|
A |
|
A |
Abbreviation for
ampere(s). |
|
A
end |
The end opposite the handbrake or "B" end of
the tank car. |
|
A/B switch |
A switch that selects one of two inputs (A or
B) for routing to a common output. |
|
A/B/C/D sides |
At a building
fire, the sides of buildings are identified by ABCD sides, with side A being
the front of the building, and sides BCD being named around the building in
a clockwise fashion. This helps maintain clear communication on the
fireground for location of assignments or firefighters. |
|
A/C |
An abbreviation for air conditioner or air
conditioning. |
|
A/C Condenser |
The outside fan unit of the Air Conditioning
system. It removes the heat from the freon gas and "turns" the gas back into
a liquid and pumps the liquid back to the coil in the furnace. |
|
A/C Disconnect |
The main electrical ON-OFF switch near the
A/C Condenser. |
|
AAR |
Abbreviation for American Association of
Railroads. AAR is a subdivision of the Department of Transportation. |
|
Abatement |
The actions taken to reduce the amount,
degree of the hazard, or intensity of the release or threatened release of a
hazardous material. |
|
ABC extinguisher |
A fire extinguisher that can be used on fires
involving ordinary combustibles, flammable liquids, and energized electrical
equipment; may also be known as a multipurpose extinguisher. |
|
Absolute pressure
|
Pressure measured with respect to zero
pressure or a vacuum. It is equal to the sum of a pressure gauge reading and
the atmospheric pressure at the measurement location. |
|
Absolute temperature |
Temperature based on an absolute scale
expressed in either degrees Kelvin (K) or degrees Rankine (R), corresponding
respectively to the centigrade (C) or (F) scales. Degrees Kelvin is obtained
by adding 273 to the centigrade temperature, or subtracting the centigrade
temperature, from 273 if below 0°C. Degrees Rankine are obtained by
algebraically adding the Fahrenheit reading to 460. Zero degrees K is equal
to -273°C, and 0 degrees R is equal to -459.69°F. |
|
Absolute zero |
The minimum point on the thermodynamic
temperature scale, which is 0 degrees Kelvin, -273.16 degrees centigrade, 0
degrees Rankine, or -459.69° Fahrenheit. This is a hypothetical temperature
at which there is a total absence of heat. |
|
Absorb |
The penetration of one substance into the
body of another. |
|
Absorbent |
A solid material that takes in liquids or
gaseous substances (like a sponge) and undergoes chemical and/or physical
changes as a result. Penetration can be capillary, osmotic, solvent, or
chemical. Some of the materials typically used, as absorbents are sawdust,
clays, charcoal, and polyolefin type fibers. |
|
Absorption |
The process of an agent being taken in by a
surface (clothing, fabrics, wood, etc.,) much like a sponge and water. A
route of exposure. It occurs when a toxic material contacts the skin, and
then enters the bloodstream by passing through the skin. |
|
AC |
Alternating current. |
|
Academy |
A training school; a place to train, learn,
study, and achieve |
|
Accelerant |
An agent used to initiate or speed the
spreading of fire. The most common accelerants are flammable or combustible
liquids. |
|
Accelerator |
A device attached to a dry-pipe sprinkler
system for rapid removal of air in the system; a device to control the speed
of a vehicle by regulating the fuel supply. |
|
Acceptable entry conditions |
Conditions that must exist in a confined space before entry is permitted
to ensure that personnel can safely enter and carry out the work. |
|
Acceptable risk |
A risk, judged to be outweighed by
corresponding benefits, or one that is of such a degree that it is
considered to pose minimal potential for adverse effects. |
|
Access corridor |
A
designated geographic area through which entrance into the "hot" or
exclusion mitigation personnel permit zone. Typically, the access corridor
serves as, or is near, the decontamination corridor and borders the hot and
warm zones. |
|
Accident |
An unexpected and uncontrolled event
generally resulting in injury, loss of property or disruption of services. A
chance occurrence arising from unknown causes; an unexpected happening due
to carelessness, ignorance, and the like. Any unplanned event that
interrupts or interferes with the orderly progress of a production activity
or process. |
|
Accident prevention |
Efforts or counter measures that are taken to
reduce the number and severity of accidents. |
|
Accordion fold |
A fold for salvage covers. |
|
Accordion load |
A system of loading hose in the hose bed of a
fire truck. |
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Acetyl cholinesterase |
An enzyme (a protein produced in the cells)
which stops (inactivates) the action of acetylcholine by separating the
acetylcholine into its components of acetic and chorine. This occurs as soon
as acetylcholine has produced a muscle contraction. Nerve agents combine
with acetyl cholinesterase to prevent it from performing its inactivation of
acetylcholine. |
|
Acetylcholine |
A chemical compound formed from an acid and
an alcohol that causes muscles to contract (neurotransmitter). It is found
in various organs and tissues of the body. It is rapidly broken down by an
enzyme, cholinesterase. |
|
Acid
|
A hydrogen-containing corrosive material that
reacts with water to produce hydrogen ions; a proton donor. Any of a class
of chemical compounds whose aqueous solutions turn litmus paper red (have a
pH less than 7) or reacts with and dissolves certain metals or reacts with
bases to form salts. A compound capable of transferring a hydrogen ion in
solution. A molecule or ion that combines with another molecule or ion by
forming a covalent bond with two electrons from the other species. |
|
Acquifer |
A saturated water bearing formation of
permeable rock sand or gravel. |
|
Action level |
A qualitative limit of chemical, biological,
or radiological agent at which actions are taken to prevent or reduce
exposure or contact. |
|
Action Plan |
See Incident Action Plan |
|
Active ingredient |
The chemical that has pesticide action.
Active ingredients are listed in order on a pesticide label as percentage by
weight or as pounds per gallon of concentrate. See Inert Ingredients. |
|
Actual breakthrough time |
The average time elapsed between initial contact of the chemical with
the outside surface of the fabric and the detection time. |
|
Actuate |
To set into operation, especially an
installed fire protection system. |
|
Acute effects |
An adverse effect on a human or animal body,
with symptoms developing rapidly. See Chronic Effects. |
|
Acute exposure |
A dose that is delivered to the body in a
single event or in a short period of time. The adverse effects resulting
from a single dose or exposure to a material. Ordinarily used to denote
effects observed in experimental animals. |
|
Acute poisoning |
Poisoning by a single exposure to a toxic
chemical. |
|
Acute toxicity |
Any harmful effect produced by a single
short-term exposure that may result in severe biological harm or death. |
|
Adapter |
A device to make a connection when the
threads do not match or when they are different sizes. |
|
Adiabatic compression |
A term used to describe the generation of
heat when a liquid or gas is compressed. If a flammable mixture is
compressed rapidly, heat produced by the compression may be sufficient to
raise the temperature of the mixture to its ignition point. |
|
Adsorbent |
A material that attracts molecules of a
liquid or gas to its surface without undergoing chemical or physical
alteration. |
|
Adsorption |
The process of an agent sticking to or
becoming chemically attached to a surface. |
|
Advanced Life Support |
Advanced life support (ALS) is medical care
provided by paramedics trained to assess a patient's condition, administer
drugs, defibrillate and provide advanced airway management prior to
transportation to the hospital. |
|
Advancing a line |
A line in the fire service is a line of hose.
Advancing a line, therefore, is moving a line of hose forward toward a given
assigned area from point where the hose-carrying apparatus has stopped. Also
called "stretching a line". |
|
AED |
An automated external defibrillator (AED)
detects and treats cardiac arrest due to the cardiac arrhythmias,
ventricular fibrillation (VF) and ventricular tachycardia (VT). Uncorrected,
these arrhythmias rapidly lead to irreversible brain damage and death.
Unlike regular defibrillators, an automated external defibrillator
automatically determines if a shock is indicated, and automatically selects
and delivers the appropriate energy level. Once the pads are attached to the
patient, the machine diagnoses the heart rhythm and determines if a shock is
needed to treat ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation. If the
machine determines that a shock is necessary, it will charge in preparation
to deliver the shock. When charged, the machine instructs the user to ensure
no one is touching the patient and then to press a button to actually
deliver the shock. |
|
Aerial ladders |
A mechanically-operated ladder on a turn
table attached to a ladder truck chassis and manufactured in various
lengths, generally from 65 feet to 100 feet. |
|
Aerial platform apparatus |
See elevating platform apparatus |
|
Aerial Truck |
Also known as a ladder truck or just plain
truck. A hydraulically powered ladder, mounted on a vehicle that also
carries several different length extension ladders, extrication gear,
ventilation equipment, and lighting. May or may not have a bucket or
platform on the end. |
|
Aerosol |
Micron-size liquid droplets or solid
particles dispersed in air by pressurized gases. When liquid droplets reach
micron dimensions, their behavior becomes similar to solid particles of the
same size. A suspension or dispersion of small particles (solids or liquids)
in a gaseous medium. The dispersion of very fine particles of a solid or
liquid in a gas, fog, foam, or mist. |
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AFFF (Aqueous Film Forming
Foam) |
An acronym for Aqueous Film Forming Foam. It is a highly efficient type
of fire suppressant agent used to attack flammable liquid fuel fires. This
concentrated liquid is mixed with water and dispersed using a proportioning
nozzle. The foam forms spontaneously upon ejection from the nozzle. The AFFF
coats the pool of hydrocarbon fuel with a layer of foam which acts like a
thermal and evaporation barrier to inhibit and eventually extinguish
combustion. The "film forming" characteristics refers to the fact that even
after the foam has dissipated, the aqueous layer formed from the water and
concentrate mixture can coat a liquid hydrocarbon surface |
|
A-Frame
|
A structural system utilizing members which
when fastened together resemble the letter A. |
|
A-frame ladders |
The type of ladders that are hinged in the
middle and can be used as either A-frame stepladders or as baby extension
ladders. |
|
Agency |
An agency is a division of government with a
specific function, or a nongovernmental organization (e.g., private
contractor, business, etc.) that offers a particular kind of assistance. In
ICS, agencies are defined as jurisdictional (having statutory responsibility
for incident mitigation) or assisting and/or cooperating (providing
resources and/or assistance). (See Assisting Agency, Cooperating Agency,
Jurisdictional Agency, and Multi-agency Incident.) |
|
Agency Administrator or
Executive |
Chief executive officer (or designee) of the agency or jurisdiction that
has responsibility for the incident |
|
Agency Dispatch |
The agency or jurisdictional facility from
which resources are allocated to incidents. |
|
Agency Representative |
An individual assigned to an incident from an
assisting or cooperating agency who has been delegated authority to make
decisions on matters affecting that agency's participation in incident
management activities following appropriate consultation with the leadership
of that agency. Agency Representatives report to the Incident Liaison
Officer. |
|
Agent |
Agent refers to extinguishing material used
in the fire service. |
|
Aggregate
|
A mixture of sand and stone and a major
component of concrete. |
|
Agricultural chemicals |
Chemicals such as pesticides, herbicides,
fungicides, insecticides and fertilizers used in agricultural applications
to control pests and disease or control/promote growth. |
|
Air bag |
An inflatable bag, often made of synthetic
rubber, used to lift or stabilize heavy objects. Also a large inflatable bag
into which persons can leap to escape danger. |
|
Air bottle |
A
thick walled steel, fiberglass wrapped aluminum cylinder or composite metal
cylinder equipped with a control valve, pressure gauge, and nipple outlet
for a high pressure hose connection. In the fire service these tanks contain
compressed air or oxygen. Each bottle carries approximately 66 cubic feet
of compressed air at a pressure of 4500 pounds per square inch. See SCBA |
|
Air bourne contaminants |
Solid, liquid or gaseous materials that are
mixed in the air and spread with air movements. Chemical vapors will readily
mix with moving air. In still air, heavier gases-such as chlorine and
gasoline fumes- will settle, whereas lighter gases-such as natural gas or
hydrogen-will rise. Aerosols consisting of micron-size solid particles and
liquid droplets can also be suspended in moving air but will settle at low
air velocities or larger sizes. Asbestos, lead paint dusts, some
agricultural chemicals, silica, radioactive particles, viruses, fungal
spores, pollen and bacteria are examples of other airborne contaminants of
concern. |
|
Air chamber |
A chamber filled with air and that serves to
eliminate the pulsations caused by the operation of piston or rotary-gear
pumps; a pulsation eliminator. |
|
Air distribution system |
The means by which cooling and/or breathing
air is delivered to and distributed in a protective suit. |
|
Air duct |
A pipe, usually made of sheet metal, that
conducts air to rooms from a central source |
|
Air foam |
A term used to describe mechanical foam, as
differentiated from chemical foam; the type of foam concentrate that is
added to the water and agitated or aerated to produce the Class B agent. |
|
Air inversion |
A meteorological condition in the earth's
atmosphere in which the temperature of the air some distance above the
earth's surface is higher than the air temperature of the surface. Normally,
air temperatures decrease progressively as altitude increases. Such a
condition traps air and released gases and vapors near the earth's surface,
thus impeding their dispersion. |
|
Air lock |
A situation that can develop in a centrifugal
pump that has not been properly primed. The rapid revolution of the impeller
may create an air lock, which prevents priming of the pump. |
|
Air mask or air pack |
Worn by firefighters, a type of
self-contained breathing device that provides an air supply from tanks
through a regulator. See breathing equipment or SCBA |
|
Air Operations Branch Director |
The person primarily responsible for
preparing and implementing the air operations portion of the Incident Action
Plan. Also responsible for providing logistical support to helicopters
operating on the incident. |
|
Air pocket |
A condition that occurs when a portion of
non-collapsible intake hose is elevated higher than the intake of the pump
when drafting; a void created by a cave-in; a confined space where air is
trapped in the top of a car that has sunk beneath the water. |
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Air pressure sprinkler system |
A sprinkler system in which air pressure is
used to force water from a storage tank into the system. |
|
Air purification respirator
(APR) |
A device worn to filter particulates and
contaminants from the air. An APR should only be worn in atmospheres where
the type, size, and quantity of the contaminants are known and sufficient
oxygen is present. Respirator that removes a contaminant from the air being
inhaled by the wearer by passing air through a filter or cartridge
containing a solid sorbent, such as activated charcoal, before the air is
inhaled. |
|
Air reactive materials |
Substances that will ignite at normal
temperatures when exposed to air. |
|
Air space |
The area between insulation facing and
interior of exterior wall coverings. Normally a 1" air gap. |
|
Air spring |
A flexible air-inflated chamber in which the
air pressure is controlled and varied to support the load and absorb road
shocks; formerly called air bag |
|
Air supply unit |
A machine to refill exhausted compressed |
|
Air Tank |
See Air Bottle. |
|
Aircraft emergencies |
Alert 1: In-bound aircraft with possible
onboard dilemma. Emergency response forces maintain readiness at response
station for further development. |
|
Aircraft fire protection |
A specialized branch of the fire service
dealing with airports or aircraft. |
|
Airline mask |
A mask worn by firefighters, connected to an
air supply outside a contaminated area. |
|
Airway |
A medical term referring to the passageway
from the mouth/nose to the lungs of a patient. A metal or plastic framework
designed to fit the curvature of the mouth and throat to prevent air
passageways from closing. |
|
Al |
See Aluminum Alloy. |
|
Alarm |
Any signal indicating the need for emergency
fire service response; also, the device that transmits the alarm. |
|
Alarm Assignment |
A designation, usually in advance of the
event, of the units to respond to a given fire alarm or signal; the entire
complement assigned to any given alarm. As "the entire first alarm
assignment went to work." (Example: two engines, one ladder, one battalion
chief - a typical structure fire assignment). |
|
Alarm Circuit |
An electrical circuit connecting two points
in an alarm system; for example, from the signal device to the fire station,
from the central alarm center to all fire stations, or from the sending
device to the audible alarm devices. |
|
Alcohol foam |
Blankets fires in the same manner as
conventional foam, but it are intended for use with liquids, which are
soluble in water, such as alcohol and acetone. It must be applied more
carefully than regular foam because the mechanical strength of the bubbles
is less. |
|
Alcove |
A recessed space connected at the side of a
larger room. |
|
Aldehydes |
A group of highly reactive organic compounds
that contain the common group CHO (carbon-hydrogen-oxygen), such as
formaldehyde. |
|
Alkali |
A hydroxide-containing corrosive material
that is soluble in water, neutralizes acids and is irritating or destructive
to tissue. An alkali is a chemical substance that has a pH above 7 (also
called "base"). The higher the pH of an alkali, the stronger the chemical is
(or more "caustic"). Alkalis are often called detergent builders and are the
major active ingredient in most carwash detergents, especially powdered
products. The level of alkalinity in a detergent solution is often
considered the true measure of a detergent's strength. |
|
Alkaline |
Any compound having the qualities of a base.
Simplified, a substance that readily ionizes in aqueous solution to yield
hydroxyl (OH-) anions. Alkalis have a pH greater than 7 and turn litmus
paper blue. |
|
All hands |
A working fire engaging all apparatus of
first-alarm assignment; may be followed by multiple alarms. |
|
All service masks |
A canister-type filter mask resembling a gas
mask canister. (No longer approved or recognized for firefighting.) |
|
Allergen
|
A substance that can trigger an immune
response, resulting in an allergic reaction; also known as antigen.
Allergens include living agents-such as bacteria, fungi, amoebae, and
algae-and nonliving biological products-house dust, animal dander, spores,
and insect feces. |
|
Allergic asthma |
An allergic illness that can be triggered by
a variety of biological agents and exacerbated by such factors as cigarette
smoke, sulfur dioxide, and emotional stress. It causes bronchiospasm, edema
of the bronchial mucosa, and accumulation of bronchial mucous. Symptoms
include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, itching of the nose, and
rhino rhea. |
|
Allergic illness |
An illness caused by an allergen, usually
upon second exposure. Although often associated with biological substances,
allergic diseases may also be triggered by certain chemicals. Airborne
exposure to allergens may occur on the skin, the nose, airways, even the
lung alveoli. Antigenic material less than 5 μm such as mold spores, can
penetrate the pulmonary region. Larger bioaerosols, such as pollens, tend to
affect the upper respiratory tract. Allergic illnesses include allergic
rhinitis, allergic asthma, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis,
hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and humidifier fever. |
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Allergy
|
An increased reactivity to an antigen as a
result of previous exposure. |
|
Alligatoring |
Convex portions of a carbonized material,
separated by cracks or crevasses that form on the surface of char. Commonly
forming on materials such as wood, as the result of pyrolysis or burning.
Also called Char Blistering. |
|
Allocated Resources |
Resources dispatched to an incident |
|
All-Risk |
Any incident or event, natural or
human-caused, that warrants action to protect life, property, environment,
public health and safety, and minimize disruption of governmental, social,
and economic activities |
|
Alpha rays |
Made up of very large particles, which are
the same as the nucleus of the helium atom. |
|
Alteration |
A change in, or addition to, an existing
building. |
|
Alternating Current (ac)
|
A flow of electricity which reaches maximum
in one direction, decreases to zero, then reverses itself and reaches
maximum in the opposite direction. The cycle is repeated continuously. The
number of cycles per second is equal to the frequency. |
|
Aluminum alloy |
A physical blend of metals with aluminum as
the major constituent. Aluminum is a common material used for containerizing
materials for transport because of its lightweight property. |
|
Aluminum alloy ladder |
A ladder made of aluminum and other materials
like magnesium to make the ladder lightweight but strong. |
|
Amalgam |
A mixture of different elements.
|
|
Ambient |
Surrounding, especially pertaining to the
local environment, as in ambient air and ambient temperature. |
|
Ambient Temperature |
The temperature of the atmosphere of
surrounding environment. Typically defined by industry standards as 25° C |
|
Ambulance |
A special vehicle equipped to transport sick
or injured people to medical facilities. |
|
Ambulatory |
A patient capable of walking; one who is not
bedridden. |
|
American National Standards |
Serves as a clearinghouse for nationally
coordinated Institute (ANSI) voluntary safety, engineering, and industrial
standards developed by industrial firms, trade associations, technical
societies, consumer organizations, and government agencies. |
|
Ampere (A) |
Unit of electrical current flow, or rate of
flow of electrons. Ampere The unit used in the measure of the rate of flow
of electricity. |
|
Analysis |
The chemical determination of the composition
of a substance. |
|
Anchor bolt
|
A threaded rod inserted in masonry
construction for anchoring the sill plate to the foundation. |
|
Anemometer
|
A device to sense and measure air velocity.
|
|
ANFO |
An ammonium nitrate and fuel oil mixture,
commonly used as a blasting agent. The manufacturer or user determines the
proportions. It is commonly mixed with the addition of an "enhancer" such as
magnesium or aluminum to increase the rate of burn. |
|
Angergols |
Mixtures of fuels and oxidizers that do not
react or ignite when combined. |
|
Angle iron |
A structural piece of rolled steel shaped to
form a 90-degree angle. |
|
Angle of approach |
Angle formed by level ground and a line from
the point where the front tires of a vehicle touch the ground to the lowest
projection at the front of the apparatus. |
|
Angle of departure |
Angle formed by level ground and a line from
the point where the rear tires of a vehicle touch the ground to the lowest
projection at the rear of the apparatus |
|
Anhydrous |
Free from water,
dry. Being without water, especially water of crystallization. |
|
ANSI (The American National
Standards Institute) |
A clearinghouse for nationally coordinated
voluntary safety, engineering and industrial standards developed by
industrial firms, trade associations, technical societies, consumer
organizations and government agencies. |
|
Antenna |
A
device that collects and focuses electromagnetic energy, i.e., contributes
an energy gain. Term usually applied to communication devices or equipment
to receive and transmit radio frequencies. |
|
Anticholinergic |
An agent or chemical that blocks or impedes
the action of acetylcholine, such as the antidote atropine. |
|
Anticholinesterase |
A substance that blocks the action of
cholinesterase (acetylcholinesterase) such as nerve agents. |
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Antidote |
A substance, which neutralizes toxic agents
or their effects |
|
Anti-electrocution platform |
Slide-out platform mounted beneath the side running board or rear step
of an apparatus equipped with an aerial device. This platform is designed to
minimize the chance of the driver/ operator being electrocuted should the
aerial device come in contact with energized electrical wires or equipment. |
|
Apparatus |
An engine-driven fire truck of any variety,
or a group of fire trucks. The word is used for both singular and plural
construction. |
|
Apparatus Bay or Room |
That area of the
fire station in which apparatus is parked and stored. |
|
Apparatus floor |
The portion of a fire station on which fire
trucks are parked. |
|
Apparatus Operator
|
Engineer, driver, aerial ladder operator or
anyone acting in any one of these positions. Can also be known as Fire
Apparatus Operator or FAO |
|
Appliance |
This term refers to those objects that are
used in connection with the hose lines but are not actually part of the hose
themselves. This group contains, gated wyes, siamese, nozzles, deluge
monitors and deck guns. |
|
Applicator |
A special pipe or nozzle attachment for
applying an extinguishing agent. |
|
Applicator pipe |
Curved pipe attached to a nozzle for
precisely applying water over a burning object. |
|
Apprenticeship |
Seldom used in municipal fire departments
without a formal training academy. Apprenticeship training is not less than
three years, supplemented by the required hours of related technical
instruction. Apprentices are subject to probationary periods, the length of
which is stipulated in local programs. The fire service
apprenticeship-training program was developed by the International
Association of Fire Fighters and approved by the United States Department of
Labor, Federal Committee on Apprenticeship, February 18, 1972. |
|
Approach suit |
Personal protective equipment used with SCBA,
which allows response personnel to operate in high temperature atmospheres
for short periods of time. Direct flame impingement is not permitted when
using this garment. This is NOT a close proximity suit. |
|
Appurtenances |
Mechanical devices connected to a container
opening needed to make a container gas tight. These include pressure relief
devices, shut-off, backflow, excess flow, internal valves, liquid level
gauging devices, pressure relief devices, pressure gauges, and plugs. |
|
Apron |
Inside window trim placed under the stool and
against the wall. Also, the front and or rear driveway to a apparatus truck
room |
|
Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) |
Also know as "A Triple F". Synthetic foam concentrate that, when
proportioned with air and water, is a highly effective extinguishing and
blanketing agent on hydrocarbon fuels. Typically proportioned at 3% or 6%
foam concentrate to water |
|
Arc
|
Sparking that results when undesired current
flows between two point of differing potential. |
|
Arcade |
A series of arches supported by a row of
columns. |
|
Arch |
A curved structure that will support itself
by mutual pressure and the weight above its curved opening. |
|
Area Command (Unified Area
Command) |
An organization established (1) to oversee
the management of multiple incidents that are each being handled by an ICS
organization, or (2) to oversee the management of large or multiple
incidents to which several Incident Management Teams have been assigned.
Area Command has the responsibility to set overall strategy and priorities,
allocate critical resources according to priorities, ensure that incidents
are properly managed, and ensure that objectives are met and strategies
followed. Area Command becomes Unified Area Command when incidents are
multi-jurisdictional. Area Command may be established at an emergency
operations center facility or at some location other than an incident
command post. |
|
Area of Origin |
The room or area where a fire began. See also
Point of Origin. |
|
Area wells |
Corrugated metal or concrete barrier walls
installed around a basement window to hold back the earth |
|
Areas wall |
A wall surrounding an areaway. |
|
Areaway |
A recessed area below grade around the
foundation to allow light and ventilation into a basement window or doorway. |
|
Aromatic hydrocarbons |
A large class of highly volatile hydrocarbons
containing a benzene ring, including toluene, xylene, ethyl benzene, and
styrene. Sources include paints, adhesives, and solvents. |
|
Arrow Pattern |
A fire pattern displayed on the cross section
of a burned wooden structural member. |
|
Arson |
Arson is the willful and malicious burning of
the property of another. This meaning has been broadened by statute in many
jurisdictions to include one's own property. The crime of arson is usually
classified in two or more degrees, the severity of which is determined by
several factors - the type of property involved, value of property, whether
or not the property is occupied, if the crime was committed at night or
during the daytime, and if there was any danger to human life. |
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Arson Task Force or Squad |
A group of qualified and certified individuals, generally consisting of
both police and fire officers, who are assigned to investigate fires of
suspicious origin. |
|
Arsonist |
Any person who commits the crime of arson. |
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Articulating aerial platform |
Aerial device that consists of two or more booms that are attached with
hinges and operate in a folding/unfolding manner. A passenger-carrying
platform is attached to the working end of the device. |
|
Articulating boom |
Arm portion of the articulating aerial
platform. |
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Artificial Resuscitation |
Breathing maintained by an artificial means.
(Also called artificial respiration and artificial ventilation.) |
|
Asbestos |
A known
carcinogen, asbestos is a group of small, jagged sub- micron mineral fibers.
Common types of asbestos include chrysotile, crocidolite and anthophyllite.
Inhaling substantial quantities of asbestos may cause asbestosis (a disease
that blocks the lungs with thick, fibrous tissue); bronchogenic cancer
(cancer of the bronchial tubes); or mesothelioma (a rare and fatal cancer of
the lining of the chest or abdomen). |
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Aseptic |
Sterile, free from viable microbiological
contamination. |
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Ash pit |
The area below the hearth of a fireplace
which collects the ashes. |
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ASME |
Abbreviation for the American Society of
Mechanical Engineers. ASME makes recommendations on designs and materials to
be used for handling hazardous materials. |
|
Asphalt |
A mineral insoluble in water and used
extensively in building for waterproofing roof coverings and driving
surfaces |
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Asphalt roofing
|
A flooring and
waterproofing material composed of saturated asbestos or rag felt cemented
together with asphalt or tar pitch. |
|
Asphalt saturated felt
|
Used as an underlayment material in roofing. |
|
Asphalt shingles |
A type of composition shingles made of felt
saturated with asphalt and surfaced with mineral granules. |
|
Asphyxia |
Lack of oxygen and interference with
oxygenation of the blood. Can lead to unconsciousness. |
|
Asphyxiant |
A vapor or gas that can cause unconsciousness
or death by suffocation (lack of oxygen). Most simple asphyxiants are
harmful to the body when they become so concentrated that they reduce
(displace) the available oxygen in air (normally about 21%) to dangerous
levels (18% or lower). Chemical asphyxiants, like carbon monoxide (CO),
reduce the blood's ability to carry oxygen or, like cyanide, interfere with
the body's utilization of oxygen. |
|
Asphyxiation |
A condition that
causes death because of a deficient amount of oxygen supplied to the brain
and other vital organs. This could be due to a low atmospheric oxygen level
due to displacement or an excessive amount of carbon monoxide and/or other
gases in the blood. Asphyxiation is one of the principal potential hazards
of working in confined spaces. Commonly known as suffocation. |
|
Aspirator |
A suction device
for removing undesirable material from the throat of a victim. |
|
Assessment |
The process of determining the nature and
degree of hazard. Primarily used for hazardous material or hazardous
materials incident. However could be used in patient care for determining
injury or illness. Can be used in disasters for the appropriate use of
resources by doing a damage assessment. The act of estimating the merit of a
mitigation procedure. This evaluation should weigh the risk verses the
overall objective of the incident. A proper assessment will consider hazards
or treatment modalities associated with each phase of operation. |
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Assigned Resources |
Resources checked in and assigned work tasks
on an incident |
|
Assignments |
Tasks given to resources to perform within a
given operational period, based upon tactical objectives in the Incident
Action Plan. |
|
Assistant |
In the NIMS context, it is a title for
subordinates of the Command Staff positions. The title indicates a level of
technical capability, qualifications, and responsibility subordinate to the
primary positions.
Assistants
may also be assigned to unit leaders. Also this is a command staff title for
fire officer designation. i.e. Assistant Chief. In this instance he is
subordinate to the Deputy Chief. |
|
Assisting Agency |
An
agency or organization providing personnel, services, or other resources to
the agency with direct responsibility for incident management.
See
also Supporting Agency. |
|
Asthma |
A disease of the pulmonary or lower
respiratory system characterized by episodic bronchial constrictions, which
cause severe wheezing and shortness of breath. |
|
ASTM |
Abbreviation for the American Society for
Testing and Materials. This organization devises consensus standards for
materials characterization and use. ASTM is a not-for-profit organization
that provides a forum for producers, users, ultimate consumers, and those
having a general interest to meet on common ground and write standards for
materials, products, systems, and services. |
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Astragal |
A molding, attached to one of a pair of
swinging double doors, against which the other door strikes. |
|
ATF (Bureau of Alcohol,
Tobacco and Firearms) |
A division of the U.S. Department of
Treasury; regulates the storage, handling, and transportation of explosives
(among other responsibilities). This organization has capabilities of
investigation and enforcement of crimes committed using or involving these
products. |
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Atmospheric ceiling |
The
level in the atmosphere at which a heated column ceases to rise and levels
off. |
|
Atmospheric displacement |
A system or method of applying water fog in a superheated area, causing
the water to be quickly converted into steam, which expands and displaces
the atmosphere in a burning room or building. |
|
Atmospheric pressure |
Pressure exerted
by the atmosphere; about 14.7 pounds per square inch (100 kPa) at sea level
due to the weight of air . Atmospheric pressure increases as elevation is
decreased towards and below sea level and decreases as elevation increases
above sea level. |
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Atom |
The smallest particle of an element that can
exist. |
|
Atomic number |
The number of
protons in an atom. |
|
Atomic weight |
Atomic weights relate to the weights of
molecules and atoms. Basically, it equals the number of protons plus
neutrons. |
|
Atrium |
An open court within a building. |
|
Atropine |
A medication used as an antidote for nerve
agents and certain organic phosphate poisoning. An anticholinergic used as
an antidote for nerve agents to counteract excessive amounts of
acetylcholine. It also has other medical uses. |
|
Attack |
Any action to control fire. The actual
physical firefighting operation using equipment and manpower implementing
tactical plans on the fireground in an aggressive manner. |
|
Attack hose |
Hose between the attack pumper and the
nozzle(s); also, any hose used in a handline to control and extinguish fire.
Minimum size is 1 1/2 inch. |
|
Attack lines |
Hose
lines or fire streams used to attack, contain, or prevent the spread of a
fire. |
|
Attack pumper |
Pumper that is positioned at the fire scene
and is directly supplying attack lines. |
|
Attic |
The space between the roof and the ceiling. |
|
Attic access |
An opening that is placed in the drywalled
ceiling of a home providing access to the attic. |
|
Attic Ladder |
A ladder usually 8-10 feet long that usually
can be folded so that the two beams touch each other. Also called a scuttle
hull or pencil ladder in some parts of the country. Comes in lengths of 6 to
12 feet. |
|
Attic Ventilators |
In
houses, screened openings provided to ventilate an attic space. |
|
Audible alarm |
An alarm actuated by heat/smoke,
flame-sensing devices or the water flow in a sprinkler system. |
|
Auditorium raise |
A system of extending a ladder perpendicular
and holding it in place from four opposite points of the compass by four guy
ropes attached to the top of the ladder. (Also called church raise or
steeple raise.) |
|
Auscultation |
Diagnostic monitoring done by listening to
the sounds made by internal organs or any internal body part. |
|
Authority having jurisdiction |
The organization, office, or individual
responsible for equipment, an installation, procedure or approving and
enforcing codes. |
|
Authorized entrant (Confined
Space) |
An employee who is authorized by the employer
or the designee of the employer to enter a confined space. Outside emergency
service organizations, this may require a permit before any person enters a
confined space. |
|
Autoignition |
Initiation of combustion by heat but without
a spark or flame. |
|
Auto-ignition temperature |
The same as ignition temperature except that no external ignition source
is required for ignition since the material itself has been heated to
ignition temperature; the spontaneous ignition of the gases or vapor given
off by a heated material. See ignition temperature. |
|
Automatic alarm |
An alarm actuated by heat, smoke,
flame-sensing devices, or the water flow in a sprinkler system conveyed to
local alarm bells and/or the fire station. Also applies to alarm boxes that
automatically transmit a coded signal to the fire station to give the
location of the alarm box. |
|
Automatic nozzle |
Fog stream nozzle that automatically corrects
itself to provide a good stream at the proper nozzle pressure. |
|
Automatic Sprinkler |
An appliance for fire control and
extinguishment by which water is piped to specifically designed orifices or
sprinkler "heads" distributed throughout a property and operated
automatically in the event of fire. Typically during a fire, the sprinkler
heads above the involved area activate one at a time; the entire system does
not go off at once. However there are specific applications designed to do
so. |
|
Automatic sprinkler sets |
An automatic sprinkler kit contains the tools
and equipment required to close and service an open sprinkler head. |
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Automatic sprinkler system |
A fire protection device consisting of a series of intricately combined
pipes and valves arranged to automatically distribute sufficient quantities
of water to either extinguish a fire or to hold it in check until
firefighters arrive. A system includes all the necessary elements to trigger
the mechanism, notify the occupants that it is in use and to call for the
fire department to respond. Additionally the system includes valves to turn
it on and off. |
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Autonomic nervous system |
Nervous system in vertebrates which regulates
the vital internal organs in an involuntary manner. |
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Auxiliary |
Additional fire
fighting equipment or staffing that are not part of the regular complement
assigned to the fire service. Ladies (spouse) group organized to assist the
fire department. |
|
Available Resources |
Resources assigned to an incident, checked
in, and available for a mission assignment, normally located in a Staging
Area. |
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Average precipitation |
The average amount of precipitation (rain or
snow) that occurs over a specified period. |
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Axe, fire |
A fire axe has a
pick or fiat head and a blade on the opposite end. |
|
Azimuth |
A compass bearing expressed in degrees of
rotation clockwise from true north. |