Glossary of terms and acronyms E-G

The following is a glossary of some key terms, concepts and acronyms used in the publications in this and in linked web sites. The terms and definitions are drawn from a number of sources including legislation, standards, codes of practice, guides, reports and other documents. For translations into Maori of some of the key terms here, see the English-Maori Glossary of Occupational Safety and Health Terms.

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Term or Acronym	Definition
E&DG	Explosives and Dangerous Goods.
EAP	Employee Assistance Programme.
Ear canal cap	A hearing protector that covers the ear canal entrance and is held in place by a headband.
Ear muff	A hearing protector that covers the entire ear and is held in place by a suspension system.
EARP	Environmental Assessment Review Panel.
Ear plug	A hearing protector that inserted into the ear canal.
Early reporting	Reporting of early symptoms often associated with OOS using a self-report of pain or discomfort form.
Earners' levy	The levy payable to fund the Earners' Account under section 219(1) of the Injury Prevention, Rehabilitation, and Compensation Act 2001.
Earth	The electro-conductive connection between an object and the ground to prevent shocks, or sparks from electric currents.
Earth electrode	A metal rod or rods, or other conducting objects, that provide an effective connection to the earth.
Earthed	Effectively connected to the general mass of earth.
Earthed electrical appliance	An appliance that has exposed metal connected to earth. Known as a Class I electrical appliance.
Earthing device	As defined in Safety Manual - Electricity Industry (SM-EI) - is an approved device for temporarily earthing isolated equipment for work access. Note: Such devices include earth switches, earthing trucks and approved portable earths.
Earthing wire	A wire that connects any portion of the earthing system: (a) to another portion of the earthing system; or (b) to a portion of the installation; or (c) to electrical equipment that is required to be earthed.
Easily accessible	Capable of being reached quickly and easily without obstructions, and without having to use a movable ladder. Not more than 2 m above the ground, floor or platform.
EBDC	Ethylene-bis-di-thiocarbamate fungicides, including maneb and mancozeb.
EC50	The median effect concentration, being a statistically-derived concentration of a substance hat can be expected to cause: (a) an adverse reaction in 50% of organisms; or (b) a 50% reduction in growth or in the growth rate of organisms.
Eccentric	(1) Displaced with respect to a centre, not concentric. (2) A crank in which the pin diameter is so much greater than the offset (throw) that the result is a drum or disc mounted eccentrically on the shaft.
Ecchymoses	Discolouration due to bleeding under the skin.
Ecosystem	Basic ecological unit formed by the living environment of the animal and vegetable organisms interacting as a single functional unit.
ECP	(New Zealand) Electrical Code of Practice.
Economic life	The period from the acquisition of the asset to the time when the asset, while physically able to provide a service, ceases to be the lowest cost alternative to satisfy a particular level of service. The economic life is at the maximum when equal to the physical life. However, obsolescence or high maintenance cost may mean that the economic life is less than the physical life.
Ecotoxic/ecotoxicity	Capable/capability of causing ill-health, injury or death to any living organism.
Edger	A wood working machine that is used for ripping sawn timber or sawing the edges of timber, and fitted with two or more circular ripsaws mounted on a common arbor or mounted separately at fixed spacing, and also fitted with a device or devices to vary the width between the saws; but does not mean a multiple circular saw that is used for trimming panels and fitted with riving knives and hood guards.
Edge protection	A guardrail or restraint to prevent a person reaching over or falling over an exposed edge.
Education outside the classroom (EOTC)	A generic term used extensively in New Zealand schools to describe curriculum-based learning that extends beyond the four walls of the classroom. This ranges from a museum or marae visit to a sports trip, outdoor education camp or a rocky shore field trip.
EECA	Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority.
EEO	Equal Employment Opportunities. An EEO programme is defined in the State Sector Act 'as a programme that is aimed at the identification and elimination of all aspects of policies, procedures and other institutional barriers that cause or perpetuate inequality in respect to the employment of any person or group of persons'.
EET	Estimated elapsed time.
Effect	Includes:any potential or probable effect; any positive or adverse effects; any temporary or permanent effects; any past, present or future effect; any acute or chronic effect; any cumulative effects which arise over time and in combination with other effects.
Effect types	The effects generated when a hazardous substance is released or reacts: fire/explosion effects concerned with damage to property, the built environment and people by substances with explosive, flammable or oxidising properties; human health effects concerned with adverse effects to the wellbeing and health of people by substances with toxic or corrosive properties; environmental effects concerned with damage to ecosystems or natural resources by substances with ecotoxic or corrosive properties.
Effective dose (ED)	The dose that corresponds to an increase, expressed as a percent response, in relation to expected levels of an adverse effect and can be defined as a percent increase over background rates or a percent increase between background and maximal rates. ED01 is the dose corresponding to a 1% increase in an adverse effect.
Effective dose (radiation)	The sum of the equivalent doses in all tissues of the body from a particular exposure, each weighted according to the risk associated with that tissue. It represents the uniform whole body dose that would have the same radiation detriment as the actual dose distribution arising from a given irradiation. The units are sieverts (Sv). (See ICRP publication no. 603.)
Effective protective feature	A device incorporated into an explosive article that will prevent accidental functioning during normal conditions of transport, storage or handling.
EGC	Enhanced Group Calling, and in relation to enhanced group calling equipment, means equipment used to store a nd print out information received by the ship via the INMARSAT system.
Elastic limit	The limiting value of deforming stress applied to a material beyond which it will not return to its original shape, i.e. permanent deformation occurs.
Elective surgery	(a) Any surgery required in respect of a personal injury; but (b) does not include (i) an acute treatment; or (ii) a public health acute service; or (iii) treatment.
Electric line	All conductors (including fittings supporting, or connected to, those conductors), whether above or below ground, that are used, or intended to be used, in, or in connection with, the supply of electricity from the outgoing terminals of a generating station, a building, enclosure, or other structure to: (a) the incoming terminals of another building, enclosure, or other structure; or (b) an electrical appliance, in any case where the electrical appliance is supplied with electricity other than from a terminal in a building, enclosure, or other structure.
Electrical appliance	Any appliance that uses, or is designed or intended to use, electricity, whether or not it also uses, or is designed or intended to use, any other form of energy source.
Electrical equipment	Includes anything used, designed to be used, or installed for use, to conduct, control, convert, distribute, generate, measure, provide, rectify, store, transform, or transmit electrical energy.
Electrical installation	(a) Means all fittings: (i) that form part of a system for conveying electricity; and (ii) that form part of such a system at any point from the point of supply to a consumer to any point from which electricity conveyed through that system may be consumed; and (b) includes any fittings that are used, or designed or intended for use, by any person, in or in connection with the generation of electricity for that person's use and not for supply to any other person; but (c) does not include any electrical appliance.
Electrical inspector	A person who meets the criteria set out under the Electricity Act 1992 and the Electricity Regulations 1997, and who has obtained registration as an inspector from the Electrical Workers Registration Board.
Electrical wiring work	Prescribed electrical work that consists of any of the following work: (a) the installation or maintenance of electrical wiring: (b) the connection or disconnection of fittings to or from electrical wiring.
Electricity	Phenomena caused by electric charge, which causes bodies carrying like charges to repel each other, while bodies carrying opposite charges attract each other. Electric charge is caused by an excess of electrons for negative charge, or a deficit of electrons for positive charge.
Electrode	Conductor through which electricity enters or leaves an electrolyte, gas, vacuum or other medium.
Electrodepositing process	Any process of applying a metallic deposit on objects by means of electricity, and includes every process carried on in connection therewith.
Electro-explosive device	A device designed to initiate a detonation or deflagration with an electrical impulse; and includes an electrical detonator, an electric initiator, and an electric blasting initiator.
Electroforming	The electrode deposition of a metallic coating within a mould.
Electrofusion joint	A joint made in polyethylene pipe using fittings having integral electrical heating coils.
Electroless plating	The deposition of a metal from a solution of its salts by a reduction/oxidation reaction rather than by electrical power.
Electrolyte	A substance that dissociates into ions in a solution or when fused, thereby becoming able to conduct electric current, especially in an electric cell or battery.
Electrolytic chromium process	The electrolytic plating or oxidation of metal articles by the use of an electrolyte containing chromic acid or other chromium compounds.
Electronic	Circuit where small amounts of current are used to control much larger currents.
Electronic monitoring	The situation where work output is measured automatically. For example, the number of keystrokes made each hour on a word processor can be measured.
Electroplating	A process in which a metallic salt is dissolved in water, where it dissociates to form electrically charged ions. By passing a DC electric current through the solution, positive ions migrate to, and are deposited on, the negative electrode, causing the article to be plated.
Electrostatic powder coating	A process whereby particles are charged electrostatically to a high voltage and then deposited upon the surface of an earthed object.
Elevating platform vehicle (EPV)	A vehicle with an elevating platform or aerial lift where the height is adjustable by powered means.
Elevator	(1) A cage or platform which can be raised and lowered, carrying people or goods, usually vertically between floors in a multi-storey building. (2) A type of conveyor for lifting loose material in buckets or scoops.
ELISA	Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
ELT	Emergency locator transmitter.
ELT(S)	Emergency locator transmitter (survival).
Embossing	Stamping words, letters (e.g. manufacturer's name), or ornamentation onto the surface of a workpiece, either in a press with specially made dies, or in a specially built machine.
Emergency (HSNO)	Actual or imminent danger from hazardous substances or new organisms to human health or safety; or a danger to the environment or chattels so significant that immediate action is needed to remove the danger.
Emergency (Civil Defence)	A situation that: (a) is the result of any happening, whether natural or otherwise, including, without limitation, any explosion, earthquake, eruption, tsunami, land movement, flood, storm, tornado, cyclone, serious fire, leakage or spillage of any dangerous gas or substance, technological failure, infestation, plague, epidemic, failure of or disruption to an emergency service or a lifeline utility, or actual or imminent attack or warlike act; and (b) causes or may cause loss of life or injury or illness or distress or in any way endangers the safety of the public or property in New Zealand or any part of New Zealand; and (c) cannot be dealt with by emergency services, or otherwise requires a significant and coordinated response under this Act.
Emergency brake	In relation to any vehicle or combination of vehicles, means the system that makes it possible to undertake a controlled stop of the vehicle or combination in the event of the failure of the service brake.
Emergency exit	Exit to be used in the event of an emergency such as fire.
Emergency eyewash	Face shower for washing particles, dusts or chemical splashes from the eyes.
Emergency information panel	A rectangular placard stating at least the following about the dangerous goods on a vehicle: (a) the UN Number; (b) the Hazchem action code; (c) a 24-hour emergency telephone number.
Emergency information signs	Signs indicating the location of, or directions to, emergency-related facilities such as exits, safety equipment or first aid facilities.
Emergency overseas transport	Means transport that: (a) starts within 24 hours of a claimant suffering a work-related personal injury or being found after suffering a work-related personal injury, whichever is the later; and (b) is necessary for the purpose of obtaining overseas treatment urgently for the claimant's work-related personal injury; and (c) is provided at the request of a person equivalent to (i) a member of the New Zealand Police; or (ii) an ambulance operator; and (d) occurs wholly outside New Zealand.
Emergency plan	A regularly updated document serving as an emergency response guide by identifying and cataloguing the elements required to respond to an emergency, and defining responsibilities and specific tasks in an emergency.
Emergency procedures	Procedures to be followed in the event of an accident, fire, earthquake or other natural or man-made disaster.
Emergency response information	in relation to dangerous goods transport means information concerning the identification and the hazards specific to the dangerous goods, and the recommended procedures to use in the event of an emergency.
Emergency response plans (HSNO)	A plan setting out the steps required to isolate or contain an emergency and, as far as possible, to remedy harmful effects where those effects are able to extend to large numbers of people and/or significant parts of the environment.
Emergency services	The New Zealand Police, New Zealand Fire Service, National Rural Fire Authority, rural fire authorities, and hospital and health services.
Emergency vehicle	A vehicle equipped for attendance at fires, or for ambulance duty or a Police vehicle.
Emesis	The act of vomiting.
Emetic	Medicine that causes vomiting.
Emission	The discharge of contaminants into the air.
Emphysema	Chronic disease of the lungs in which there is distension and breakdown of the alveoli.
Employee	A person of any age employed by an employer to do any work (other than residential work) for hire or reward under a contract of service and, in relation to any employer, means an employee of the employer.
Employee Assistance Programme (EAP	A programme, either operated by the employer and a workers' organisation jointly or the employer alone or a workers' organisation alone, that offers assistance to workers, and frequently also to their family members, who have problems that affect - or that eventually could affect - job performance. An EAP can provide assistance with other problems liable to cause personal distress including marital or family difficulties, depression, on-the-job stress, financial problems, or legal difficulties.
Employee participation system	Any arrangement between an employer and employees (and employee organisations where appropriate) that allows the participation of employees in processes relating to health and safety in the place of work, so that: (a) all persons with relevant knowledge and expertise can help make the place of work healthy and safe; and (b) when making decisions that affect employees and their work, an employer has information from employees who face the health and safety issues in practice.
Employer	A person who employs another person to do any work for hire or reward.
Employer levy	The levy payable by an employer under section 168 of the IPRC Act.
Employment	(a) Means work engaged in or carried out for the purposes of pecuniary gain or profit; and (b) in the case of an employee, includes a period of paid leave, other than paid leave on the termination of employment.
Employment agreement	(a) Means a contract of service; and (b) includes a contract for services between an employer and a homeworker; and (c) includes an employee's terms and conditions of employment in (i) a collective agreement; or (ii) a collective agreement together with any additional terms and conditions of employment; or (iii) an individual employment agreement.
Employment Relations Act 2000	The Employment Relations Act 2000 introduced a number of changes to how employers, employees and unions conduct their relationships. The Employment Relations Act had effect from 2 October 2000. It replaced the Employment Contracts Act 1991. The Employment Relations Act created the mediation Service and Employment Relations Authority.
Employment relationship problem	Includes a personal grievance, a dispute, and any other problem relating to or arising out of an employment relationship, but does not include any problem with the fixing of new terms and conditions of employment.
Empty weight	In relation to a cylinder, means the weight of the cylinder complete with its valve and any other fittings or appurtenances that are normally on the cylinder when it is being filled.
Enclosed spaces	On a ship means all those spaces, except excluded spaces, which are bounded by the ship's hull, by fixed or portable partitions or bulkheads, by decks or coverings other than permanent or movable awnings. No break in a deck, nor any opening in the ship's hull, in a deck or in a covering of a space, or in the partitions or bulkheads of a space, nor the absence of a partition or bulkhead, precludes a space from being included in the enclosed space.
End-outline marker lamp	A position lamp designed to be fitted near the outer extremity of a vehicle in addition to forward-facing and rearward-facing position lamps; and includes a cab roof lamp.
Endemic	(1) The constant presence of a disease or infectious agent in a given population group or geographic area. (2) Refers to species of plants and animals that are unique to an area or animals that may migrate but breed only in the area.
Endless system	A cable logging system in which an endless operating rope is driven by a capstan.
Endpoint	In relation to a toxicity study, this means a particular toxic effect, such as cancer in a particular organ.
Energised	Electrically livened, or connected to or containing some other source of energy, e.g. steam, compressed air, hydraulic energy, etc.
Energy work	Means: (a) gasfitting; (b) prescribed electrical work.
Enforcement	In relation to HSNO enforcement is used to encompass: inspections to establish whether compliance with HSNO Act has been achieved; investigation of instances of potential non-compliance; responses to emergency situations and incidents; follow-up action in the event of non-compliance, including prosecutions, issuing compliance orders or other formal or informal responses; recording and reporting related to above.
Enforcement action	(a) In relation to an HSE inspector: (i) the paying of an information under the HSE Act; or (ii) the issuing of an infringement notice under the HSE Act; or (iii) the making of an application for a compliance order; and (b) in relation to a person other than an inspector (i) the laying of information under the HSE Act; or (ii) the making of an application for a compliance order.
Enforcement Officer (HSNO)	An enforcement officer appointed under section 98 of HSNO and with the minimum qualifications as specified in the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (Personnel Qualifications) Regulations 2001 and amendments.
Engine brake	A modification to a diesel engine used to increase the retardation force provided by the engine on deceleration.
Engineering controls	Any engineering procedure that reduces a hazard (e.g. noise, fumes) at the source, but does not include the use of personal protective equipment.
Enteric precautions	Includes hand washing after contact with the case or potentially contaminated article; and disposal of faeces to the sewerage system.
Enthalpy of transition, Enthalpy of transformation	Amount of heat released accompanying the transition of a substance from one state to another NOTE By convention, positive heat release is numerically equal to an increment of negative enthalpy (for a heat releasing transition, _H _ 0). The quantities, enthalpy of combustion and enthalpy of vaporization, should have meanings that are evident. The term enthalpic correction refers to the (molar) difference in enthalpy for the transition of a gas from an ideal state to a real state.
Entitlements (ACC)	All the services ACC can provide to an injured person to assist their recovery.
Entity	(1) A corporate body or legal person. (2) A single chemical substance and includes discrete chemical elements, compounds and complexes which may exist in pure or technical grade, or as components in a physical mixture of substances.
Entrapment	Hazard presented by the situation in which a body, or part of a body, or clothing can become trapped. Note: The user is not able to free him/herself and injury is caused by the entrapment.
Entry permit	See Written authority.
Entry (to a confined space)	When a person's head, i.e. the breathing zone or upper body, is within the boundary of the confined space. Note: Inserting an arm for the purpose of atmospheric testing is not considered an entry to a confined space.
Environment	Environment includes: ecosystems and their constituent parts, including people and communities; all natural and physical resources; amenity values; the social, economic, aesthetic and cultural conditions that affect or are affected by the matters stated above.
Environment (work)	The physical surroundings and conditions of lighting, heating, ventilation and noise.
Environmental education	Defined by the Ministry of Education (1999) and Ministry for the Environment (1998) as a multidisciplinary approach to learning that develops the knowledge, awareness, attitudes, values and skills that will enable individuals and the community to contribute towards maintaining and improving the quality of the environment.
Environmental effect	Any change to the environment regardless of scale, intensity, duration or frequency, in relation to the use, development, or protection of natural and physical resources (based on the RMA).
Environmental exposure limit (EEL)	The (maximum) concentration of an ecotoxic substance (or ecotoxic component of a substance) in an environmental medium that will present a low risk of adverse environmental effects to organisms in non-target areas.
Environmental health	A subcategory of public health which focuses on environmental conditions and hazards which affect, or have the potential to affect, human health, either by direct or indirect means. It is the art and science of the protection of good health; the promotion of aesthetic, social, economic, cultural, and amenity values; and the prevention of illness and injury through the fostering of positive environmental factors and the reduction of potential hazards - physical, biological and chemical.
Environmental management system	Part of the overall management system that includes organisational structure, planning activities, responsibilities, practices, procedures, processes and resources for developing, implementing, achieving, reviewing and maintaining the environmental policy (ISO/DIS 14050).
Environmental media	Media present in our environment. Includes abiotic media such as soil, water, sediment and air, and biotic media.
Environmental medium	In relation to a class 6 substance, means air, water, soil or a surface that a hazardous substance may be deposited onto. In relation to a class 9 substance, means water, soil or sediment where these are in the natural environment, or a surface that a hazardous substance may be deposited onto.
Environmental tobacco smoke	Smoke exhaled by another person or side stream smoke arising from another person's cigarette. Environmental tobacco smoke in the workplace is associated with a range of work-related disorders. The main ones are ischaemic heart disease, lung cancer and pneumococcal disease, with some evidence also for asthma, other respiratory symptoms, cerebrovascular disease and low-birth-weight babies.
Environmentally damaging substances	Substances which are not intrinsically hazardous but may cause adverse effects if discharged into the environment in large quantities (e.g. milk and other organic liquids).
Environmentally sensitive areas	Areas that, in the judgement of the local community and/or regulatory authority, should not be subject to more than a specified low risk, or where additional safeguards are required when undertaking activities exceeding the specified low risk. Environmentally sensitive areas may include aquifers, waterways, wetlands, coastal environments, special ecosystems or species habitats.
Environmentally sound disposal	In relation to a substance that is a persistent organic pollutant, means disposal in accordance with directions given by the Authority by notice in the Gazette, being directions that are not inconsistent with Article 6 of the Stockholm Convention.
Epicormics	Small branch-like shoots that grow on the stem of a tree and if not removed will cause defects in clearwood.
Epidemic	An unusual increase in the number, or the appearance of a significant number, of cases of an infectious disease introduced in a region or population that is normally free from that disease.
Epidemiology	The investigation of factors that determine the frequency, distribution and spread of disease or other health-related conditions within human populations.
Epidermis	Outer or horny layer of the skin.
EPIRB	Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons, used to facilitate search and rescue operations, operating on 121.5 MHz, 243 MHz, 406 MHz and/or 1.6 GHz.
EpiSurv	A disease surveillance software application managed by ESR for the surveillance of communicable diseases in New Zealand.
Epistaxis	Nose bleed.
EPMU	New Zealand Amalgamated Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union.
EPV	An elevating platform vehicle or aerial lift where the height is adjustable by powered means.
Equalising block	Block used to distribute the load evenly between anchor points.
Equipment inspection	An inspection carried out by an equipment inspector that: (a) is carried out to determine whether equipment is safe and is likely to remain safe; and (b) takes place in one or more of the following periods: (i) the period in which the equipment, or its component parts, is manufactured (ii) the period after the manufacture and before the commissioning of the equipment (iii) the period after the commissioning of the equipment; (iv) the period after a repair or alteration to which the Regulations apply; or (v) the period after maintenance, or an adjustment, alteration, or repair to which the PECPR Regulations apply.
Equipment inspector	Under the PECPR Regulations means a person who: (a) is employed or engaged by an inspection body to carry out the functions referred to in regulation 27; and (b) is the holder of a relevant certificate of competence.
Equipotential bonding	The electrical connection of exposed metal parts so that they are at substantially the same voltage.
Equivalent dose (radiation)	The product of the absorbed dose with a radiation weighting factor to allow for the biological effectiveness of the type of radiation. The radiation weighting factors for X and gamma radiation are equal to 1.0. In this case the equivalent dose is numerically equal to the absorbed dose. The units are sieverts (Sv). (See ICRP publication no. 603.)
ERA	Employment Relations Authority, established in October 2000 under the Employment Relations Act 2000.
Erection	Means, in relation to any type of equipment, the assembly and construction, and includes installation.
Ergonomics	The study of the relationship between people and their work. Sometimes defined as: 'Fitting the task to the person' and 'Design for human use'. From the Greek: Ergo - work, Nomos - natural law.
Ergonomics hazards	Workplace conditions that pose a biomechanical stress to the worker.
Ergonomic principles	Information about human behaviour, abilities, limitations and other characteristics which can be applied to the design of tools, machines, tasks, jobs and environments in order to increase productivity, comfort, and health and safety.
ERMA New Zealand	The crown entity, established under the HSNO Act which incorporates the Authority, the Agency (the Chief Executive and Staff of ERMA New Zealand), and the Statutory Advisory Committee, Nga Kaihautu Tikanga Taiao.
Error	The deviation of a measured or applied value from a true value (usually expressed as a percentage of the true value).
ERS	Employment Relations Service of the Department of Labour.
Erythema	Reddening (inflammation) of the skin.
Erythrocyte	Red blood cell.
Escape route	A path, clear of obstructions and overhead hazards, used by ground workers to move to a predetermined safe position.
Escape route (building)	A continuous unobstructed route from any occupied space in a building to a final exit to enable occupants to reach a safe place, and shall comprise one or more of the following: open paths, protected paths and safe paths.
ESR	Institute of Environmental Science and Research Limited. The ESR provides scientific services related to public health, environmental health and forensic science.
ESS	Energy Safety Service, part of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, an operating division of the Ministry of Economic Development.
Essential service (electrical)	In the context of an electrical installation means emergency lighting, firemen's lifts, alarms, water pumps, sprinklers, detectors, ventilation systems and public address systems necessary for the safety of people in buildings.
ETA	Estimated time of arrival.
Ethics Advisory Panel	A body established by the Environmental Risk Management Authority to assist its consideration of ethical and spiritual matters in decision-making.
ETU	Ethylenethiourea, an impurity and degradation product of EBDC fungicides.
Evacuation scheme, operative evacuation scheme	A fire safety evacuation scheme required to be provided for pursuant to section 21A of the Fire Service Act which has been approved in accordance with regulation 17 of the Fire Safety and Evacuation of Buildings Regulations 1992.
Evacuation time	The time specified in the evacuation scheme within which persons in the building should reach an evacuation point following an evacuation alarm.
Evaporation	The change of a substance from a solid or a liquid into the gaseous phase.
Evaporation rate	The ratio of time taken to evaporate a measured volume of a liquid compared against the time taken for a similar volume of a standard liquid to evaporate (usually ethyl ether or butyl acetate).
Event	The 'stuff' that is recorded against each file that happens during the life-time of the application, e.g. phone calls made, hearings or meetings held, letters sent, etc. - a record of the process.
Event (public)	Any planned activity where any structure, open area, roadway or other area will contain more people than normally found in that location at one time.
Event	An incident or situation, which occurs in a particular place during a particular interval of time (AS/NZS 4360:1999).
Event tree analysis	Technique that describes the possible range and sequence of the outcomes which may arise from a single initiating event (AS/NZS 4360:1999).
Ewe	A female sheep that is greater than 15 months of age.
EWRB	Electrical Workers Registration Board.
Excavator yarder	An excavator-based machine fitted with a drum set for cable extraction.
Excess-flow valve	A normally open valve which closes automatically when a predetermined flow rate in a particular direction has been exceeded.
Excessive noise	Defined in the RMA as any noise that is under human control and of such a nature as to unreasonably interfere with the peace, comfort, and convenience of any person (other than a person in or at the place from which the noise is being emitted), but does not include any noise emitted by an aircraft, vehicle or train. It may include noise emitted by a musical instrument, an electrical appliance, a machine, a person or persons, or an explosion or vibration.
Excreta	Any waste matter eliminated from the body.
Exitway	All parts of an escape route protected by fire or smoke separations, or by distance when exposed to open air, and terminating at a final exit.
Exothermic	A chemical reaction in which energy is released in the form of heat.
Exotic	Not native to a particular country, ecosystem or ecoarea (applied to organisms intentionally or accidentally introduced as a result of human activities).
Exotic disease	A disease affecting humans or animals which does not presently exist in New Zealand.
Expanded metal	Metal sheet which has been pierced then stretched, resulting in a larger sheet with 'diamond' shaped openings, resembling mesh. May be used for machine guarding.
Expected loss	The expected number of lives lost, people injured, damage to property and disruption to essential services and economic activity due to the impact of a natural or man-made hazard. It includes physical, social and economic effects.
Expert	(a) A member of a scientific committee set up by an international, national, or professional scientific body to review scientific data; or (b) a person considered by his or her scientific peers to be an expert in the relevant field of scientific study.
Exploder	A device that when activated produces an electric firing current.
Exploration (petroleum)	Any well-drilling or associated activity undertaken for the purpose of identifying petroleum, or petroleum-bearing or petroleum-generating strata, where the depth of the well is 10 m or greater.
Explosive	Capable of exploding (generating violent shock) or producing pyrotechnic effects such as heat, light, sound or smoke.
Explosives	(Class 1 Dangerous Goods) Any substance that, when triggered by a small amount of energy, reacts by combustion, using its own source of oxygen to produce gas at such temperature, pressure and speed that it is capable of damaging the surroundings. Pyrotechnic substances that produce an effect by heat, light, sound, gas, smoke or a combination of these are included as explosives.
Exposed metal	A conductive part of electrical equipemnt which: (a) can be touched with the jointed finger test specified in AS 1939; and (b) is not a live part but can become live if basic insulation fails.
Exposure	Conditions likely to result in a person absorbing a hazardous substance by ingestion, inhalation or absorption through the skin or mucous membranes.
Exposure assessment	An estimation of the magnitude, duration and frequency of exposure to hazards, and the numbers of people exposed via different pathways.
Exposure route	A route by which a person or other living organism can absorb a substance and includes ingestion, inhalation, dermal contact or contact with the eye or mucous membranes.
Epoxy	A type of paint, adhesion or plastic noted for high mechanical strength, good adhesion and chemical resistance.
Exogenous	Originating outside the organism.
Extension	A rope joined to another rope to increase its length.
Extension pin	The uppermost section of the stanchion upright. It is good practice to remove the pins during a return trip to comply with vehicle height regulations and to keep the pins from falling out. The pins are usually then stored in a carrier on the rear of the cab.
Extraction	General term for removing trees and logs from a felling area to a skid or road.
Extravasation	Leakage of cytotoxic drug from the vein into the surrounding tissue.
Extrusion	Forcing molten plastic through a die to form continuous lengths of plastic material. The cross section of the exuded product is the shape of the die aperture.
Eye bolt	A bolt with a ring or eye at the head end, usually used to screw into a component so it can be lifted.
Fabrication inspection	Inspection of equipment during the process by which it, or its component parts, is manufactured.
Face	That part of a component in contact with a mating component, e.g. (1) Of a flat belt pulley - the outer rim. (2) Of a friction clutch - the flat side.
Face	An exposed sloping or vertical surface resulting from the excavation of material.
Face shield	Transparent shield to protect the face and eyes from flying particles or chemical splashes.
Facility	Includes amenity and equipment.
Facility malfunction incident (NIO)	An incident that involves an aeronautical telecommunications facility.
Factor of safety	The ratio of the load that would cause failure of a member or structure to the load that is imposed upon it in service.
FADE	Foundation for Alcohol and Drug Education.
FAFOM	Fellowship of the Australasian Faculty of Occupational Medicine.
Fail-safe	The mode of failure whereby a safe condition is maintained upon loss of power or actuating force to any control element, or failure of any control element to operate when energised.
Failure	The unintentional termination of the ability of a system or part of a system to perform its required function.
Fairlead	A device containing sheaves or rollers used to guide rope on to a drum.
Fall-arrest harness	An assembly of interconnected shoulder and leg straps, with or without a body belt, designed for attachment to a lanyard, pole strap, or fall-arrest device as specified in AS/NZS1891:1995 and used where there is a likelihood of free or unrestrained fall.
Fall arrest system	An assembly of interconnected components comprising a safety harness connected to an anchorage point or anchorage system either directly or by means of a lanyard, lanyard assembly, pole strap, or fall-arrest device and whose purpose is to arrest a fall in accordance with the principles and requirements of AS/NZS 1891.4.
Fall block	A heavy block, generally balanced so that most of its weight is at the bottom. It rides in the bight of the mainrope and has butt rigging and tailrope attached.
Faller	One who fells trees.
Falling object protective structure (FOPS)	A structure designed to be attached to, or form part of, mobile plant for the purpose of reducing the possibility that an operator seated beneath the structure in the driving position from being harmed should the FOPS receive a blow from a falling object. FOG is a new type of protection and is the same as the known FOPS: the term FOG stands for Falling Object Guard. In some cases, the FOPS (FOG) and ROPS or TOPS could be the same structure.
Falsework	Any temporary structure or framework used in construction work to support materials, equipment or any assembly. Falsework includes the use of steel tubes, adjustable steel props, proprietary frames, or any other means to support a permanent structure during its erection and until it becomes self-supporting.
FAQ	Frequently Asked Question.
Farm ATV	An ATV primarily designed for an adult, as distinct from those specifically designed for children.
FarmSafe	A programme to reduce the number and severity of on-farm injuries, developed by ACC, Federated Farmers and the Agriculture ITO.
Fasciculation	Muscle twitching involving contiguous groups of muscle fibres.
Fast blow fuse	Usually a cartridge fuse which operates at 1.2 times the nominal current.
Fast pulley	(Opposite to loose pulley) A pulley keyed or otherwise fixed to a shaft so motion is transmitted from one to the other.
Fastener	A special-purpose fastener stud, pin, nail, dowel, rivet or similar object designed to be driven into, or through, any substance by a powder-actuated fastening tool.
Fatigue	The temporary inability, decrease in ability, or strong disinclination to respond to a situation, because of previous over-activity, either mental or physical.
Fatigue (metal)	A mode of failure that can occur without warning and at a stress much lower than the ultimate stress for the material. Often associated with shafts and other rotating components, but any equipment subjected to cyclic loading is potentially susceptible. Usually has its origin in some surface imperfections (sometimes an imperfection below the surface can be the cause).
Fault tree analysis	A systems engineering method for representing the logical combination of various systems states and possible causes which can contribute to a specified event (called the top event).
FDC	Fixed dose combination (of multiple drugs in a single tablet or capsule).
Feather edging	A rough weak edge that may be left after sharpening only one side of a cutter.
Feathering	A stub defect where a loose pruner centre bolt or excessive blade wear causes incomplete cutting of the branch.
Fell	To sever a standing tree from its stump and bring it to the ground.
Feller	One who fells trees.
Feller-buncher	A self-propelled machine designed to fell standing trees and to grasp, lift and bunch them.
Felling bench	A frame or support on to which trees are felled to facilitate easy delimbing.
Felling face	The edge of a stand of trees where felling is taking place.
Felling jack (tree jack)	A hydraulic jack which can be inserted in the back cut of a tree to assist in felling it in the desired direction.
Felling lever	Manually operated steel lever inserted in a back-cut to provide lifting force as an aid to felling small trees.
Felling wedge	A wedge hammered into the back-cut, used to move a tree in the desired direction.
Ferrite	Ceramic magnetic oxides which have magnetic properties. They are insulators.
Ferrous	Made of or containing iron.
Ferrule	A metal band or socket fitted to the end of a wire rope.
Fertiliser	Any dry, powdered, granular, or other dry fertiliser material that flows, is delivered in bulk, and is used to top-dress agricultural land. Fertiliser includes agricultural lime.
Fettling	Removing rough patches and unwanted metal from castings (foundry work).
FEV1	Forced Expiratory Volume at one second. This is the volume of gas breathed out during the first second of a maximally forced expiration. There is a poor result if the patient has airways obstruction.
FFA	Fire fighting appliances.
Fibre rope	Rope that is made from natural or synthetic fibre or from a combination of those materials.
Fibre.year/ml	The product of fibres per millilitre multiplied by years of exposure.
Fibrous anthophylite	A type of asbestos.
Field test	In relation to an organism, means carrying out trials on the effects of the organism under conditions similar to those of the environment into which the organism is likely to be released, but from which the organism, or any heritable material arising from it, could be retrieved or destroyed at the end of the trials. It includes large-scale fermentation of micro-organisms.
Fifth wheel	A device fitted to a vehicle to enable a semi-trailer to be connected to it by means of a kingpin so that the semi-trailer may be towed
Filed (ERS Authority, Tribunal, Court)	An application has been filed and nothing else has happened to it.
File Transferred (ERS Authority, Tribunal, Court)	This is when a file is transferred from one Registry to another.
Filing of forms	All applications must be made on standard forms prescribed by the relevant Institution's Regulations. There are different forms depending on the nature of the action.
Fillet	A small section of timber placed crosswise on a packet at set intervals to tie adjacent pieces together by friction, or to facilitate drying.
Filling connection	A loading connection suitable for use with LP Gas and compatible with the tanker coupling or site coupling.
Filling pressure or charging pressure	The pressure to which a cylinder is filled with a gas when both the gas and the cylinder are at 150C. Applicable only to permanent gases.
Filling ratio	The ratio of the mass of gas in the cylinder to the mass of water which would fill the cylinder at 15°C (for liquefiable gases).
Final crop trees	Trees that remain after all silvicultural operations are completed.
Final exit	The point at which an escape route terminates by giving direct access to a safe place.
Final reserve fuel	The minimum quantity of fuel required to provide a margin to secure the safe completion of a flight in the event of any unplanned manoeuvring in the vicinity of the destination or alternate or a suitable aerodrome, as the case may be, and in ordinary circumstances remains on board until completion of the landing.
FINSEC	The finance and information union, representing workers in banks, insurance, finance, call centres, information technology, information, communications, law, etc.
Firebreak	A natural or artificial physical barrier against the spread of fire from or into any area of continuous flammable material.
Fires, classes of	In New Zealand there are six classes of fires, A B C D E and F. Class A Fires involving Carbonaceous Solids. Carbonaceous means carbon or ash residual, e.g. wood, cloth, paper, rubber, coal, plastic and any other material that leaves an ash. Class B Fires involving Flammable and Combustible Liquids. These fires fall into two groups: Miscible: Liquids which will mix with water, usually alcohol-based products, e.g. methylated spirits, methanol, etc. Immiscible: Liquids which will not mix with water, representing most of the hydrocarbon products we handle. Class C Fires involving Combustible Gases. These fires involve combustible gases, e.g. LPG (butane and propane), natural gas, town gas, acetylene, etc. Class D Fires involving Combustible Metals. These fires involve combustible metals, i.e. magnesium, titanium and alkali metals. Water is not to be used as extinguishing medium. Use DRY sand, soda ash, powders, etc. Class E Fires involving Electrically Energised Fuels of any Other Class. These fires are self-explanatory and can occur when electrical equipment is loaded beyond its design capabilities, normally producing excessive heat and pungent smell. It's not the copper wire burning, but the carbonaceous materials surrounding the electrical equipment, i.e. insulation materials, plastics, etc. Where possible de-energise power. If this is not possible, then a non-conductive extinguishing medium must be used. Class F Fires involving Combustible Cooking Oils or Fats. These fires involve combustible cooking oil and fats commonly found in cafe and restaurant kitchens.
Fire brigade	(a) A group of persons organised and trained for the prevention, suppression, and extinction of fires, and responsible to the National Commander for discipline and duty; and (b) includes a volunteer fire brigade; but (c) does not include (i) a defence fire brigade; or (ii) an industrial fire brigade.
Firecell	Any space within a building, including a group of contiguous spaces on the same or different levels, which is enclosed by any combination of fire separations (as defined in clause A2 of the building code), external walls, roofs, and floors.
Fire control	In relation to forest, rural, and other areas of vegetation, means: (a) the prevention, detection, control, restriction, suppression, and extinction of fire; and (b) the safeguarding of life and property from damage and risk of damage by or in relation to fire; and (c) all measures conducive to or intended to further or effect such prevention, detection, control, restriction, suppression, extinction, or safe-guarding.
Fire damper	A device for automatically closing off the flow of air through a ventilation opening in the event of fire.
Fire extinguisher	A compressed gas container intended to hold an extinguishant that can be discharged onto a fire by, or by being, a gas under pressure.
Fire hazard	The danger in terms of potential harm and degree of exposure arising from the start and spread of fire and the smoke and gases that are thereby generated.
Fire hazard category (FHC)	The number (graded 1 to 4 in order of increasing severity), used to classify purpose groups or activities having a similar fire hazard, and where fully developed fires are likely to have similar impact on the structural stability of the building.
Fire intensity	The rate release of calorific energy in watts, determined either theoretically or empirically, as applicable.
Fire isolated compartment	A portion of a building separated from another portion or portions by fire-resisting construction.
Fire resistant material	A material having thermal and physical properties suitable for use in protecting a combustible surface.
Fire resisting	(As applied to a structural member or other part of a building) Having resistance rating determined in accordance with the fire-resistance test set out in AS 1530.4 required for that structural member or other part.
Fire resisting closure	A fire rated device or assembly for closing an opening through a fire separation. It shall have a FRR of no less than that required for the fire separation.
Fire resistance rating (FRR)	The term used to classify fire resistance of primary and secondary elements as determined in the standard test for fire resistance, or in accordance with a specific calculation method verified by experimental data from standard fire resistance tests. It comprises three numbers giving the time in minutes for which each of the criteria stability, integrity and insulation are satisfied, and is presented always in that order.
Fire safety system	The combination of all methods used in a building to warn people of an emergency, provide for safe evacuation, and restrict the spread of fire, and includes both active and passive protection.
Fire separation	Any building element which separates firecells or firecells and safe paths, and provides a specific fire resistance rating.
Fire signs	Signs indicating the location of fire alarms and fire-fighting equipment.
Firework	An object containing small quantities of hazardous substances with explosive properties enclosed in a case of paper or similar material of such a strength, construction or character that the ignition or explosion of one such firework will not cause the explosion en masse of similar fireworks kept or carried with it, and whose sole or principal effect is not percussive or vertical or horizontal flight.
Firing cable	A twin-core insulated conductor wire, used to connect an electric firing circuit to an exploder.
First aid	The immediate and temporary care given to a casualty of an accident or sudden illness before a physician or other qualified health personnel attends to provide treatment.
First-aid kit	A box or cabinet used to contain first aid items. It may be static or mobile.
First aider	A person in a place of work who holds a valid first aid certificate which has been awarded by a trainer or instructor approved by OSH.
First aid trainer	A trainer or instructor approved by the Occupational Safety and Health Service of the Department of Labour, to train first aiders.
FITEC	Forest Industry Training and Education Council.
Fit for purpose	In respect of a place of work, means designed, made and maintained so that it is safe for its intended use.
Fit, reach and see	Refers to a group of OOS hazards associated with the dimensions of the workplace. 'Fit' problems occur when the size of the equipment is inappropriate for the user, for instance hand tools that are too small for an employee's hand. 'Reach' problems arise when objects are not within arm's length. 'See' problems can arise when visual conditions are difficult, for instance an employee may need to bend their neck in order to do very precise work.
Fittings (gas cylinder)	All valves, safety devices, gauges and other attachments that remain fixed to the cylinder at all times except when undergoing periodic re-inspection as required by Regulation 15.
Fixed gas appliance	An gas appliance which is designed to be fastened to a support or otherwise secured in a specific location, e.g. wall oven or bench hob.
Fixed ladder	A ladder permanently attached to a structure, building, or equipment.
Fixed liquid level gauge, fixed ullage gauge	A gauge which indicates the maximum permitted liquid level in the container.
Fixed-point monitoring	An air monitoring procedure whereby fixed samplers are strategically located within a workplace; this method of sampling is preferred when evaluating engineering controls or determining sources of contamination.
Fixed skyline	A skyline which is fixed at both ends and is tensioned to give the correct deflection.
Fixed tank	In relation to a tank vehicle, means a tank which is either chassis mounted or of semi-trailer construction.
f/l	Fibres per litre.
f/ml	Fibres per millilitre.
Flag A	A flag of the International Code of Signals (the diver's flag), a burgee (swallow-tailed) flag coloured in white and blue, with white to the mast, or a rigid equivalent.
Flag B	The flag B of the International Code of Signals, a burgee (swallow-tailed) flag coloured in red, or a rigid equivalent.
Flame barrier	A material or system applied or installed to protect another building element from flame contact. The protection shall be effective for no less than 10 minutes exposure in the standard test for fire resistance.
Flame ionization detector	Detector in which hydrocarbons are burned in a hydrogen-air flame and the resulting ions are measured electrically between two electrodes. NOTE: The flame ionization detector is used in gas chromatography mainly to detect hydrocarbon compounds.
Flame photometric detector	Detector that uses a reducing flame in which individual elements give rise to characteristic colours which are measured by a photomultiplier. NOTE: The detector is used in gas chromatography mainly to detect components which contain particular elements, e.g. phosphorous (P) and sulfur (S).
Flame protected forklifts	Modifications to forklifts to enable them to be used in situations/operations where substances present in the area present a hazard of explosion or ignition. In such cases the appropriate certification of the vehicle, by an approved authority, is mandatory. (In such conditions, the forklift manufacturer must be consulted).
Flame safeguard ystem	A system consisting of a flame detector(s) plus associated circuitry, integral components, valves and interlocks, the function of which is to shut off the gas supply to the burner(s) in the event of ignition failure or flame failure.
Flammability	The property which describes a danger of the product catching fire and under what conditions.
Flammability index (FI)	That index number for flammability, which is determined according to the standard test method for flammability of thin flexible materials.
Flammability limits	The range of concentrations of a flammable vapour in air at which a flame can be propagated or an explosion will occur, if a source of ignition is present. Normally expressed as upper and lower limits of this range (as percentages of the vapour in air). 'Explosive limits' has the same meaning.
Flammable	Readily able to catch fire and undergo combustion.
Flammable liquids	(Class 3 Dangerous Goods) Liquids or liquids containing solids in solution or suspension that give off flammable vapour at a temperature (referred to as the flash point) of 60.5°C or less, closed-cup test, or 65.6°C or less, open-cup test. Liquids transported at temperatures equal to or above their flash point are included as Class 3. Liquids with a flash point greater than 35°C that do not sustain combustion are not dangerous goods for land transport. Dangerous goods of Class 3 are assigned to a packing group according to the degree of danger they present: Packing Group I (high danger); Packing Group II (medium danger); Packing Group III (low danger).
Flammable solids	(Class 4.1 Dangerous Goods) Solids that: (a) under normal conditions of transport are readily combustible or may cause or contribute to fire through friction; or (b) are self-reactive and related substances (including liquids) that are liable to undergo a strong exothermic reaction; or (c) are desensitised explosives that may explode if not diluted sufficiently. Class 4.2: Substances liable to spontaneous combustion. Liquids or solids that are liable to spontaneous heating under normal conditions of transport, or to heating when in contact with air and then being liable to catch fire. Class 4.3: Substances that, in contact with water, emit flammable gases (dangerous when wet). Substances that, by interaction with water, are liable to become spontaneously flammable or to give off flammable gases in dangerous quantities. Dangerous goods of all divisions of Class 4 are assigned to a packing group according to the degree of danger they present: Packing Group I (high danger); Packing Group II (medium danger); Packing Group III (low danger).
Flammable substance	A substance that meets the minimum degree of hazard prescribed by Schedule 2 of the Hazardous Substances (Minimum Degrees of Hazard) Regulations 2001 for a substance with flammable properties.
Flange	Side wall or rim of a drum, wheel or sheave.
Flanged mount bearings	Bearings supplied with flanged mounts permitting mounting on faces parallel to or perpendicular to the axis of a shaft.
Flap	A circular strip of rubber or fabric-reinforced rubber used in pneumatic tyres to prevent chafing of the inner tube on the rim. Quite commonly known in New Zealand as a 'Rustband'.
Flashback	Occurs when the flame in a gas torch burns back into the torch or hose; this is often accompanied by a hissing or squealing sound, and a pointed or smoky flame.
Flash point	The lowest temperature in °C at which a liquid will produce enough vapour to ignite, if the vapour is flammable.
Flash point	In relation to any substance, means the lowest temperature at which the substance, when tested in a prescribed type of apparatus, liberates vapour at a rate sufficient to produce an explosive mixture with the air that is in immediate contact with the substance.
Flashing light	In relation to a ship, a light flashing at regular intervals at a frequency of 120 flashes or more per minute.
Flat belt conveyor	A conveyor having a moving flat belt carried on freerunning rollers.
Fleet angle	Angle subtendered from the centre line at a fairlead or fixed sheave between the drum flange and the centre point of a drum barrel.
Fleeting	Positioning logs by machine in preparation for a subsequent operation.
Flexible cord	A cable that is designed to be flexed frequently and connects an electrical appliance to the electrical installation, normally by a plug.
Flicker	Light that alternately brightens and dims. Flicker on a VDU occurs at between about 50 and 80 times a second and is visible only under certain conditions.
Flight attendant	An appropriately trained person assigned by the operator to be responsible to the pilot-in-command for passenger safety on an aircraft.
Flight crew member	An appropriately qualified person assigned by the operator for duty in an aircraft during flight time as a pilot or flight engineer.
Flight information service	An air traffic service provided for the purpose of giving advice and information intended for the safe and efficient conduct of flights.
Flight manual	A manual, associated with the certificate of airworthiness, containing limitations within which the aircraft may be considered airworthy, and instructions and information necessary to the flight crew members for the safe operation of the aircraft.
Flight plan	Specified information that is required under the rules to be provided to an ATS unit or to a flight following service regarding an intended flight, or portion of a flight, of an aircraft.
Flight time	The total time from the moment an aircraft first moves for the purpose of flight until the moment it comes to rest at the end of the flight including all associated push back, taxiing and subsequent holding time.
Floor opening	An opening in any floor, platform, pavement or yard, through which persons may fall; such as a hatchway, stair or ladder opening, pit or manhole.
Flora	Plant life of a given place or time.
Flow property	The flow rate achievable from a nominal aircraft hopper given the condition of the fertiliser with respect to substance type, granular size, compaction, contamination and moisture content.
Flue	The pipe or duct through which combustion products are conveyed from a gas appliance to a discharge point, including any draught diverter and associated duct, barometric device, fan or other fittings in the duct.
Flue cowl	A device placed at the end of a flue and designed to prevent the entry of rain and minimise the disturbing effect of wind while not hindering the discharge of flue gases.
Flue gases	Combustion products plus all diluents and contaminants. These include, where applicable excess air, dilution air, process air and waste products from the process.
Flush deck ship	A ship that has no superstructure on the freeboard deck.
Flux (soldering)	A sticky liquid or paste used to react with and remove compounds from the surface of the connection, to improve the flow of the molten solder, and to prevent oxidation during the heating cycle.
Flying fox	A cableway used for the free descent of passengers and incorporates the whole system including structures, cable, block and ropes.
Flywheel	A heavy wheel used for storing rotational energy. it is used on a machine where the energy requirement varies greatly during the cycle to supply energy during the period of heaviest load. The prime mover may be reduced in size, as it only has to supply power to match the average load, not the peak load.
Foamed plastics	Combustible foamed plastic polymeric materials of low density (typically less than 100 kg/m3) and are classified as cellular polymers which are manufactured by creating a multitude of fine voids (typically 90 to 98%) distributed more or less uniformly throughout the product. Examples of foamed plastics are latex foams, polyethylene foams, polyvinyl chloride foams, expanded or extruded polystyrene foams, phenolic foams, ureaformaldehyde foams, polyurethane foams and polychloropene foams.
Foetotoxic	Poisonous to the foetus or unborn child.
Foetus	Name given to the developing baby between the 8th and 40th weeks of pregnancy.
FOG	Falling Object Guard.
FoodNet	The national database with information on food safety programmes and food premises.
Food Safety Objective (FSO)	A description of the expectations of hygiene measures that are applied during a particular segment of a food production process. These objectives should include measurable outcomes expected for the final product and may have a qualitative or quantitative association with the level of risk to the consumer.
Food safety programme	A documented programme designed to identify and control food safety risk factors in order to establish and maintain food safety. A food safety programme within the meaning of the Food Act 1981 is a programme whose adoption gives rise to an exemption from the Food Hygiene Regulations 1974 under Part 1A of that Act.
Footprint	The ground contact area of a tyre tread.
FOPS	Falling Object Protective Structure.
Force	Force equals mass x acceleration. This is the external agency which changes or tends to change the conditions of rest or of steady linear motion of a rigid body.
Foreign aircraft	Any aircraft other than a New Zealand registered aircraft.
Foreign ship	Any ship that is not a New Zealand ship.
Forestry work	Any work in connection with forest establishment, silviculture, logging, transportation, tree work and solid wood processing.
Forging	Shaping metal by impact, under a hammer or in a press. The metal may be pre-heated to 'soften' it.
Forklift	A motor vehicle (not fitted with self-laying tracks) designed principally for lifting, carrying and stacking goods by means of one or more tines, platens or clamps.
Fork locking pins	The devices which allow forks to be manually adjusted side to side, but which lock the forks in place after adjustment.
Forks	The load arms by means of which a load is picked up and supported. Usually two (or more) forks are arranged to be used together to handle palletised and similar loads. They are fitted on to the carriage of the forklift and located by the fork locking pins. Forks are sometimes referred to as tines.
Fork extensions	Metal sleeves which slide on to the forks and locked into place by some means. They enable the handling of loads of different lengths. They should not exceed the forks on which they are fitted by more than 50% and the load carried should not overhang the extensions. Sometimes referred to as fork slippers.
Fork height	On a forklift, the vertical distance from the floor to the horizontal load-carrying surface of the forks, measured adjacent to the heel of the forks, and in the case of reach trucks, with the forks extended.
Fork locking pins	On a forklift, the devices which allow forks to be manually adjusted side to side, but which lock the forks in place after adjustment.
Form pruning	Removing competing leaders and large branches to improve tree form.
Formwork	The mould into which concrete is placed.
Fossil fuels	Coal, natural gas, LPG, crude oil and fuels derived from crude oil (including petrol and diesel). They are called fossil fuels because they have been formed over long periods of time from ancient matter.
Foul water	The discharge from any sanitary fixture or sanitary appliance.
Fouled	Refers to a rope not running correctly in the sheave of a block, or a ope caught behind an obstruction.
Frame saw	A woodworking machine used for sawing logs or for resawing timber by using one or more straight rip-saw blades mounted vertically in a sash thatr eciprocates in vertical slides on a frame.
Free descent	Descent at an uncontrolled rate.
Free fall, free fall-arrest	As defined in AS/NZS 1891.4:2000 (Clause 1.4.5). A fall or the arrest of a fall where the fall distance before the fall-arrest system begins to take any loading, is in excess of 600 mm either vertically or on a slope on which it is not possible to walk without the assistance of a handrail or hand line.
Free flowing (fertiliser)	A fertiliser may be said to be free flowing when: (1) it can be discharged as a dry powder from an aircraft hopper, in the form intended, without compacting and blocking in the throat of the hopper; (2) it can be discharged as a dry powder from an aircraft hopper, in the form intended, without sticking and blocking in the throat of the hopper; (3) it has passed the field test [in the industry guideline].
Free-standing scaffold	A standing scaffold which is not attached to any other structure and is stable against overturning on its own account, if necessary assisted by rakers and anchors.
Freeboard	The distance measured vertically downwards amidships from the upper edge of the freeboard deck to the upper edge of the related load line.
Freeboard deck	The deck from which the freeboard is calculated when determining the load lines to be assigned to the ship under Part 47 of the maritime rules.
Freewheel	Refers to a winch which is not in gear and therefore rope can be pulled easily by a breaker out or by gravity.
Freight container	An article of transport equipment that is of a permanent character and strong enough to be suitable for repeated use; specially designed to facilitate the transport of goods, by one or more modes of transport, without intermediate reloading; designed to be secured and readily handled, having fittings for these purposes; but does not include vehicles or packaging.
Frequency	The frequency of a wave is the rate at which it vibrates. On a radio or TV tuner, the number at which you set the tuner indicates the frequency of the signal. The frequency is also correlated with some physical properties of the signal: how well it can pass through obstacles (e.g. buildings) and rate at which information can be transmitted. To avoid interference, defined ranges of frequencies are allocated to different applications: FM radio, AM radio, TV, cellphones, industrial applications, etc. Frequency is measured in hertz . See also hertz, radiofrequency, and microwave.
Frequency	The potential rate at which a hazard may be realised. Sometimes referred to as likelihood or probability.
Frequent flyer	A person or organisation with many interventions or interactions with DoL.
FRI	Forest Research Institute.
Friable	In relation to asbestos, means asbestos that under ordinary conditions can be easily crumbled.
Friction blocks	Form of clutch by which drums of a hauler are engaged.
Frontal impact protection system	A set of associated parts, components, and systems incorporated in a motor vehicle to protect occupants in a frontal impact collision.
FRSITO	Fire and Rescue Services Industry Training Organisation.
FRST	Foundation for Research, Science and Technology.
FSA	Formal safety assessment - IMO agreed risk methodology.
FSWR	Flexible steel wire rope.
FTE	Full-time equivalent.
Fuel gas	Any fuel that is supplied through pipes or in containers and is a gas at 15°C and at 101.3 kPa absolute pressure; and includes: (a) biogas, coal gas, natural gas, oil gas, producer gas, refinery gas, reformed natural gas, and liquefied petroleum gas; and (b) any gaseous substance that the Governor-General declares by Order in Council made under the Gas Act 1992 to be a gas for the purposes of that Act; and (c) any gas that is of a composition that complies with regulations made pursuant to the Gas Act 1992 for use as a fuel.
Fuel oil	Any petroleum which has a flash point higher than 61 degrees Celsius and which is of a kind generally used for fuel or which is intended to be used for fuel.
Fugitive emissions	Substances that escape from a source not associated with a specific process but scatter throughout the plant, e.g., leaks from equipment, dust blown from stockpiles.
Fulcrum	The pivot, or point of support, of a lever.
Full-body safety harness	Type of safety harness which secures both the both the lower and upper body. The full-body harness is designed to prevent people from flipping upside down in the case of a fall.
Full Court (ERS Employment Court)	A formal hearing conducted in a courtroom before two judges sitting in quorum or three presided over by the Chief Judge or nominee.
Full load	The maximum load under which a machine is designed to run.
Full trailer	A trailer with two axle sets, the foremost of which is steered by a drawbar, and includes a semi-trailer with non-steering axles coupled to a converter dolly.
Full-mask respirator	A respirator that consists of a mask covering the nose and mouth which is fitted with either cartridges or canisters (to filter sprays and vapours) and a transparent shield covering the eyes and nose.
Full-time employment	In relation to an earner, means employment in the 4 weeks immediately before his or her incapacity commenced, for either: (a) an average of at least 30 hours per week; or (b) a lesser number of hours, if the lesser number of hours is defined as full-time employment in the employment agreement under which the earner was employed, because of the particular nature of that employment.
Fully funded scheme	ACC levies are set at a rate that not only covers the cost of claims in the current year for persons injured in the current year, but also covers the estimated cost of claims which will be paid in future years for those injuries.
Fulminate	A chemical compound or mechanical mixture which from its great susceptibility to detonation is suitable for employment in percussion caps or any other appliances for developing detonation.
Fume	Particles forming an airborne suspension. Fuming is usually caused by the heating of a solid to such an extent that it vapourises and then condenses into small particles in the surrounding air.
Fume hood	A device located in a laboratory, enclosed on five sides with a movable sash or fixed partial sash enclosed on the remaining side; constructed and maintained to draw air from the laboratory and to prevent or minimise the escape of air contaminants into the laboratory; and allows chemical manipulations to be conducted in the enclosure without insertion of any part of the employee's body other than hands and arms.
Fumigation	The use of a hazardous substance [described in Schedule 1 of Hazardous Substances (fumigants) Tansfer Notice 2004] for the purpose of destruction of rodents, pests, or other plant or animal organisms.
Fumigation area	Any of the following where fumigation is or is intended to be carried out: (a) all or part of (i) a ship: (ii) an aircraft: (iii) a building: (iv) a glasshouse: (v) any other enclosed structure: (b) a fumigation cell: (c) a shipping container: (d) a silo: (e) a soil area: (f) a covered space: (g) any other area where a hazardous substance described in Schedule 1 (fumigants) is or is intended to be released.
Fumigation cell	A sealed chamber, which may include a shipping container, used exclusively for fumigation.
Fumigation under sheets	Fumigation carried out under gas-proof sheets of plastic, tarpaulins, or other materials, but does not include space fumigation in which such sheets are used to isolate the fumigation area.
Fungi	Nucleated, usually filamentous, spore-bearing organisms devoid of chlorophyll.
Fuse (rewireable)	A device that disconnects a circuit from a power supply by means of a wire designed to melt when a high electric current flows.
Fusible link	A safety device consisting of a suitable low melting point material which is intended to yield or melt at a predetermined temperature.
Gamma ray	Ionising electromagnetic radiation emitted by a radionuclide during radioactive decay or during a nuclear (isomeric) transition.
Gang saw	A series of parallel saws secured in a frame which is moved backwards and forwards. Used to saw a log into planks in one operation.
Gantry	(1) A structure covering a public way, providing protection from both side and overhead. (2) Rigid frames, incorporating a means of lifting, often used to load or unload trailers.
Gases	(Class 2 Dangerous Goods) A gas is a substance that: (a) at 50°C has a vapour pressure greater than 300 kilopascals (absolute); or (b) is completely gaseous at 20°C at a pressure of 101.3 kilopascals (absolute). Class 2.1: Flammable gases. Class 2.2: Non-flammable, non-toxic gases. Class 2.3: Toxic gases
Gas	Any fuel that is supplied through pipes or in containers and is a gas at a temperature of 15°C and an absolute pressurof 101.325 kilopascals; and includes (a) biogas, coal gas, liquefied petroleum gas, natural gas, oil gas, producer gas, refinery gas, reformed natural gas, and tempered liquefied petroleum gas: (b) any gaseous substance that the Governor-General declares by Order in Council to be a gas for the purposes of this Act: (c) any mixture of gases.
Gas appliance	Any appliance that uses, or is designed or intended to use, gas, whether or not it also uses, or is designed or intended to use, any other form of energy.
Gas carrier	A non-passenger ship constructed or adapted and used for the carriage in bulk of any liquefied gas or other product listed in Chapter 19 of the International Gas Carrier Code.
Gas chromatograph	A chromatograph that physically separates components of a mixture and measures them individually with a detector whose signal is processed. A chromatograph consists of the following main parts: an introduction unit, a separation unit and a detector. The separation unit consists of one or more chromatographic columns through which carrier gas flows and into which samples are introduced. Under defined and controlled operating conditions, components can be qualitatively identified by their retention time, and quantitatively measured by comparing their detector response to that of the same or a similar component in a calibration mixture.
Gas free	For gases and volatile liquids, an atmosphere in the tank or receptacle containing a concentration of the gas or liquid vapour less than the concentration listed in the NOHSC:1003. For flammable gases an atmosphere in the tank or receptacle less than 5% of the lower explosive limit (LEL) for the substance concerned when sampled at ambient temperature.
Gas-safe space	On a ship, a space in which the entry of hydrocarbon gases would produce flammability or toxicity hazards.
Gas sorption effects	Processes whereby some gases are adsorbed onto or desorbed from the surfaces of a solid. NOTE: The force of attraction between some gases and solids is purely physical and depends on the nature of the participating material. Natural gas may contain several components which exhibit strong sorption effects. Special care should be taken when determining trace concentrations of heavy hydrocarbons, water, sulfur compounds and hydrogen.
Gas supply point	The point in the gas supply system downstream of which any work that is performed is deemed to be gasfitting.
Gastight	The condition of a gas installation or gas pipework in which any leakage of gas is at a sufficiently low rate that no hazard is likely to ensue.
Gas transmission	The supply of line function services by means of high pressure gas pipelines operated at a gauge pressure exceeding 2,000 kilopascals:
Gassy mine	A coal mine, metalliferous mine or tunnel in which tests on three successive days indicate the presence of flammable gas in an area, district or main airway on the return side or exhaust side.
Gastric	Pertaining to the stomach.
Gate station	The point that gas is supplied to a distribution system from a transmission system.
Gathering line	A pipeline that transports untreated gas with or without associated liquids from a production facility to a further production facility, treatment plant or storage facility.
Gauge	The thickness of the drive link on a chain. Should be matched to the chainsaw's cutter bar gauge.
Gauge pruning	A method of determining the pruned height of a tree by measuring stem diameter. When the caliper-type gauge fits the stem, that is the top of the lift.
GCP	(New Zealand) Gas Code of Practice.
GDP per capita	The basis for measuring the link between productivity and standard of living. GDP per capita can be broken down into the sub-components labour productivity (the quantity of output produced with a given quantity of labour input) and labour utilisation (hours worked per capita).
Gear	A toothed wheel which, when meshed with other gears, transmits rotary motion from one shaft to another. The design of the gears determines whether the speed or direction of motion is changed. Different types include spur, helical, bevel, herringbone, worm and wheel, rack and pinion, etc.
Gel coating	The application to the surfaces of moulds, by means of a spray, of a mixture of resins and pigments, for the purpose of providing smooth outer skins for mouldings produced from those moulds.
Gelatines	Dynamites or gelignites.
General aviation area	An airspace, of defined dimensions, in which intensive VFR activity may occur and the rules of Class G airspace apply.
Generic name	A name applied to a category or class of chemicals (e.g. azo dyes, halogenated aromatic amines, etc.)
Genetic element	In relation to a new organism, means: (a) heritable material; and (b) any genes, nucleic acids, or other molecules from the organism that can, without human intervention, replicate in a biological system and transfer a character or trait to another organism or to subsequent generations of the organism.
Genetic susceptibility	The existence of a predisposition to a health status that may be attributable to the genetic makeup (constitution).
Genetically modified organism (GMO)	An organism in which any of the genetic material has been modified by in vitro techniques, or one which is derived from such an organism.
Genome	The complete DNA sequence of an organism containing its complete genetic information.
Genotoxic	A specific adverse effect on the genome of living cells that, upon duplication of the affected cells, can be expressed as a mutagenic, clastogenic or carcinogenic event because of specific alteration of the molecular structure of the genome.
Geothermal	Associated with heat derived from the earth.
Geothermal energy	Energy derived or derivable from and produced within the earth by natural phenomenon.
Geothermal fluid	All steam, water, and water vapour, and every mixture of all or any of them (which mixture may include gases), that has been heated within the earth by natural phenomena to a temperature of 70 degrees Celsius or more.
Geothermal work	Includes: (a) the drilling of any bore to a depth exceeding 2 metres from ground level; and (b) any work in the construction or maintenance of any pipeline of 150 mm or less nominal internal diameter in relation to a bore which is not primarily associated with the generation of electricity, including associated fittings, vessels, pumps, and appurtenances necessary for the containment and control of pressure in the pipeline.
GHP	Good Hygienic Practice.
GHS	Global Harmonisation System.
GHz	Gigahertz. One billion hertz.
Gibhead key	A key (for locating pulleys, etc. on a shaft) having a head formed at right angles to the length of the key at one end which projects above the surface of the shaft to aid removal.
Gin pole	A single, guyed pole set in the ground at an angle from which a block or tackle can be suspended for lifting.
GJ	Gigajoules.
Glare	A bright light in the field of view.
Glasswool	A fibrous product formed by either blowing or spinning a molten mass of glass. The resultant fibres are subsequently collected as a mat of fibrous product which may either be bonded or non-bonded.
GLC	Gas liquid chromatography.
Glider	A non-power-driven heavier-than-air aircraft which derives its lift in flight chiefly from aerodynamic reactions on surfaces which remain fixed under given conditions of flight.
Glucosuria	Raised glucose levels.
Glutaraldehyde	A chemical used in solution as a sterilising agent for medical, veterinary and dental equipment. Also used in radiography for processing X-ray films. It can cause occupational asthma, dermatitis and other health problems. Synonym: 1.5-Pentanedial.
Glycol	Liquid binary alcohol (R-CHOH-CH2OH) used as an anti-freeze and in some processing operations as a dehydrating agent.
GMAW	Gas metal arc welding. See also MAGS.
GMDSS	Global Maritime Distress and Safety System.
GMO	See Genetically modified organism.
GMP	Good Manufacturing Practice.
Goal	A broad and high-level statement of general purpose to guide planning around an issue.
Goals/Objectives	Planned specified outcomes to be achieved in a given timeframe (SMART).
Good employer	An employer who operates a personnel policy containing provisions generally accepted as necessary for the fair and proper treatment of employees in all aspects of their employment, including provisions requiring- (a) good and safe working conditions; and (b) an equal employment opportunities programme; and (c) the impartial selection of suitably qualified persons for appointment; and (d) opportunities for the enhancement of the abilities of individual employees; and (e) recognition of (i) the aims and aspirations of Maori; and (ii) the employment requirements of Maori; and (iii) the need for greater involvement of Maori as employees of the employer; and (f) recognition of the aims and aspirations, and the cultural differences, of ethnic or minority groups; and (g) recognition of the employment requirements of women; and (h) recognition of the employment requirements of persons with disabilities. [NZ Public Health and Disability Act 2000]
Good faith	As set out in the Employment Relations Act 2000.
Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)	Assurance that product is consistently produced and controlled to quality standards appropriate to their intended use and as required by the regulatory authority and industry.
Goods	All kinds of moveable personal property.
Goods vehicle	A motor vehicle that: is constructed primarily for the carriage of goods, and either: (a) has at least four wheels, or (b) has three wheels and a gross vehicle mass exceeding one tonne.
Governance	The system by which organisations are directed and controlled.
Government department	A government department named in the First Schedule of the State Sector Act 1988.
Governor	A device for regulating the speed of an engine to a preset fixed level, or ensuring it does not exceed a certain maximum speed.
GP	General practitioner.
GPS	Global positioning system.
GPWS	Ground proximity warning system.
Grab hook	A single-finger hook used for connecting chains.
Grade (abrasive wheels)	A measure of the strength with which the grains of abrasive are held together by the bonding material.
Gradual process (injury/illness)	Personal injury caused by a work-related gradual process, disease, or infection. Includes personal injury that is of a type described in Schedule 2 that is suffered by a person who is or has been in employment involving exposure to agents, dusts, compounds, substances, radiation, or things described in that schedule. [IPRC Act].
Gradual process hearing test	The test used to assess a claim for deafness arising from a personal injury caused by a work-related gradual process.
Granular herbicides	Weed-killing chemicals manufactured as small grains.
Granulator	A machine having two or more cutters attached to a rotor which is used to convert scrap thermoplastic material into a form suitable for further processing.
Gravimetric Standard	A standard based on the weight of material in a given volume of air (mg/m3).
Gravity return	Any cable system that depends on the force of gravity for downhill travel of the carriage.
Grain auger (portable)	A machine consisting of a tube inside which a worm or screw is rotated to convey grain. The lower end of the tube is frequently fitted with a detachable hopper. The tube is mounted on a wheeled carriage and is intended for use on farms and other places where grain is stored or handled in bulk.
Grain Code	The International Code for the Safe Carriage of Grain in Bulk adopted by the International Maritime Organization by Maritime Safety Committee Resolution 23(59), as amended from time to time.
Granulator (plastics industry)	A machine having two or more cutters attached to a rotor which is used to convert scrap thermoplastic material into a form suitable for further processing.
Granule	Solid formulation comprising particles of defined size (>80µm diameter) for application without further dilution, usually to soil.
Graphic material	Any material used for writing, drawing, marking, or painting.
Grapple	Hinged jaws which can be closed or opened and used for grasping logs. In helicopter logging, a pilot-controlled mechanical device, attached to the helicopter long line, which is used to pick up logs in the forest and release them following placement in the desired log landing area.
Grapple hauling	Hauling logs using a grapple in place of butt rigging and strops.
GRAS	Generally Recognised As Safe. A substance known to present negligible hazards to human or animal health or the environment.
Gray (Gy)	The SI unit of absorbed dose being equal to 1 Joule per kilogram of the material being irradiated.
Greenhouse gases	Atmospheric gases that increase the temperature of the earth's surface. They include water vapour, tropospheric ozone, chlorofluorocarbons, carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O). Around 90% of gross CO2 emissions in New Zealand are caused by energy production and use.
Grit	Measure of the size of the abrasive particles in an abrasive wheel.
Grommet	(Synonym: Molly, Molly Hogan) Short length of wire, wound to form a loop for temporary connection between eye splices of two ropes. An endless wire rope sling.
Gross domestic product (GDP)	Represents a broad measure of economic activity and signals the direction of overall aggregate economic activity. GDP is calculated by the quantity, quality and variety of goods and services available for consumption.
Gross weight	(or gross mass) In relation to a vehicle or combination of vehicles means the weight of the vehicle or of the vehicles comprising the combination, together with the load the vehicle(s) are for the time being carrying. The gross weight may be determined by adding the weight on the axles or groups of axles.
Ground fire	A fire which is burning in the ground cover (grasses, weeds, and scrub).
Ground haul	In cable logging, where there is no lift so that logs are hauled along the ground.
Groundspreader	A vehicle designed specifically for the carriage of powder or particulate artificial fertilisers on the road, and for the distribution of those fertilisers directly from the vehicle onto the land by means of a mechanical or pneumatic distributor that forms part of the vehicle.
Group Standard	An approval under HSNO for a group of hazardous substances of a similar nature, or type or having similar circumstances of use. A Group Standard is therefore risk based rather than solely hazard based. The risk of substances in the Group Standard will be managed by a single set of conditions rather than by the controls set out in the HSNO regulations.
Grubscrew	A fully threaded, headless screw used to secure a component to a shaft.
GTAW	Gas tungsten arc welding. See also TAGS.
Guaranteed minimum breaking load	In relation to rope, means the load guaranteed by the manufacturer as being the minimum load at which the rope will fail.
Guard	A screen or cover to prevent access to the dangerous part of a machine.
Guardrail	A rail or barrier secured to standards or upright members, and erected along the exposed sides and ends of working platforms to prevent persons from falling. A lower rail which is fixed to standards midway between the guardrail and platform is termed a midrail.
Guidance note	In the Australian jurisdictions, refers to a document describing a work practice or thing which warrants specific advice or guidance to encourage an improvement in health and safety performance. It may also give guidance on an OHS statutory procedure or process. The document is generally 2 and no more than 4 pages in length. The topic of a guidance note is relevant to a range of workplaces rather than dealing with something unique to one workplace.
Guide rails	On a chainsaw, the sides of the groove running around the cutter bar, which keep the chain on the bar.
Guide, guidelines	A relatively extensive document (5 pages or more) which aims to provide practical general guidance or implementation tools on a particular hazard or range of hazards applicable to a range of workplaces. A guide may also provide guidance on interpreting a particular piece of legislation or provide supplementary guidance associated with a code of practice. A guide may be published exclusively in an electronic format.
Gunpowder	A mixture of charcoal and sulphur with potassium nitrate or sodium nitrate or both; and includes blasting powder.
Gut hook	To attach a strop to a stem so that it swings when lifted off the ground.
Guy	A length of anchored rope, attached to near the top of a spar, gin pole etc, and holding it upright against forces imposed upon it in hauling or loading.

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