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

Pack-Out An insurance term typically meaning the methods requiring inventory%u002C boxing%u002C removal and temporary storage of contents from a damaged property. Education Note%u003A Some pack-outs are provided by office relocation companies whose job requires the removal and relocation of contents and equipment to temporary facilities until the damaged property can be restored back to pre-loss conditions. The pack-out in part is necessary to reduce business interruption. Other pack-outs are provided by a specialty contractor who is involved in fire damage restoration. In this situation the pack-out requires the contents to be removed%u002C cleaned and restored back to pre-loss conditions before they are returned to a restored property. See Business Interruption Coverage   Pad See Carpet Cushion   Paint Grade Materials Drywall%u002C plywood%u002C pine%u002C and other finish materials such as softwood and fiberboard baseboards%u002C that are not meant to be stain grade.   Pan Flooring See Metal Pan Flooring   Paper Trail The administrative record keeping of all job related documents and documentation. Contractor and Liability Note%u003A In a legal action%u002C the paper trail starts with company certifications and management training%u002C employee training%u002C general and liability insurance%u002C phone log%u002C customer emergency call-in log%u002C response logs%u002C equipment logs%u002C contracts and agreements%u002C change orders%u002C disclaimers%u002C photographs%u002C daily job logs%u002C subcontractor logs%u002C job related health and safety logs%u002C MSDS%u002C estimates and square foot measurements%u002C moisture measurements%u002C dehumidification monitoring and drydown%u002C waste disposal and dumping%u002C to customer proof of satisfaction forms.   PAPR %u0028Positive Air Pressure Respirators%u0029 Full-Face respirators which are positive air pressure fed from filtering canisters and a motor. The filtering canisters%u002C motor and battery are on a belt worn around the waist. The supply hose comes from the filter housing to the full-face mask. PAPR respirators are the preferred respirator required for certain contaminates and confined space work%u002C where heat-stress is a factor%u002C when working in Level-C or B PPE. Safety and Health Note%u003A PAPR respirators are only efficient if the appropriate filter canisters are in place%u0021 As a general filter canister rule%u002C consider using HEPA/Organic/Acid Gas-type filters. OSHA Note%u003A The contractor must provide the right filters relative to the contaminates involved. For H2S and SO2%u002C only in-line air or SCBA can be used%u002C because H2S and SO2 elements are gases%u002C and filter canisters cannot screen out these gases. OSHA Note%u003A All atmospheres where flammable%u002C explosive air%u002C gases%u002C vapours%u002C mists and toxins are present or are suspected%u002C or the atmosphere may not contain appropriate breathable air%u002C or because of the work involved an employee may create an atmospheric hazard%u002C exceeding PM-10/50%u002C proper monitoring and engineering controls must be implemented before employees can work in a hazardous environment.   Particulate Matter a%u0029 A solid material that is a byproduct of construction waste which easily becomes airborne and can be inhaled. b%u0029 An airborne dust%u002C spore%u002C pollen or bioaerosol which can result in asthma and allergy-like conditions when inhaled. c%u0029 A solid material that settled out of air which can easily become airborne through disturbance or increased air movement. d%u0029 Particulate matter in water%u002C especially contaminated water%u002C while it is in a dissolved state. e%u0029 When surface water is removed%u002C particulate matter constitutes the insoluble sand%u002C clay%u002C fines and other solid matter after an outdoor flood indoors or a blackwater sewage contamination from main-line sewer backflows. The former U.S. Surgeon General C. Everett Koop warns that every day%u002C the average persons respiratory system receives more than two table spoons of particulate matter %u0028dust%u002C pollen%u002C tar%u002C rubber%u002C acids%u002C metals%u002C smoke%u002C clutch and brake materials%u002C bacteria%u002C mould%u002C and many other hazardous and allergic matter%u0029.   Pathogens Pathogens Disease causing microorganisms. Microorganisms including but not limited to viruses%u002C bacteria and fungi%u002C which have the capacity to cause disease under certain conditions. See Allergens   Patina A natural aging process%u002C which over time%u002C allows oxidization and weathering to cover some finishes. Caution Note%u003A Disturbing the patina%u002C through cleaning and sanitizing of some building materials and contents%u002C may result in a permanent colour change and even damage to that material. Patina is common on brass and bronze statues%u002C sculpture%u002C paintings and porcelain. Patina may also be present on artifacts%u002C antiques and collectibles. The loss of patina can dramatically reduce the worth value of a particular item. See Diminished Property Value   Pattern Matching The ability to matchsections of a wall or flooring material to manufacturer instructions%u002C that hide seams and match pattern runoffs.   Pattern Repeat The repeat of a pattern of material that is distanced between any given point in a design or length%u002C to where that exact point in the pattern is repeated again.   Pattern Scribing In flooring%u002C a method of fitting flooring material in small or complicated areas%u002C using scribing felt or some other paper%u002C that outlines the room and objects that are impeeding a continuous flat-lay of a material. Refer to Armstrong Guaranteed Installation Systems Handbook 2000/2001 @ 800/233-3823   Peeling In paint film terminology%u002C peeling refers to the delamination from the substrate or previous coat of paint%u002C that represents larger paint film pieces instead of paint flakes. In many instances peeling is due to trapped moisture found behind the painted surface. Also%u002C lack of surface preparation%u002C painting over salts%u002C mildew%u002C dirt%u002C oily surface%u002C chalking or over multiple layers of dried paint film will cause peeling.   Peer Review Persons regarded as having the same experience%u002C knowledge and values in a particular subject%u002C to which they are held as industry leaders%u002C who are given the task to review documents and papers for presentation and publishing.   Perambulate A word that is not in much use today to describe a site assessment and inspection. To perambulate%u002C you are walking around while examining and inspecting the perimeter of a building or property%u002C or walking through a large building while taking notes.   Perboric Acid An acid used by itself or it may be found in some cleaning chemicals and powders. Education Note%u003A Perboric acid %u0028HBO3%u0029 forms salts%u002C called the perborates%u002C which when released in water%u002C produces a type of hydrogen peroxide. Perboric acid in water%u002C are short lived%u002C and to maintain their strength%u002C they must be used within a reasonable period of time. Sodium perborates are used in spotters and browning treatments%u002C and they produce a mild oxidizing effect.   Perceived Risk A perception about potential risk by employees of their work environment. Safety and Health Note%u003A Perceived risks are most often unknown risks%u002C and they are recognized through mental awareness%u002C a heightened level of sensitivity%u002C an insight%u002C a sixth-sense%u002C or a mental observation about a particular circumstance we find ourselves in which we recognize as to be unsafe. Perceived risk are any potential risk that may be present during the assessment phase%u002C and including the demolition or the cleanup phase of a damaged building. OSHA Note%u003A OSHA considers all perceived risks to be real risks%u002C until they can be proven otherwise. The mitigation employee%u0027s and their employer%u002C must take all appropriate safety corrective action%u002C including the use of PPE%u002C in protecting employees%u002C when there is a perception pertaining to a perceived risk.   Performance Bond An insurance bond taken out by the contractor which protects and indemnifies the building owner%u002C in that the contractor will preform and meet all terms within the agreement%u002C or the building owner can seek redress by acting and invoking the bond%u002C once the contractor fails to preform%u002C as stipulated in the contract.   Performance Humidity Curve A temperature and humidity graph depicting the performance of humidity from a water damage while in a buildings atmosphere. Restorative Drying Note%u003A The performance curve of humidity as vapor pressure in a building during dehumidification%u002C will most likely be different than the trapped humidity vapour pressure located inside wet wall cavities. Monitoring the performance humidity curve is a critical component in managing wet building drying. See Ambient Humidity%u002C Permeability Factor%u002C Relative Humidity%u002C Specific Humidity%u002C Thermalgraphic Chart Recorders/Sensors   Pergo Flooring A manufactured floating floor system that has the appearance of hardwood flooring. Pergo is a product trade name owned by Perstop Flooring%u002C Inc. Pergo flooring consists of a wood-base core%u002C and it is made of wood chips%u002C sawdust and adhesive binders%u002C compressed under high heat and pressure. The wood material is then applied with a photo-generated picture and it has a wear layer consisting of a melamine plastic finish. Restorative Drying Note%u003A The Pergo flooring system has either a five year or seven year product warrantee. Any water damage to the floor may void manufacturer warrantee. If water gets under a Pergo floor system product%u002C dehumidification drying may be of little use or benefit%u002C but in general%u002C the wood chip%u002C saw dust%u002C binder and floor adhesive on the product%u002C including the underlayment%u002C are known to weaken and break down%u002C often resulting in permanent damage to the effected floor area. For manufacturer information call%u003A 800/337-3746. Installation Note%u003A All Pergo floor products must have a 6-mil or greater plastic vapour barrier when Pergo products are installed over concrete having less than 5 pounds of vapour pressure per thousand square foot%u003B or less than 10%u0025 moisture content of wood subfloors%u002C installed with a Pergo SoundblockTM or WhisperwalkTM underlayment.   Peril An event causing exposure and harm to a person%u002C possession or a to building. A named peril is a particular peril that is covered or exempt under the insurance policy.   Perimeter Area Cleaning from Fungal Contamination The removal of migrant dusts%u002C dirt and spores through HEPA vacuuming and surface cleaning%u002C that may be present due to the spread of the fungal contamination%u002C or from the remediation and abatement process.   Permeability The ease with which water and moisture%u002C chemicals%u002C gases and toxins are able to move or migrate into%u002C out-of and through porous building materials at a molecular level.   Permeability Factor In water damage mitigation%u002C permeability factor is the ability of moisture as a vapour along with vapour pressure%u002C exerting its energy to penetrate into a material by diffusion.   Permissible Exposure Limit %u0028PEL%u0029 a%u0029 An employee allowable workplace exposure limit%u002C to a chemical or biological agent. Health and Safety Note%u003A The published permissible exposure levels in which an exposure%u002C inhalation%u002C or dermal permissible exposure limit%u002C exceeds acceptable standards and levels. Employer Note%u003A For employees in their workplace%u002C it means concentrations of chemicals and agents that must not be exceeded during an 8-hour work shift of a 40-hour work week. There are no PEL levels for persons in non-working environments%u002C such as in home%u002C unless the home is the designated work facility for a maid%u002C gardener%u002C plumber or a contractor%u002C for example. Also%u002C there are no lower limit exposure levels for employees having extreme low tolerance levels to chemicals%u002C pollutants and other agents. In California%u002C and in other states and the federal register%u002C The exposure%u002C inhalation or dermal permissible exposure limit specified for California employees are in 8 CCR%u002C Chapter 4%u002C Subchapter 7%u002C Groups 14 and 15%u003B and Group 16%u002C Articles 107%u002C 109%u002C and 110.   Permit Required Confined Space Any building or soil space which has a lack of oxygen%u002C has hazards%u002C agents or circumstances %u0028atmosphere%u002C engulfment%u002C physical%u0029 which are known or suspect of becoming a direct life and health concern to employees. Federal regulations are found in 29 CFR 1910.146. See Confined Space%u002C Non-Permit Required Confined Space   Peroxygen A trademark name of a hydrogen peroxide treatment of contaminated soil in situ. Peroxygen treatments of contaminated soil consists of greater than 30/60%u0025 peroxide.   Persistence The ability of some disinfectant chemicals to remain chemically active following their release in to a building or material. Some persistent chemicals remain active and resist biodegradation.   Person or Persons Means and includes the named insureds%u002C and any other individual%u002C group%u002C company%u002C firm%u002C association%u002C partnership%u002C trust%u002C estate or governmental body%u002C or any other legal entity.   Personal Hygiene a%u0029 A minimum of soap washing%u002C scrubbing and rinsing as a personal care to all exposed skin and contaminated clothing. This is considered by CDC%u002C hospitals%u002C health departments and doctors%u002C as being the number one method for preventing the spread of disease. b%u0029 The personal care mandated by an employer to an employee in keeping personally clean and tidy at all times while on a job. c%u0029 During a contamination clean-up job%u002C personal hygiene is the safe level of decontamination of the employee and their equipment%u002C necessary to be considered safe and decontaminated.   Personal Liability In insurance terminology%u002C personal liability are those damages which an insured becomes legally liable for or obliged to pay because of bodily injury or property damage resulting from an occurrence to which insurance coverage applies. Education Note%u003A At the insurer%u0027s expense and with attorneys of their choice%u002C the insurer will defend an insured against any covered claim or suit. The insurer is not obligated to pay defense costs%u002C including attorneys fees of any claim or suit where the insured selects an attorney not chosen by the insurer because there is a dispute between the insurer and insured over coverage. The insurer may elect to investigate and settle any claim or suit which the insurer considers proper. The insurer%u0027s obligation to defend any claim or suit ends once the insurer has paid their limit of liability.   Personal Protective Equipment %u0028PPE%u0029 Company provided%u002C repaired and replaced%u002C but employee maintained%u002C personal safety and health equipment. 29 CFR 1910.132%u0028a%u0029. Contractor Note%u003A Equipment which is necessary %u005Bunder OSHA mandates%u005D to provide the level of safety and protection for employees during assessment and mitigation phases of a disaster%u002C exposure or hazard. 29 CFR 1910.132%u002C 41 CFR 50-204-7. See OSHA%u002C Serious Violation   Personal Protective Equipment %u0028PPE%u0029 All employees are to be properly trained and certified in the use of respirators before donning a respirator. Employees are also to be provided with a level of clothing protection that will protect them before they come in contact with a known or potential hazardous environment. The contractor is to assess the hazards of a job%u002C then provide for the proper level of protection. Only employees properly trained are to enter a potentially hazardous area or environment. 29 CFR 1910.120   Perturbation Some action or event that causes or results in disturbance of the normal function of an environment.   Petroleum Products Includes petroleum crude or any fraction thereof that is liquid at standard conditions of temperature and pressure %u002860%u00B0Fahrenheit and 14.7 pounds per square inch absolute%u0029. The term petroleum product includes petroleum-based substances comprised of a complex blend of hydrocarbons derived from crude oil.   Phase 1%u002C IAQ Assessment/Audit An indoor air quality %u0028IAQ%u0029 assessment is an IAQ audit-survey of a building and its occupants. This audit by management or a professional who will take into account the history of the building%u002C engineering controls to keep it operating safely%u002C HVAC system design%u002C prior building usage%u002C occupancy loads and design. See Environmental Audit%u002C Environmental Assessment   Phase 1%u002C IAQ Preliminary Building Assessment A visual fact gathering by management of indoor air quality problems. No professional consulting is required%u002C but depending on the issues%u002C and fact gathering findings%u002C a professional may need to be consulted. If the concerns or problems are obvious%u002C there should be immediate resolution of the problem by management.   Phase 2%u002C IAQ Sampling with Analysis The use of ASHRAE standards and suggested EPA recommendations%u002C along with indoor air quality sampling. Sampling may include real-time monitoring and sampling for a laboratory. Testing will include thermal conditions%u002C temperature and humidity monitoring. Building material deterioration%u002C assessment%u002C air flow measurements%u002C carbon monoxide/dioxide%u002C microbiological and VOCs studies are of primary interest to the IAQ/IEQ professional.   Phase 3%u002C IAQ Mitigation Once all the building issues have been evaluated by the IAQ team%u002C immediate problem solving should begin. This often requires the removal of the contaminated sources%u002C followed with cleaning and sanitization. The ventilation system may require cleaning and sanitization%u002C replacement of some insulation and filter media.   Phase 4%u002C IAQ Diagnosis If Phase III is not completely satisfactory%u002C then a reassessment of the building and occupant concerns is necessary. Additional testing about other issues are important%u002C to state what are the remaining issues%u003F Once old and new problems have been identified and isolated%u002C mitigation should again be completed with follow up analysis.   Phase 5%u002C IAQ Post-Monitoring and Recurrence Prevention Depending on the issues%u002C such as with flooded buildings%u002C it is prudent to recognize that some building concerns may reoccur months later%u002C especially when bacteria and fungi were present during the initial cleanup. Change in seasons%u002C temperature%u002C humidity and time%u002C may alter the buildings atmosphere and ecosystem. Post-sampling 6 months and a year later adds to closure of a previously flooded building.   Phoenix Dehumidifiers A model and type of quality commercial size refrigerant dehumidifiers that can remove from 200 pints to 300 pints of airborne moisture from a humidified atmosphere per day under ideal moisture conditions. The manufacturer of Phoenix dehumidifier equipment is Therma-Stor. See Dri-Eaz Dehumidifiers%u002C EBAC Dehumidifiers%u002C Restorative Drying   Photo-Documentation The photographic recording and documentation of a particular damage or event in a still format%u002C as compared to a video format.   Picture Window A type of window with a large center glass area usually bordered on both sides by two smaller windows having similar design.   Pier Upright support members of a building with a height limited to a maximum of three times its least lateral dimension. A pier is designed and constructed to function as an independent structural elements in supporting and transmitting building and environmental loads to the ground.   Pile An upright support member of a building usually long and slender in shape%u002C driven into the ground by mechanical means and primarily supported by friction between the pile and the surrounding ground. Piles %u0028pilings%u0029%u002C often cannot act as individual support units and required bracing to other pilings.   Pile Jetting The use of high-pressure water to position pilings in sandy soil by forcing the sand away from the pile-driving direction.   Pink-Eye Also known as Red-Eye%u002C which is an inflammation of the eye causing redness%u002C discomfort and sometimes a discharge from the affected eye. Health Note%u003A Pink-Eye and Red-Eye can be an occupational caused disease from contact with contaminated materials. Pink-eye and red-eye are more commonly referred to as Conjunctivitis. Most conjunctival infections are caused by bacteria%u002C for example%u002C staphylococci%u002C that are spread hand-to-mouth%u002C contact with a contaminated surface%u002C or where sewage affected pollutants become airborne. Education Note%u003A a%u0029 Water damage technicians must wear proper clothing%u002C respiratory and eye protection during sewage cleanup. b%u0029 Besides sewage bacteria%u002C conjunctivitis can also be caused from airborne dust%u002C spores and allergens. c%u0029 Technicians must eliminate the use of air movers during the cleanup phase%u002C especially during mold and sewage damage cleanup or when there is airborne debris created from increased air movement. See Conjunctivitis   Plastic Sealed A method of temporarily protecting contents and materials that are in harms way or that must be removed because they too are contaminated. Education Note%u003A Plastic sealed not only protects an item%u002C it also protects employees from risk and exposure.   Plastic Sealed Room A method of sealing-off and protecting a room from outside exposure%u002C or protecting other rooms from a contaminate held inside the room which is to be sealed.   Plate Count The laboratory method used to determine the microbial population in a petri dish.   Pneumoconiosis a%u0029 Any group of lung diseases caused by the inhalation of certain mineral dusts. These dusts originate from non-fibrous materials%u002C so they do not include asbestos or fiberglass. Materials included in pneumoconiosis diseases are silica sand dust%u002C from air blasting%u002C sanding and stone cutting%u002C fine fly ash dust or coal dust. b%u0029 A condition of the respiratory tract due to inhalation of dust that are deposited and retained in the lungs%u002C resulting in signs and symptoms of a pulmonary disease%u002C called pneumoconiosis.   Pneumonia Inflammation of the lungs due to infection. Most cases of pneumonia involve inhalation of a virus or bacteria%u002C including Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus. Education and Health Note%u003A a%u0029 Both bacteria of Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus%u002C are associated with dirty outdoor and indoor building environments. Buildings that have experienced a sewage contamination and aerosolization of bacteria spores%u002C are susceptible to the Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus exposures. Staph and Strep bacteria can thrive on organic dust. b%u0029 Pneumonia is also associated with the bacteria Legionella pneumonphilia %u0028Legionnaires disease%u0029. c%u0029 During the mitigation of sewage in a building and the cleaning of dirty ventilation systems%u002C technicians must wear proper protective clothing and respiratory protection.   Pneumonitis Inflammation of the lungs. A persistent condition that result in infection or pneumonia.   Pockets of Saturation Building areas having no acceptable route of escape for water%u002C moisture or water vapour. Some pockets of saturation include wall cavities%u002C subfloors%u002C chases%u002C voids%u002C partitions and fire blocks. Other areas having potential pockets of saturation include built-in cabinets%u002C shelving%u002C vanities%u002C baths and shower enclosures.   Point%u0028s%u0029 of Demonstration A location selected between the source area and the potential point of exposure where corrective action goals are implemented.   Point%u0028s%u0029 of Exposure The point at which building occupants or remediation workers come in contact with chemicals%u002C toxins%u002C vapours or biological agents.   Polish A temporary coat of finish acting as a coating that enhances the appearance of a floor or material surface%u002C protecting the substrate of the material. A polish can be altered%u002C changed and effected through use and cleaning%u002C or atmospheric conditions such as temperature%u002C wind%u002C humidity and UV light.   Polishing The application of a temporary coating that protects materials from wear%u002C abrasion%u002C soiling and discoloration%u002C while smoothing the surface while significantly improving the gloss. Polishes are easily removed and replaced or refurbished.   Pollutant An organism%u002C chemical%u002C vapor%u002C gas%u002C toxin or any other agent that is harmful to a building or to persons either inside or outside a building.   Pollution Any substance or condition in the environment that harms the health of a person or a material.   Pollution Liability Insurance Coverage A coverage that usually protects the contractor from liability and damages resulting from a pollution occurrence. Most general liability policies exclude pollution coverage. However%u002C depending on the policy language%u002C limited pollution coverage may apply. Pollution insurance may be necessary when contractors come in contact with lead-base paint%u002C asbestos%u002C contaminated soil%u002C liquids and solvents%u002C mold%u002C sewage%u002C biohazards%u002C toxins%u002C or when contractors use or apply chemicals%u002C such as cleaners%u002C disinfectants and deodorizers. See General Liability Insurance Policy   Poly An abbreviation for polyethylene sheeting. In the asbestos abatement and mold remediation industry%u002C %u0027poly%u0027 is usually referred to as polyethylene or plastic sheeting that covers%u002C seals%u002C masks%u002C protects an environment or contents. In asbestos and mold remediation%u002C poly must be 6mm thick plastic sheeting or bags for contaminated material containment. In some areas%u002C poly that is used as a barrier of a room for example%u002C must be 6mm thick and FR or fire retardant rated.   Polyamide Sweat A painting condition resulting from too cool or too damp of a surface to be painted. Education Note%u003A Polyamide sweat causes a yellow appearance in epoxies%u002C either as blotches or uniformity of color. With epoxies%u002C the sweat condition can occur when the paint hardener%u0028s%u0029 are not mixed well enough%u002C in proper proportions or they are not allowed to sweat prior to application. A method of correction to remove yellowing includes MEK and wiping%u003B or a solution of 4%u003A1 water/vinegar and wiping. Caution%u003A if MEK methyl ethyl ketone is used%u002C it must be used appropriately with the proper amount of ventilation and worker protection.   Poria incrassata Poria incrassata is commonly referred to as a building cancer mould. Education Note%u003A Poria must be professionally identified and cut out%u002C or the building will continue to decay%u002C especially when moisture or high humidity is present. This particular fungi is not airborne%u002C it is soilborne%u002C and it is able to extract water from soil and organic materials%u002C where there is sufficient moisture to thrive. Poria travels up through root-like tubes %u0028rhizomorphs%u0029%u002C that it creates. The fungi will travel up the side of concrete%u002C steel and wood%u002C until it finds a wood material to suck out the life %u0028moisture and nutrients%u0029. Poria then uses the nutrient source to thrive%u002C as it continues to find other building materials%u002C including hardwood floors%u002C wood studs and joists to decay. Poria will decay normal healthy and dry wood%u002C which are not typically attacked by normal wood decaying fungi. Once established in a building%u002C Poria can spread throughout a building quickly%u002C destroying large sections of flooring and walls%u002C typically in several months to a year. Fortunately%u002C only a very small percentage of building decay is caused by Poria in the Southwestern part of the United States. Many more reported cases of Poria are in the South and Southeastern U.S.   Post A long upright support set in holes backfilled with cement or compacted backfilled material. Each post usually requires bracing to other posts. Most posts are made of wood.   Post-Emergency Response a%u0029 As in the case of a fire damage%u002C a post-emergency response is that portion of the emergency after the fire is out%u002C allowing for emergency board-up%u002C structure stabilization%u002C temporary repair%u002C cleanup and deodorization. b%u0029 In hazardous materials management%u002C a post emergency response is that portion of an emergency response performed after the immediate threat of a release %u0028chemical or material hazard%u0029 has been stabilized or eliminated and clean-up of the site has begun. If post emergency response is performed by the on-site employer%u0027s own employees who were part of the initial emergency response%u002C post-emergency response is considered to be part of the initial response and not a post-emergency response action. However%u002C if a group of an employers own employees%u002C separate from the group providing initial response%u002C performs the clean-up operation%u002C then the separate group of employees would be considered to be performing post-emergency response during a hazardous materials cleanup. c%u0029 After an earthquake%u002C flood%u002C fire%u002C tornado or other natural disaster%u002C a post-emergency response is that action necessary to further protect life and property from secondary and consequential harm.   Post-FIRM For FEMA insurance rating purposes%u002C post-FIRM construction means construction or substantial improvement to a structure that started after December 31%u002C 1974%u002C or on or after the effective date of the initial FIRM for a community. For FEMA floodplain management purposes%u002C post-FIRM construction means structures for which the start of new or substantial improvement construction commences on or after the effective date of a floodplain management regulation adopted by a community.   Potable Water Water which is suitable for human consumption. It has the absence of coliform%u002C heavy metals and other contaminates%u002C which meets the drinking water standards.   potentially Complete Exposure Pathway A situation with a reasonable likely chance of occurrence in which a person or persons may become directly or indirectly exposed to contaminates and pollutants.   Pounds of Moisture Vapour Pressure In concrete slabs%u002C it is the pounds of moisture pressure exuded up and out of concrete in the form of moisture vapor%u002C which must not exceed 3 pounds %u0028of moisture vapour%u0029 per thousand square feet of floor space%u002C over a 24 hour period. Contractor Note%u003A Cured concrete slabs will always vaporize out acceptable moisture in the form of moisture vapor which dissipates in ambient air of less than 3 pounds of moisture vapor pressure. Concrete slabs that exceed 3 pounds of moisture vapour pressure per thousand square feet of floor space%u002C over a 24 hour period%u002C do not meet manufacturer installation requirements for sheet vinyl and vinyl tile%u002C hardwood strip and hardwood parquet flooring materials. Installing these flooring materials in excess of 3 pounds%u002C voids manufacturer warrantees of the product. Glue-down carpet and carpet with pad can have acceptable moisture vapor exceeding 3 pounds%u002C but acceptance and clarification of this fact must be acquired from each manufacturer.   Powdering of Concrete Unlike the presence of efflorescence%u002C powdering of concrete is the result of wearing of the concrete surface through abrasion%u003B an incompatible use of chemicals on concrete%u003B or concrete which was produced to meet a moisture content level higher than what is present. See Efflorescence   Powdering of Finishes The partial or total disintegration of a polish or film%u002C usually from wear or loss of the materials moisture content%u002C resulting in a fine%u002C light-colored dust.   Practice a%u0029 A definitive procedure for preforming one or more specific operations or functions that does not produce a result. b%u0029 A training method for men and their equipment in a control environment%u002C before use in an actual situation.   Precursor In indoor air pollution%u002C a material or substance that reacts with temperature or sunlight and/or other compounds%u002C to produce new chemical materials and volatile organic compounds that are present in air.   Preexisting Conditons Environmental or construction conditions%u002C damage and exposures that are apparent%u002C but they have nothing to do with the present damage%u002C incident or claim. Education Note%u003A Pre-existing conditions in some instances become part of the current mitigation issues%u002C since they cannot be separated from the most recent damage%u002C incident or claim. See Old Growth   Pre-FIRM For FEMA insurance rating purposes%u002C Pre-FIRM construction means construction or substantial improvement to a structure that started on or before 1 January%u002C 1985%u002C or before the effective date of the initial FIRM for a community.   Pre-Job Health and Safety Conference A health and safety conference or briefing held prior to entering a site for the purpose of initiating hazardous substance removal work.   Preliminary sampling Survey A very limited sampling survey of indoor air%u002C water%u002C soil and building materials%u002C that are considered suspect or contaminated. See Grab Samples%u002C Qualitative Analysis   Premises/Operations Coverage Insurance coverage to the contractor provides protection while performing a job or task%u002C whether the contractor is at the shop or at the customers location. An example would be someone tripping over your tools and being injured. See General Liability Insurance Coverage   Pressure Washing remediation The equipment most preferred%u003A Education Note%u003A 1%u0029 In the removal of flood water%u002C silt and muck in contaminated buildings experiencing catastrophic flooding. a%u0029 Pressure washing should only be used once the amount of contaminated building materials%u002C such as drywall%u002C insulation and carpet have been removed and disposed. b%u0029 Pressure washing is better when used with warm water and detergents. c%u0029 Pressure washing main use is the micro-fine removal of solid and saturated waste which has absorbed into and behind salvageable building material framing. Mitigation Note%u003A 2%u0029 In the removal of sewage solids%u002C effluents and bacteria trapped under and inside framing materials%u002C low- pressure washing %u0028warm water %u005B140-F%u005D and liquid detergent%u0029 having %u002860-120 psi%u0029 is preferred%u002C followed by immediate water extraction%u002C and turbo-fan drying.   Pressurized Smoke and Vapour A condition brought about during a fire in a building%u002C from heat and cooler air%u002C or high heat and vapour pressure%u002C that compresses during combustion of burning materials. The pressurized smoke and vapour force combusted airborne particles and soot to penetrate the cooler walls and surfaces with large and micro-fine combusted matter.   Primary Pollutant In water damages buildings%u002C there may be more than one pollutant concern. The one that most likely caused or causes the larger health concern%u002C is considered to be the primary pollutant.   Primary Sampling Strategy An environmental term used by IAQ investigation teams. Primary Sampling Strategy include methods for determine the background of the problem%u002C understanding the issues to which they were retained%u002C gaining building history and occupant histories. Primary sampling strategy includes fact finding through a visual inspection of the building%u002C inside and outside%u002C in and under all parts of the building%u002C including ventilation system supply and return air%u002C coolers and chillers and filters. See Environmental Audit%u002C Environmental Assessment%u002C Phase-I%u002C Secondary Sampling Strategy   PrismProbabilistic Evaluation The name for an insurance loss managed repair program between participating contractors and Crawford %u0026 Company. Prism is a recent acquisition and subsidiary of Crawford %u0026 Company. The Prism program is said to provide to contractors a competitive edge by training contractors in business and loss management%u002C and the daily routine of running an emergency service and restoration business. In addition%u002C Crawford %u0026 Company recent involvement and purchase of Prism%u002C is meant to incorporate for the contractor%u002C Crawfords 400%u002C000 estimated annual non-catastrophe claims where a program called Contractor Connection TM comes into play. For more information contact Prism at 800/525-7671 or www.prism-net.com. See Qirra   Probabilistic Evaluation A modeling process used to evaluate the uncertainty surrounding a probability distribution when the result depends on a number of factors%u002C each of which has its own variability and uncertainty.   Process Safety Management %u0028PSM%u0029 In OSHAs process safety management standard%u002C it encompasses the safety concept for the chemical manufacturing industry%u002C to properly and safely manage and manufacturer chemicals. Along with the PSM profile%u002C manufacturers have the responsibility to provide with each product produced%u002C a label of ingredients%u002C care and application. In addition%u002C a material safety data sheet %u0028MSDS%u0029 will be provided with the manufactured product. See Material Safety Data Sheet   Prohibited use If a civil authority prohibits the insured from use of the residential premises because of direct damage to neighboring premises by a loss which would have been covered under the Property Section of the policy%u002C the insurance policy may allow additional living expense or loss of rents for a defined period%u002C which use of the property is prohibited.   Property Damage The physical harm%u002C injury to or destruction of tangible property covered by the insurance policy and their resulting loss of use.   Psychometric Chart A chart consisting of lines and curves that shows the relationship between temperature%u002C humidity and air volume. From the psychometric chart reading%u002C a variety of information can be obtained%u002C including the specific humidity%u002C dew point%u002C vapor pressure%u002C and wet bulb temperature.   Psychometric Dehumidification Calculator A slide calculator manufactured by Dri-Eaz Corporation%u002C which allows a trained water damage technician to calculate average building wetness. Once determined%u002C the technician can interpret the calculated results for the type and amount of dehumidification necessary to dry an average wet building successfully.   Psychrometer a%u0029 A sling-psychrometer consisting of wet-bulb and dry-bulb thermometer that is used to measure the water vapour content in air. b%u0029 An electronic readout instrument which provides real-time psychometric measurements.   Psychrometry The study of the relationship between air%u002C humidity and temperature%u002C and their effect on various materials%u002C and human and plant comfort levels.   Published Exposure Levels The exposure limits that are published in NIOSH Recommendations for Occupational Safety and Health Standards 1988 incorporated by reference%u002C or if no limit is specified%u002C the exposure limits published in the standards specified by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists in their publication Threshold Limit Values and Biological Exposure Indices for 1989-90%u0022 dated 1989 incorporated by reference and more recently%u002C 1998 TLVs and BELs Threshold Limit Values for Chemical Substances and Physical Agents.   Push-pull Forced Dehumidification Method A method of forcing in dryer ambient air while pulling out the humidified air%u002C in the ventilation and utility chases in a high-rise building%u002C and it is referred to as a push-pull forced dehumidification method. Education and Engineering Note%u003A Push-pull forced dehumidification methods can be incorporated in wet wall drying%u002C and other methods of building material drying%u002C creating a vacuum and accelerated velocity of the air as it passes wet surfaces%u002C where the volume of dryer air is moved %u0028forced%u0029 quickly between two spaces resulting in accelerated dehumidification. See Wall Drying   Putrefaction The decomposing of organic waste which smells like bacteria decompose waste in the presence of insufficient oxygen. Putrefaction smells are noxious byproducts of waste and bacterial%u002C producing disagreeable odors and toxins. See Endotoxins%u002C Toxins