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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BUILDING RELATED ILLNESS

(BRI) – A term that refers to a diagnosable illness brought on as a result of exposure to air in a building with specific contaminants or pathogens, and with a traceable aetiology (unlike sick building syndrome).


BULK WATER

Excess or unabsorbed water resulting from a sudden water release. Bulk water usually is removed by draining, pumping or vacuuming.


BYPASS MOTOR

A wet/dry vacuum motor that employs fans and centrifugal force, and two sources of air; working or vacuum air and motor cooling air.


CALCIUM CHLORIDE

A highly hygroscopic compound (CaCl2) used in an anhydrous (dry) state for testing moisture content of various surfaces. A dry sample is weighed, then placed on a surface (concrete slab) and allowed to absorb moisture for a specified time.


CALIBRATION

A measurement or comparison against a standard. Determining equipment deviation from a standard source so as to ascertain the proper correction factors.


CAMPYLOBACTOR

A highly infectious gram-negative bacterium, often found in sewage. Gram-negative bacteria contain endotoxins, which are released at the time of cell death and destruction, and can cause a variety of allergic reactions and illness.


CANOPY

A covering above a niche, pulpit, entry, loading dock or the like.


CAPILLARITY

The general behaviour of fluids acting with surface tension on interfaces or boundaries.


CAPILLARY ACTION

The movement of a liquid through a slender pathway. It is caused by adhesion, cohesion, and surface tension in liquids and their contact with the solid pathway.


CAPTIVE AGENT

An insurance agent who represents a single insurer exclusively.