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Habitat
The specific living area and surroundings in which microorganisms and humans live a part or together.
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Halogenated Hydrocarbon
A chemical material that has a carbon element plus one or more of these elements. Halogenated hydrocarbons include%u003A chlorine%u002C fluorine%u002C bromine%u002C and iodine.
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Hand Protection
The appropriate protection necessary to protect hands and wrist from exposure%u002C abrasion%u002C infection%u002C sharps and cuts. 29 CFR 1910.132 and 138.
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Hanta Virus
A virus that is associated with urine%u002C feces and saliva settled in dust from wild mice%u002C more particularly the deer mouse. Adjusters and contractors who must access and inspect damage under or in old dusty/dirty buildings%u002C should do so by wearing proper respiratory protection. For more information contact EME for a free Hanta Virus Fact Sheet or contact the Center of Disease Control and Prevention through www.cdc.gov - or - www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/virlfvr/virlfvr.htm
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Hardness
In water%u002C the amount of measurable calcium and magnesium salts dissolved in water. Hard water has a direct relationship with soaps and detergents to act and respond as cleaners. Soaps and detergents work better and in less amount when soft water is available.
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Hardware
a%u0029 In the past%u002C hardware meant hard surface items having a finish%u002C such as door locks and drawer pulls. b%u0029 More recently%u002C hardware is associated with the plastic case and general working parts of a computer.
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Hardwood Floor Cupping
In water damage mitigation%u002C hardwood floor cupping of strip flooring%u002C is a sign of trapped moisture under the hardwood underlayment and possibly trapped moisture vapor in the hardwood matrix. Restorative Drying Note%u003A Proper drying techniques and dehumidification%u002C along with acclimation of the floor over a month or so%u002C can result in the hardwood floor to return back to its previous condition. Sanding the hardwood floor prematurely%u002C by removing the cupped edges%u002C can become an appearance problem in the future.
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Hat Banding
A painting condition brought about from painters who use a brush to cut around molding and door frames with a paint that has slight colour acceptance problem and also when the shear from the brushed areas changes the colour and/or sheen. Then%u002C when the full wall is either sprayed or rolled%u002C there is a definite band framing the entire painted area. Some painters refer to this also as picture framing.
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Hazard
Any physical property or chemical agent%u002C capable of causing harm to humans%u002C animals%u002C environment and to building materials.
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Hazard Class Identification Abbreviations
The words of a class of hazard that are abbreviated%u002C such as%u003A B for Biohazard%u002C C for Carcinogen%u002C F for Flammable%u002C I for Irritant%u002C for Mutagen%u002C O for Oxidizer%u002C P for Pyrophoric%u002C R for Radioactive%u002C S for Sensitizer%u002C T for Teratogen%u002C W for Water Reactive%u002C X for Toxic%u002C and Z for Corrosive.
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Hazard Identification
The determination of a possible adverse health effect. It is the identification of agents%u002C their frequency%u002C and duration of exposure which may lead to adverse health effects. Health and Safety Note%u003A Hazard identification is the identification of all suspected conditions that may pose inhalation or skin absorption hazards that may be immediately dangerous to life or health%u002C or other conditions resulting serious harm or death. Hazard identification shall be identified early on in the survey and evaluation phase%u002C and it should not be found unexpectedly resulting in exposures to employees. Examples include%u002C confined space entry%u002C harmful atmospheres%u002C potential explosive situations%u002C visible vapor or fume clouds%u002C or environments where biological indicators are present. Hazard identification means any obvious hazard or potential hazard which a qualified person deems to be a known or suspected hazard to human or environmental health.
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Hazard Index
The sum of two or more hazard quotients for chemical%u0028s%u0029 and other hazards%u002C including biological release%u002C or concern over a multiple exposure pathways to a particular receptor%u002C or both.
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Hazard Quotient
The ratio of the level of exposure of a chemical or other substances%u002C including biological of concern%u002C over a specific time period to a reference dose for that contaminate or agent of concern%u002C derived for a similar exposure period.
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Hazardous Ingredients
Any substance which by itself or in combination with other ingredients%u002C poses a direct threat to life or health.
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Hazardous Material
a%u0029 any chemical%u002C vapor or material which in sufficient quantities or concentration%u002C poses a direct threat to health or property. b%u0029 Any biological agent or other disease causing agent which after release and upon exposure%u002C ingestion%u002C inhalation%u002C or assimilation into a person%u002C either directly or indirectly%u002C which has a potential for causing or resulting in illness and disease.
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Hazardous Materials Response Team %u0028HAZMAT%u0029
An organized group of employees%u002C designated by the employer%u002C which is expected to perform work to handle and control actual or potential leaks or spills of hazardous substances requiring possible close approach to the substance. The team members perform responses to releases or potential releases of hazardous substances for the purpose of control or stabilization of the incident. A HAZMAT team is not a fire brigade nor is a typical fire brigade a HAZMAT team. A HAZMAT team%u002C however%u002C may be a separate component of a fire brigade or fire department. See HAZMAT
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Hazardous Substance
Hazardous substance is%u003A a%u0029 any substance which scientists have shown%u002C by a minimum of one scientific study%u002C to pose a threat to human and animal health%u002C and to other living organisms%u003B b%u0029 Any chemical that poses a threat to human health or the environment if released in significant amounts%u003B c%u0029 Any material which falls under Federal and state statutes and regulations%u002C including descriptions and lists of hazardous substances. Education Note%u003A Certain substances and materials are federally regulated as hazardous under Sections 311%u0028b%u0029 or Section 307%u0028a%u0029 of the Clean Water Act%u002C Section 112 of the Clean Air Act%u002C Section 3001 of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act%u002C Section 102 of the Comprehensive Environmental Response%u002C Compensation and Liability Act%u002C Section 7 of the Toxic Substances Control Act%u002C Title 40%u002C Section 302.4 of the Code of Federal Regulations%u002C and state codes and regulations%u002C such as California Proposition 65. Education Note%u003A The consequence of a hazardous substance exposure may result in property damage through chemical fire%u002C water%u002C explosion%u002C etc. There are an estimated 27%u002C000 materials in commercial use in America and about 25 million workers in America who are exposed daily to a hazardous substance.
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Hazardous Substance
Any substance designated or listed under A. through D. below%u002C exposure to which results or may result in adverse affects on the health or safety of employees%u003A a%u0029 Any substance defined under Section 101%u002814%u0029 of CERCLA or under Sections 25316 and 25317 of the California Health and Safety Code. %u0028Other states have similar codes%u0029%u003B Education Note%u003A b%u0029 Any biological agent and other disease-causing agent which after release into the environment and upon exposure%u002C ingestion%u002C inhalation%u002C or assimilation into any person%u002C either directly from the environment or indirectly by ingestion through food chains%u002C will or may reasonably be anticipated to cause death%u002C disease%u002C behavioral abnormalities%u002C cancer%u002C genetic mutation%u002C physiological malfunctions %u0028including malfunctions in reproduction%u0029 or physical deformations in such persons or their offspring%u003B c%u0029 Any substance listed by the U.S. Department of Transportation and regulated as hazardous materials under 49 CFR 172.101 and appendices%u003B and d%u0029 Hazardous waste as herein defined. See CERCLA
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Hazardous Substance Removal Work
Clean-up work at any of the following%u003A a%u0029 A site where removal or remedial action is taken pursuant to any of the following%u003A 1. Chapter 6.8 %u0028commencing with Section 25300%u0029 of Division 20 of the California Health and Safety Code%u002C regardless of whether the site is listed pursuant to Section 25356 of the Health and Safety Code. 2. The federal Comprehensive Environmental Response%u002C Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 %u002842 U.S.C. Sec. 9601 et seq.%u0029. 3. Any operations covered under subsections%u0028a%u0029%u00281%u0029%u0028A%u0029 through %u0028a%u0029%u00281%u0029%u0028C%u0029 of this section. b%u0029 A site where corrective action is taken pursuant to Section 25187 or 25200.10 of the California Health and Safety Code or the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 %u002842 U.S.C. Sec. 6901 et seq.%u0029 c%u0029 A site where clean-up of a discharge of a hazardous substance is required pursuant to Division 7 %u0028commencing with Section 13000%u0029 of the California Water Code. d%u0029 A site where removal or remedial action is taken because a hazardous substance has been discharged or released in an amount that is reportable pursuant to Section 13271 of the California Water Code or the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response%u002C Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 %u002842 U.S.C. Sec. 6901 et seq.%u0029. Hazardous substance removal work does not include work related to a hazardous substance spill on a highway.
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Hazardous Waste
A waste or combination of wastes as defined in 40 CFR 261.3%u002C or regulated as hazardous waste in California pursuant to Chapter 6.5%u002C Division 20%u002C California Health and Safety Code%u002C or B. those substances defined as hazardous wastes in 49 CFR 171.8.
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Hazardous Waste
Hazardous waste are%u003A a%u0029 the generated and discarded materials that may pose%u002C cause or significantly contribute to serious illness or death%u003B b%u0029 Any by-product that is capable or potentially capable of posing a direct or indirect threat to life or health%u002C or compromise the well-being of a community. c%u0029 A hazardous waste which has at least one or more characteristics that can produce an ignitability%u002C corrosivity%u002C reactivity or toxicity%u003B d%u0029 Hazardous waste includes regulated waste that are part of but not limited to the Comprehensive Environmental Response%u002C Compensation and Liability Act %u0028CERCLA%u0029%u002C and Title 40%u002C Part 261 of the Code of Federal Regulations%u003B e%u0029 Hazardous waste includes waste that individual states and agencies%u002C including EPA and OSHA%u002C have deemed to be hazardous%u002C and require the regulated handling and disposal of the waste. Education Note%u003A In the case of unregulated hazardous waste%u002C the waste still requires proper handling and disposal%u002C such as in a landfill%u002C as required by industry standards and local regulations.
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Hazardous Waste Operation
Any operation conducted within the scope of governmental regulations including hazardous substance removal work.
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Hazardous Waste Site
Any facility or location at which hazardous waste operations within the scope of governmental regulations take place.
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HAZMAT %u0028Hazardous Materials Management Team%u0029
A team of qualified individuals who are professionally and technically trained to mitigate or control a hazard. Education Note%u003A Under OSHA standards%u002C any person who is an emergency responder%u002C and who is sent into a known or potentially dangerous or hazardous environment%u002C must comply with 29 CFR 1910.120.
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Head Protection
Appropriate protection against falling objects and projectiles%u002C and contact with a sharp or blunt object. 29 CFR 1910.135%u003B ANSI Z89.1%u002C NFPA 1993/1997.
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health Effects
Effects from agents and chemicals which cause impairment or damage to humans.
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Health Hazard
Any chemical%u002C mixture of chemicals%u002C or microbiological pathogens%u002C for which there is a statistically significant evidence based on at least one study conducted in accordance with established scientific principles that acute and chronic health effects may occur in exposed employees%u003B Health and Safety Note%u003A The term health hazard includes chemicals which are carcinogens%u002C toxic or highly toxic agents%u002C reproductive toxins%u002C irritants%u002C corrosives%u002C sensitizes%u002C hepatoxins%u002C nephrotoxins%u002C neurotoxins%u002C agents which act on the hematopoietic system%u002C and agents which damage the lungs%u002C skin%u002C eyes%u002C or mucous membranes%u003B and it includes stress due to temperature extremes.
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Heat
The form of energy that is transferred by virtue of a temperature difference.
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Heat Exchanger
A mechanical device specifically designed to transfer heat between two physically separated fluids.
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Heat of Fusion
Latent heat involved in changing between the solid and the liquid states.
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Heat of Vaporisation
Latent heat involved in the change between liquid and vapour states.
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Heat Pump
In HVAC%u002C a refrigerating system employed to transfer heat into a space or substance. The condenser provides the heat while the evaporator is arranged to pick up heat from air%u002C water%u002C etc. By shifting the flow of air or other fluid%u002C a heat pump system may also be used to cool the space.
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Heat Stress
Heat stress is a medical condition where by workers are exerting energy above the body%u0027s ability to adapt to the stress. Education Note%u003A Heat stress results in a temperature increase of the body%u0027s normal 98.6%u00B0F %u002837%u00B0C%u0029. Malfunctioning or overload of the body%u0027s temperature and sweat mechanisms results in heat stress. Poor adaption to heat may lead to heat cramps%u002C heat exhaustion%u002C or heat stroke. Excessive environmental heat can result in a conditioned called prickly heat. There are three primary causes of heat stress%u003A insufficient water intake%u003B insufficient salt intake%u003B and a deficiency in the production of sweat%u002C the evaporation of which helps to cool the body naturally. Health and Safety Note%u003A Heat stress or heat exhaustion can result in a more life-threatening condition called heat stoke%u002C which is an overexposure to extreme heat%u002C where the body can no longer provide a natural regulation of the heat. The body overheats and core temperatures may reach 107%u00B0F which can result in a coma and death.
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Heat Stress Protection
The appropriate level of protection necessary to insure that employees do not become exhausted or over heated while performing a task. Heat stress protection includes%u002C the proper amount of breaks%u002C rest periods%u002C replacement of body fluids and electrolytes%u002C control of temperature and humidity. NIOSH 86-113
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Heat%u002C Latent
Change of enthalpy during a change of state%u002C usually expressed in BTUs per pound %u0028BTU/lb%u0029. With pure substances%u002C latent heat is absorbed or rejected at constant pressure.
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Heat%u002C Sensible
Heat which is associated with a change in temperature%u003B specific heat exchange of temperature%u003B in contrast to a heat interchange in which a change of state %u0028latent heat%u0029 occurs.
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Heat%u002C Specific
The ratio of the quantity of heat required to raise the temperature of a given mass of any substance one degree to the quantity required to raise the temperature of an equal mass of a standard substance %u0028usually water to 59%u00B0F%u0029%u002C one degree.
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Heat%u002C Total
The sum of sensible heat and latent heat between an arbitrary datum point and the temperature and state under consideration. See Enthalpy
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Heightened Awareness
A sense or tendency of a person after a flood or fire%u002C to perceive that the interior environment or contents are somehow different than what they were prior to the exposure. Education Note%u003A a%u0029 The heightened awareness by a claimant is an impression or perception about their environment after the fact%u002C whether real or perceived%u002C to them the smells to the indoor environment and/or contents%u002C are a concern. Often%u002C other persons such as contractors and adjusters%u002C cannot smell%u002C sense or experience the same heightened awareness as the claimant. Mostly%u002C this is due to the fact%u002C they have no prior memory which may help them recognize or trigger what the environment use to smelled-like. b%u0029 Some persons are sensitized%u002C and even de-sensitized%u002C to certain smells and odors. Each persons sensory receptors are different%u002C and what may be an acceptable smell or odor to you%u002C may not be acceptable for another person. c%u0029 Some contractors get themselves into trouble%u002C because they never asked the claimant at the time of loss%u002C if they%u002C any of their family or employees have asthma or allergies%u002C or are chemically sensitive. If the answer to any of your questions is yes%u002C you may need to modify your mitigation strategy. d%u0029 Adding fragrances and masking agents to the interior environment after a flood%u002C sewage or a fire%u002C may trigger some persons heightened awareness sensations%u002C which may cause the contractor to completely clean and restore the interior of a home. The court action costs the contractor%u0027s insurance company over %u0024500-K. See Limonene%u002C Sensory Perception
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HEPA %u0028High Efficiency Particulate Appliance%u0029
Meaning%u002C the ability of a material or appliance to stop a particle from passing through a material or appliance at an efficiency rate of 99.8%u0025 of airborne particles%u002C at 0.3 microns in diameter or larger.
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HEPA Air Scrubber %u0028High Efficiency Particulate Air Scrubber%u0029
Depending on the application%u002C it is a machine that has an air intake and one or more of- prefilters%u002C HEPA filters%u002C %u005BCarbon Filters%u005D%u002C plenum motor and exhaust that is contained in a metal housing. Mitigation Note%u003A HEPA air scrubbers-scrub and remove contaminated air%u002C allowing cleaner air to remain in a building. For example%u002C asbestos and lead abatement contractors must use HEPA filtered air scrubbers machines during abatement. When fungi and bacteria contaminated building materials are removed from buildings%u002C air scrubbers must be installed for the protection of employees and for the reduction of cross-contamination in non-contaminated areas. See Air Scrubbers%u002C HEPA Filters%u002C HEPA Sanders%u002C HEPA Vacuums
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HEPA Filters %u0028High Efficiency Particulate Air Filter%u0029
In a respirator%u002C a disposable dry-type filter having a particle removal efficiency of no less than 99.97 percent for 0.3 micron size particles. a%u0029 HEPA filters on a respirator%u002C are worn %u0028donned%u0029 by technicians in the protection from fine dust and spores entering their lungs. b%u0029 HEPA filters are used in air collection machines and vacuums to remove micro-fine particulates from air and surfaces. See HEPA Air Scrubber%u002C HEPA Vacuum
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HEPA Sanders %u0028High Efficiency Particulate Air Sanders%u0029
Special industrial-type sanders that are made to capture the sanded air particulates%u002C while the vibrating or circular sanders are on. All dust and debris from the sander is extracted through the sanding tool and back to a connected HEPA vacuum through a hose. Mitigation Note%u003A While these sanders are used for lead-base paint removal%u002C they are also used for mold mitigation.
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HEPA Vacuum %u0028High Efficiency Particulate Air Filtering Vacuum%u0029
Vacuuming equipment specially manufactured and designed to remove settled and loose contaminates from a surface%u002C and the vacuum filter not release the debris and micro-fine dusts back in air through the exhaust. Education Note%u003A The HEPA vacuum retains all micro-fine debris and it will not release or redistribute captured particles larger than 0.03 microns in size in air. For industrial size vacuums%u002C the HEPA vacuum filter is rather expensive%u002C and usually one or two prefilters precede and protect the HEPA filter. a%u0029 HEPA stand up vacuums can be purchased for residential use%u002C but in commercial applications%u002C including the containment of asbestos and lead-base paints%u002C only industrial rated HEPA vacuums can be used. In some states%u002C if asbestos and lead is being contained and controlled in the HEPA vacuum%u002C each vacuum must have a state registration number on it. The registration number is issued and renewed yearly by the state%u002C as long as the vacuum can meet the performance and leakage test. b%u0029 Industrial HEPA vacuums are used in mould and fungi mitigation and abatement. Dangerous fungi%u002C mycelial fragments%u002C mold toxins%u002C and cell parts are captured and retained in the HEPA vacuum. See HEPA Air Scrubber%u002C HEPA Filters
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Hepatitis
Inflammation of the liver. A virus caused disorder transmitted to humans from contaminated water and solid sewage waste resulting in Hepatitis. See Hepatitis-A and B
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Hepatitis-A
A virus commonly found in dirty water and sewage.
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Hepatitis-A Virus Vaccination
The vaccination medical professionals give for prevention of sewage related bacterial disease%u002C including hepatitis-A. Health and Safety Note%u003A Emergency response technicians who come in contact with gray water and sewage effluents as part of their job%u002C should have the Hepatitis-A vaccination%u002C while persons coming in contact with blood and blood products%u002C are encouraged to acquire the Hepatitis-B vaccination. Employers are mandated to make available the vaccinations at no cost to workers having known or potential occupational exposure. See Tetanus
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Hepatitis-B
A virus that is associated with blood and human body secretions.
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Hepatitis-B Virus Vaccination
A vaccination which protects workers from the hepatitis-B virus strain. Health and Safety Note%u003A Employers are mandated by law to offer the vaccination to employees who come in contact with potential hepatitis contaminates %u0028sewage%u0029%u002C blood and other potentially infectious materials %u0028OPIM%u0029.
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Hepatitis-C
Currently there are no vaccinations or protection against Hepatitis-C virus. Health and Safety Note%u003A Many water damage remediation technicians ask about Hepatitis-C vaccination. There are none at this time. Most likely workers are confused between the Hepatitis B and C virus and vaccinations. Health Note%u003A Recently%u002C the Hepatitis-C virus has become more of a health concern than HIV-AIDS infections.
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Hermetically Sealed Environment
An air tight environment that keeps contaminates either in or out. Hermetically sealed environments are necessary in asbestos%u002C lead and mould abatement. Even though abatement contractors may not define containment as being hermetic%u002C in actuality%u002C the containment engineering controls for such an environment are required.
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Hidden Damage
Any damage which is or may be under a floor%u002C above a ceiling%u002C or inside a wall cavity. Health Note%u003A Hidden damage includes not identifying fungi or bacteria which is not apparent%u002C or where the microscopic damage cannot be seen with the human eye.
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High Hazard Work Environments
Any job or task which has a strong likelihood of an employee coming into direct contact with a hazard or hazardous substance%u002C and atmospheres and environments which may contribute to that employee having a direct risk to their life and health.
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Higher Levels of Building Standard Cleanliness
No two buildings are alike and some buildings require more care than others in maintaining good IAQ. Medical-surgical and patient recovery areas%u002C scientific laboratories%u002C and computer chip manufacturing for example%u002C must receive a higher level of maintenance and indoor air quality care%u002C than do most general office buildings and homes.
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High-rise Drying
In water damage remediation%u002C it is the use of mechanical and engineering controls necessary to dry a wet high-rise building properly. Investigation and Restorative Drying Note%u003A a%u0029 High-rise or multi-story flood remediation requires a great amount of knowledge from building engineers about the building structural components%u002C air pathways and ventilation%u002C chases for electrical%u002C lift and ventilation shafts%u002C pressure differentials between walls%u002C plumbing and other conduit runs between floors. b%u0029 Drying a wood frame 4-floor wood frame and floor building%u002C can vary considerably%u002C when attempting to dry a similar 4-floor concrete high-rise having a pan floor for example. c%u0029 Finding all the sources of water intrusion and moisture vapor%u002C can be half the battle in drying a wet high-rise building properly. See Substructure Drying%u002C Building Drying
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Histoplasmosis Capsulatum
Histoplasmosis capsulatum is a soilborne fungus and feces infection from pigeons%u002C other birds and bats. The inhalation infection can result in lung related fungi and meningitis infections in humans. See Cryptococcus
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Holdout
A painting condition that results from a paint having the ability to lay on top of a surface and not soak into the substrate.
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Horsepower
Unit of power in foot-pound-second system%u003B work done at the rate of 550 ft-lb per sec%u002C or 33%u002C000 ft-lb per min. %u0028The force required to raise%u002C 33%u002C000 pounds at a rate of one foot per minute%u0029.
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Hospital Sewage
Mostly non-regulated waste containing human sewage%u002C blood%u002C infections diseases and illness%u002C and chemotherapy waste. Health and Safety Note%u003A Hospital sewage is a health concern to plumbers who have direct contact with sewage on the premise of the hospital. It is thought and believed %u0028by OSHA%u0029 that there are no additional health concerns to sewer employees or plumbers%u002C who come in contact with blood potential having HBV or HCV%u002C once the sewage and OPIM enters the main stream of the sewer system. See Commercial Sewage%u002C Domestic Sewage%u002C Industrial Sewage
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Host
A material%u002C person or organism for which bacteria%u002C viruses and fungi can use to live%u002C thrive and support their nutrients by.
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Hot Deck
In a heating system%u002C a hot deck is the heating section of a multi-zone system which includes the heating coil and duct.
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Hot Gas By-pass
In a heating system%u002C a hot gas bypass is the valve used to introduce compressor discharge gas directly into the evaporator. This type of arrangement will maintain compressor operation at light loads down to zero by falsely loading the evaporator and compressor.
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Hot Spot/Hot Zone
An informal expression designating a specific area or zone as being the primary pollutant or contamination spot.
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Hot Water Extraction
A hot-water restorative cleaning method used in water damage mitigation and sewage clean-up%u002C to suspend and remove loose contaminates off of a surface.
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Hot Water Washing
A preferred water-base cleaning method for clothes and building fabrics%u002C including carpets and some upholstery%u002C for the removal of oils%u002C soils%u002C and organic debris. Hot water washing includes the use of detergents%u002C followed by agitation%u002C rinsing and thorough drying.
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Humidifier Fever
A respiratory disease that results in influenza-like symptoms. It is also referred to as air-conditioning fever. It is caused by exposure to toxins that are emitted by microorganisms which are aerosolized in the breathing space of persons. Health and Liability Note%u003A A particular concern is contractors who aerosolize surfaceborne dusts and organic waste into the air%u002C especially when ongoing biological growth or smell is apparent in air. The water damage contractor must ask all persons exposed to dusts%u002C fungi and micro-pollutants during building drying%u002C to leave the effected building area until the building is dried%u002C dehumidified%u002C sanitized and returned back to its pre-loss state. In addition%u002C the employees of the remediation contractor must wear appropriate PPE. See Personal Protective Equipment %u0028PPE%u0029
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Humidifier Lung
A type of allergic lung condition that is common among workers involved with refrigeration and air conditioning equipment. The allergy is produced by two kinds of fungus%u002C micropolyspora and thermoactinomyces. Symptoms of the short-term form of the disease include chills%u002C cough%u002C fever%u002C difficult breathing%u002C loss of appetite%u002C nausea%u002C and vomiting. The long-term form of the disease is known by fatigue%u002C cough%u002C weight loss%u002C and difficult breathing during exercise. Also referred to as air conditioner lung.
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Humidistat
A regulator device%u002C actuated by changes in humidity%u002C used for the automatic control of relative humidity.
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Humidity
The measurement of moisture and moisture-vapor in air. See Absolute Humidity%u002C Ambient Humidity%u002C Relative Humidity
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Humidity Gradient
The measurement of ambient indoor humidity at different layers or heights%u002C where the ambient humidity monitoring shows an increase or decrease of humidity.
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Humidity Ratio
The ratio of the mass of the water vapor to the mass of dry air contained in an atmosphere at the same temperature.
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Humidity%u002C Absolute
The total amount of water vapour present in a system compared to the total volume of air. Absolute humidity is usually expressed as grams per cubic meter %u0028g/m3%u0029%u002C but it could also be expressed as grains per cubic foot.
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Humidity%u002C Percentage
The ratio of the specific humidity of humid air%u002C to that of saturated air%u002C at the same temperature and pressure. Humidity is expressed as a percentage %u0028degree of saturation%u003B saturation ratio%u0029.
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Humidity%u002C Relative
a%u0029 The ratio between the amount of water vapour present in air%u002C and the greatest amount the air could contain at the same temperature. Once the temperature changes so does the amount or ratio of water vapour which the air can retain. b%u0029 The ratio of the amount of water vapour present in the air compared to the maximum amount the air could retain at that specific temperature.
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Humidity%u002C Specific
a%u0029 The total weight of water vapour present compared to the total weight of the air in the system. b%u0029 The weight of the water vapour in air associated with 1 pound weight of dry air.
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HVAC
An abbreviation meaning the heating%u002C ventilation and air conditioning unit or system. A system which is concerned with the temperature%u002C humidity%u002C cleanliness%u002C and distribution of air throughout a building or conditioned space.
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Hydrdynamic
Forces imposed on buildings by water moving around it. Among these loads are positive-frontal pressure against the structure%u003B drag effect along the sides%u003B and negative pressure on the downward or downstream side.
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Hydrogen Peroxide
An effective skin antiseptic %u0028H2O2%u0029 %u002C at 3 percent strength. Strengths greater than 10 percent%u002C may be an effective disinfectant to contents and building materials. See Peroxygen
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Hydrogen Sulfide
A rotten-egg fowl-smelling gas %u0028H2S%u0029 produced during the anaerobic decomposition of organic material by bacteria and by the metabolism of sulphur-producing bacteria. The gasses are highly toxic to humans%u002C and when the smell is present appropriate breathing devices must be worn. Health and Safety Note%u003A Hydrogen sulphide is often found in the attached ground of substructural soil when it has been sewage contaminated with stagnant sewage sludge for some time. Old timers in the mining industry called this condition Stink Damp.
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Hydrophilic
Having an affinity for water. Building materials which are moisture-loving and readily absorb moisture vapour and water%u002C such as drywall. See Hygroscopic
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Hydrostatic
Moisture and vapour pressure exerted from below grade up through concrete and other porous building materials.
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Hydrostatic Loads
Forces imposed on a surface%u002C such as a wall or floor%u002C by a standing mass of water. The water pressure increases with the square of the water depth.
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Hygrgraph
A hygrometer having an arrangement for recording the atmospheric humidity%u002C and sometimes temperature and dew point.
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Hygrometer
A scientific instrument used to measure moisture as water vapour in air. Some hygrometers are capable of measuring humidity%u002C temperature and dew point.
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Hygroscopic
Materials easily absorptive of moisture%u002C readily absorbing and retaining moisture.
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Hygroscopic Building Materials
Building materials which have a natural affinity to hold and retain water and moisture vapour%u002C especially building materials when indoor humidity exceeds 70%u0025 for periods of time. Restorative Drying Note%u003A a%u0029 Building materials%u002C such as blown acoustic ceilings and acoustic tiles%u002C drywall and wall insulation%u002C which attract%u002C readily absorb%u002C and take up water and moisture vapour. b%u0029 Once saturated%u002C hygroscopic building materials will not release their water and moisture vapour as fast as they retained it. c%u0029 Hygroscopic building materials when wet or damp%u002C are typically those materials that aid in the distribution of spores. See Bound Water%u002C Moisture Content%u002C Moisture Vapour
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Hygrothermograph
An instrument capable of measuring and charting temperature and humidity on the same chart. A simultaneous time recording of ambient temperature and humidity. Often%u002C hygrothermograph recorders print temperature in red%u002C while printing humidity in blue.
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Hypersensitivity
A reaction or an altered state or activity in an individual following contact with certain kinds of inanimate or animate substances.
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Hypersensitivity Diseases
A group of diseases that are associated with hypersensitivity pneumonitis and humidifier fever%u002C that involve inflammation of the lungs. Hypersensitivity diseases are usually thought to be caused by repeat exposures resulting in allergic reactions and health responses to a contaminate.
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Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis %u0028HP%u0029
An indoor inflammatory disease from the inhalation of dusts%u002C spores%u002C and airborne contaminates. HP occurs less often than allergic rhinitis and asthma%u002C but when diagnosed%u002C it is often a more severe of a allergic reaction and it is harder to control. Health and Safety Note%u003A Water damage contractors have a due diligent responsibility to advise building occupants%u002C that if they have allergies%u002C it may be harmful for them to be in the effected zone or building during the containment%u002C drydown and dehumidification period.
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Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis%u002C Immediate Type
An immune response by antibodies characterized by hives%u002C wheezing%u002C and/or abrupt chance in blood pressure. The response condition may be immediate or right after a few hours of an exposure. Health and Safety Note%u003A Hypersensitivity pneumonitis has been identified as an emergency health condition in some people%u002C which can be triggered from fungi%u002C dust and other contaminates in wet buildings. See Occupational Related Respiratory Diseases
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Hyphae
The root-like structure which grows in the host material of damaged building materials%u002C which eventually becomes a fungi plant. In large numbers%u002C they are referred to as Mycelial Fragments. See Mycelial Fragments
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Hypothesis Theory
An informed theory which best describes the best available information about why buildings and their occupants are having problems. Hypothesis modeling comes by visual and sometimes scientific investigation%u002C attempting to prove the hypothesis and to validate the theory. See Best Professional Judgement%u002C Extrapolation
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