixed with air will
'flash' when a flame is applied to the mixture.
FLT
Forklift Truck
FMEA
FMECA
Failure Mode Effects and Criticality Analysis. As FMEA but also applying a
Criticality Analysis to the process.
FOD
Field Operations Directorate. The division of the HSE responsible for most
industrial workplaces.
FOI
Foot Rest
FPA
Freezing Point
Fume
Fume Cupboard
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G
Glare
Bright light that interferes with with a person's ability to see. Glare can cause
discomfort and can lead to eyestrain and headaches.
GMC
General Medical Council. The UK's body for regulating doctors and ensuring
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
Use of any device or combination of devices which prevents any person gaining
access to a dangerous part of a machine.
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H
H&S Rep
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
Syndrome
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.
HASAWA
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 A chemical or substance which can put peoples health at risk. Controlled by the
Control od Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations
HAZCHEM
HAZOP
HCFC's
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).
The Health and Safety Commission is responsible for health and safety
Commission
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.
The Health and Safety Executive are the enforcing authority for health and
Executive
Health Monitoring
Health Surveillance
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
Heat Stroke
Heinrich's Domino
Theory
HID
HR
HSAC
HSC
HSCER
HSE
HSWA
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
A life threatening condition in which the body temperature drops below the level
required for normal metabolism and body function.
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I
Ignition Source
IIRSM
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
Ingestion
Inhalation
The breathing of a substance in the form of gas, vapour, fume, mist or dust. See
also Routes of Entry.
Inhibitor
Injection
Injury Frequency
The number of injuries per 100,000 hours worked. The following formula can be
Rate
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.
IoD
Institute of Directors
IOSH
Irritant
IRRs
ISO
IT
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Information Technology
J
Job Design
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.
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K
Key Element
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L
LA
Local Authority
LAA
LEL
LEV
Local Exhaust
Ventilation
equipment or process as much as possible and ensures air flow into the
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.
LOLER
LOPA
Loss Control
Measures taken to prevent or reduce loss. Loss is considered and any loss
Any accident that prevents a worker from performing their normal duties. See
also Reportable Accident.
Lower Tier
LPG
LTA
Lumbar
The lower region of the back. Between the diaphragm and the pelvis.
Luminance
Lux
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M
MAFF
Manual Handling
MAPP
Major Accident Prevention Policy. A requirement for lower tier COMAH sites.
Material Safety Data A Material Safety Data Sheet is a document that contains information on the
Sheet
MEL
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is the name given to a cancer of the lining of the lung, which is
often caused by breathing in asbestos fibres.
Method Statement
MIOSH
MOD
Ministry of Defence
MSD
Musculoskeletal Disorder
MSDS
Mutagen
A substance which may cause changes in human cells and may be handed down
NAW
Near Miss
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
Negligence
NHS
NII
Noise Induced
Hearing Loss
NuSAC
NVQ
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O
Occupational Health
Occupational health is about the effect your work has on your health and about
making sure that you are fit for the work you do.
Occupational Illness
Any illness an employee suffers because of the hazards they have been exposed
to at work.
OECD
OH&S
OHSAS 18001
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
Oxidising Agent
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.
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P
PAT Testing
Permit to Work
Personal Monitoring
PHA
Planning Supervisor
Poison
Policy
Portable Appliance
ppb
PPE
ppm
Practicable
In health and safety law this term is usually taken as meaning 'that which is
physically possible, in light of current knowledge and invention.'
Preventative
Maintenance
Procedure
Prohibition Notice
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
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Q
QA
Quality Assurance
QC
Quality Control
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R
Radioactive
RCD
Reactivity
Reasonably
The degree of risk in a particular situation can be balanced against the cost, in
Practicable
Regulation
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.
Relative Humidity
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
Toxins which may affect male or female reproductive organs and may affect the
ability to have children.
Residual Current
An electrical device that senses a leakage of current to earth and breaks the
Device
electrical supply.
Residual Risk
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
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.
Risk Assessment
Risk Management
Risk Phrase
The standard phrases defined in EH40 and used in the classification, packaging,
labeling and provision of information on hazardous substances.
Root Cause
A systematic analysis of the causes of an accident to try and identify the root
causes.
RoSPA
Routes of Entry
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.
RPE
RSI
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
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S
Safe System of Work A method of work designed to eliminate hazards, where possible and to ensure
Safety Case
Safety Committee
Safety Culture
The degree to which good working practices and positive attitudes towards
health and safety are embedded within the culture of an organisation.
Safety Inspection
Safety Passport
Safety Phrase
The standard phrases defined in EH40 and used in the classification, packaging,
labeling and provision of information on hazardous substances.
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
Self Assessment
Sensitisation
Sensitiser
SEPA
Seveso Directive
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
Short Term Exposure The exposure to a hazardous substance continuously over a short period of
time.
Sick Building
Syndrome
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.
SIL
Six Pack
SME
So Far As Reasonably The degree of risk in a particular situation can be balanced against the cost, in
Practicable
Solubility
Solvent
SRSCR
Statute Law
Stress
Stress is defined by the HSE as "The adverse reaction people have to excessive
pressure or other types of demand placed on them."
Substitution
SVQ
Synergistic Effect
Any effect of two chemicals acting together which is greater than the simple
sum of their effects when acting alone.
Synonym
Systemic
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T
Task Analysis
Teratogen
A harmful substance which may adversely affect an unborn child. See also
Embryotoxin and Fetotoxin.
TGWU
Time Weighted
Average
Tinnitus
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.
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
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U
UEL
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.
Ultra Sound
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
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V
Vapour
VDU
Visual Display Unit. Defined in and covered by the Health and Safety (Display
Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992.
Ventilation
Vibration
Vibration White
Finger
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
volenti non fit injuria 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.
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W
WEEE
Whistleblower
White Finger
WHO
Workplace Exposure
Limit
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
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X
X-Ray
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Y
Young Person
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Z
Zone 0
long periods.
Zone 1
Areas in which the explosive mixture is likely to occur under normal working
conditions.
Zone 2
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Acknowledgements
eHandS would like to thank the following people for their assistance in the
compliation of this glossary;
Graham Lambie, Duncan Macintosh, M. Arif, Shafi, Rob Horton