GLOSSARY

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

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DAMP PROOFING

A treatment of concrete or masonry to retard the absorption or transmission of water.


DECOMPOSITION

Breakdown of material or substance (by heat, chemical reaction, electrolysis, decay or other processes) into parts, or elements or simpler compounds.


DECONTAMINATION AREA

An enclosed area adjacent to and connected to a regulated work area. It consists of various rooms, which are used for the decontamination of workers, equipment and materials.


DEDUCTIBLE – EXCESS

The amount of a loss payment for which an insured is responsible. The deductible discourages small, nuisance claims and reduces the cost of coverage.


DEGRADE

1. To impair with respect to some physical property of a material (e.g., texture, colour, surface properties). 2. To reduce a chemical in terms of complexity. To break down into simpler compounds.


DEHUMIDIFICATION

The process of reducing the moisture content of air. see _relative humidity_


DEHUMIDIFIER

A device which removes water vapour from the air. Refrigerant dehumidifiers use coils to chill air below the dew point, collecting the condensate in a receptacle or drain; desiccant dehumidifiers collect moisture on a moisture-extracting medium.


DELAMINATE

The separation or detaching of a layer from a previously adhered composite.


DEMO, DEMOLITION

The systematic dismantling of building components in order to permit their repair or replacement.


DEODORANT

A chemical or gas that covers, modifies, removes or destroys odour causing agents. see _masking, pairing, disinfecting, sanitizing, digesting, oxidizing_