Fire Inspection & Code Enforcement (6Th Edition)-All Chapter Terms
Fire Inspection & Code Enforcement (6th Edition)
Complete List of Terms
Accessibility
The ability of fire apparatus to get close enough to a building to conduct emergency operations.
Acute
Severe, rapid onset, usually of short duration.
Alarm Initiating Device
A mechanical or electrical device that activates an alarm system. There are three basic types of alarm-initiating devices: manual, products-of-combustion detectors, and extinguishing system activation devices.
Ampere
(1) The amount of current sent by one volt through one ohm of resistance; (2) Unit of measurement of electrical current.
Arson
The willful and malicious burning of property.
Authority
Relates to the empowered duties of an official, in this case the fire inspector. The level of an inspector's authority is commensurate with the enforcement obligations of the governing body.
Automatic Sprinkler System
A system of water pipes, discharge nozzles, and control valves designed to activate during fires by automatically discharging enough water to control or extinguish a fire.
Backdraft
Instantaneous combustion that occurs when oxygen is introduced into a smoldering fire. The stalled combustion resumes with explosive force.
Basement Plans
Drawings showing the belowground view of a building. The thickness and external dimensions of the basement walls are given, as are floor joist locations, strip footings, and other attached foundations.
Bearing Walls
Walls of a building that by design carry at least some part of the structural load of the building.
Board of Appeals
A group of five to seven people with experience in fire prevention and code enforcement who arbitrate differences in opinion between fire inspectors and property owners or occupants.
Boiling Point
The temperature at which the vapor pressure of a liquid is equal to the external pressure applied to it.
Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion (BLEVE)
The failure of a closed container as a result of over pressurization caused by an external heat source.
Bonding
The connection of two objects with a metal chain or strap in order to neutralize the static electrical charge between the two.
Boyles Law
This law states that the volume of a gas varies inversely with the applied pressure. The formula is: P1T1 =P 2 T 2 where P1 = original pressure, T1 = original volume, P 2 =final pressure, and T 2 =final volume.
Brands
(1) Large, flying, burning embers that are lifted by a fire's thermal column and carried away with the wind. (2) Small burning pieces of wood or charcoal used to test the fire resistance of roof coverings and roof deck assemblies.
British Thermal Unit (BTU)
The amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound (0.45 kg) of water one degree Fahrenheit.
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (BATF)
Division of the U.S. Department of Treasury; regulates the storage, handling, and transportation of explosives.
Calorie
The amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one gram (0.035 oz.) of water one degree centigrade.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
A gas heavier than air used to extinguish Class B or C fires by smothering. or displacing the oxygen.
Centigrade (Celsius)
A temperature scale in which the boiling point of water is 100oC (212oF) and the freezing point is OoC (32oF) at normal atmospheric pressure.
Charles Law
Scientific law that says the increase or decrease of pressure in a constant volume of gas is directly proportional to corresponding increase or decrease of temperature. The formula is stated: P1T1=P2T2 where P1=original pressure, T1=original temperature, P2=final pressure, and T2=final temperature.
CHEMTREC
The Manufacturing Chemists Association's name for its ChemicalTransportationEmergencyCenter. The center provides immediate information on how to handle hazardous materials incidents. The toll-free phone number is 1-800-424-9300.
Chronic
Of long duration (opposite of acute).
Circuit
The complete path of an electric current.
Citation
A legal reprimand for failure to comply with existing laws or regulations.
Clear Width
The actual unobstructed opening size of an exit.
Codes
Rules or laws used to enforce requirements for fire protection, life safety, or building construction.
Combustible Liquid
Any liquid having a flash point at or above 100oF and below 200oF.
Combustion
The self-sustaining process of rapid oxidation of a material that produces heat and light.
Common Hazard
A condition likely to be found in almost all occupancies and generally not associated with a specific occupancy or activity.
Common Path of Travel
The route of travel used to determine measured egress distances in code enforcement. The common path of travel is considered to be down the center of a straight corridor and a 1-foot radius around each corner. Also called the normal path of travel.
Complaint
An objection to existing conditions that is brought to the attention of the fire inspection bureau.
Compliance
Meeting the minimum standards set forth by applicable codes or regulations.
Compressed Gas
Gas that, at normal temperature, exists solely as a gas when pressurized in a container.
Conduction
The transfer of heat energy from one body to another through a solid medium.
Conductor
A substance or material that transmits electrical or heat energy.
Construction Classification
The rating given to a particular building based on the materials and methods used to construct it and their ability to resist the effects of a fire situation.
Convection
The transfer of heat energy by the movement of air or liquid.
Corrosives
Those materials that cause harm to living organisms by destroying body tissue.
Cryogenics
Gases that are converted into liquids by being cooled below -150oF.
Dead End Corridor
A corridor in which egress is possible in only one direction.
Detailed View
Additional, close-up information shown on a particular section of a larger drawing.
Dikes
Temporary or permanent barriers that prevent liquids from flowing into certain areas or that direct the flow as desired.
Dimensioning
A drawing that places a building on a site plan to clearly show its size and arrangement relative to existing conditions.
Draft Curtains
Dividers hung from the ceiling in large open areas that are designed to minimize the mushrooming effect of heat and smoke.
Dry Chemical
Any one of a number of powdery extinguishing agents used to extinguish fires.
Dry Standpipe System
A standpipe system that either has water supply valves closed or that has no fixed water supply to it.
Ducts
Hollow pathways used to move air from one area to another in ventilation systems.
Electric Shock
Injury caused by electricity passing through the body. Severity of injury depends upon the path the current takes through the body, the amount of current, and the resistance of the skin.
Electrical Systems
Those wiring systems designed to distribute electricity throughout a building.
Electron
A minute component of an atom that possesses a negative charge.
Elevation View
An architectural drawing used to show the number of floors of a building and the grade of surrounding ground.
Equivalency
Alternative practices that are acceptable for meeting a minimum level of fire protection.
EX
Rating symbol used on lift trucks that are safe for use in atmospheres containing flammable vapors or dusts.
Exhaust System
A ventilation system designed to remove stale air, smoke, vapors, or other airborne contaminants from an area.
Exit
That portion of a means of egress that is separated from all other spaces of the building structure by construction or equipment and that provides a protected way of travel to the exit discharge.
Exit Access
The portion of a means of egress that leads to the exit. Hallways, corridors, and aisles are examples of exit access.
Exit Capacity
The maximum number of people who can discharge through a particular exit.
Exit Discharge
That portion of a means of egress that is between the exit and a public way.
Exit Stairs
Stairs that are used as part of a means of egress. The stairs may be part of either the exit access or the exit discharge when conforming to requirements in the Life Safety Code.
Expellant Gas
Any of a number of inert gases that are compressed and used to force extinguishing agents from a portable fire extinguisher. Nitrogen is the most commonly used expellant gas.
Explosive
Any material or mixture that will undergo an extremely fast self-propagation reaction when subjected to some form of energy.
Extinguishing Agent
Any substance used for the purpose of controlling or extinguishing a fire.
Factory Mutual System (FM)
Fire research and testing laboratory that provides loss control information for the Factory Mutual System and anyone else who may find it useful.
Fahrenheit
Temperature scale in which the boiling point of water is 212oF and the freezing point is 32oF at normal atmospheric pressure.
Field Sketch
A rough drawing of an occupancy that is made during an inspection. The field sketch is used to make a final inspection drawing.
Fire Alarm System
(1) A system of alerting devices that takes a signal from fire detection or extinguishing equipment and alerts building occupants or proper authorities of a fire condition. (2) A system used to dispatch fire department personnel and apparatus to emergency incidents.
Fire Cause
The combination of fuel supply, heat source, and a hazardous act that results in a fire.
Fire Cause Determination
The process of establishing the cause of a fire incident through careful investigation and analysis of the available evidence.
Fire Damper
A device that automatically interrupts air flow through all or part of an air handling system, thereby restricting the passage of heat and the spread of fire.
Fire Department Connection (FDC)
An inlet appliance that has two or more 2 1/2-inch connections or one large-diameter (4-inch or larger) connection through which fire apparatus can boost the pressure or amount of water flowing through a sprinkler or standpipe system.
Fire Detection System
A system of detection devices, wiring, and supervisory equipment used for detecting fire or products of combustion and then signaling that these elements are present.
Fire Door
A specially constructed, tested, and approved door installed to prevent fire spread.
Fire Drill
A training exercise to ensure that the occupants of a building can exit the building in a quick and orderly manner in case of fire.
Fire Extinguisher
A portable fire fighting device designed to combat incipient fires.
Fire Hazard
Any material, condition, or act that contributes to the start of a fire or that increases the extent or severity of fire.
Fire Load
The maximum amount of heat that can be produced if all the combustible materials in a given area burn.
Fire Partition
A fire barrier that extends from one floor to the bottom of the floor above or to the underside of a fire-rated ceiling assembly. A fire partition provides a lower level of protection than a fire wall.
Fire Point
The temperature at which a liquid fuel produces sufficient vapors to support combustion once the fuel is ignited. The fire point is usually a few degrees above the flash point.
Fire Prevention Code
A law enacted for the purpose of enforcing fire prevention and safety regulations.
Fire Resistance Rating
The amount of time a material or assembly of materials will resist a typical fire as measured on a standard time-temperature curve.
Fire Retardant
A chemical applied to material or another substance that is designed to retard ignition or the spread of fire.
Fire Risk
The probability that a fire will occur and the potential for harm it will create.
Fire Stop
Materials used to prevent or limit the spread of fire in hollow walls or floors, above false ceilings, in penetrations for plumbing or electrical installations, or in cocklofts and crawl spaces.
Fire Wall
A wall with a specified degree of fire resistance that is designed to prevent the spread of fire within a structure or between adjacent structures.
Flameover
Condition that occurs when a portion of the fire gases trapped at the upper level of a room ignite, spreading flame across the ceiling of the room.
Flame Spread Rating
A numerical rating assigned to a material based on the speed and extent to which flame travels over its surface.
Flame Test
A test designed to determine the flame spread characteristics of structural components or interior finishes.
Flammable Liquid
Any liquid having a flash point below 100oF and having a vapor pressure not exceeding 40 psi absolute.
Flashover
The stage of a fire at which all combustibles are heated to their ignition temperatures and the area becomes fully involved in fire.
Flash Point
The lowest temperature at which sufficient vapors are produced to form an ignitable mixture.
Floor Plan
An architectural drawing showing the layout of a floor within a building as seen from above. It outlines where each room is and what the function of the room is.
Fluoronated Surfactants
Chemicals that lower the surface tension of a liquid, in this case fire fighting foams.
Foam
An extinguishing agent produced by mixing a foam-producing compound with water and aerating the solution for expansion. These agents are primarily used for extinguishing Class B fires, but in some cases may be used on Class A fires as well.
Gas
A compressible substance, with no specific volume, that tends to assume the shape of a container. Molecules move about most rapidly in this state.
Grounding
Reducing the difference in electrical potential between an object and the ground by the use of various conductors.
Half Life
(1) Time required for half of something to undergo a process. (2) Time required for half the amount of a substance in or introduced into a living system or ecosystem to be eliminated or disintegrated by natural processes. (3) Period of time required for any radioactive substance to lose half of its strength or reduce by one-half its total present energy.
Halogenated Agents
Chemical compounds (halogenated hydrocarbons) that contain carbon plus one or more elements from the halogen series. Halon 1301 and Halon 1211 are most commonly used as extinguishing agents for Class B and C fires.
Hazardous Material
Any material that poses an unreasonable risk to the health and safety of persons and/or the environment if it is not properly controlled during handling, storage, manufacture, processing, packaging, use, disposal, or transportation.
Heat
A form of energy that is proportional to molecular movement. To signify its intensity, it is measured in degrees of temperature.
Heat Transfer
The flow of heat from a hot substance to a cold substance. This may be accomplished by convection, conduction, or radiation.
Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning System (HVAC)
The mechanical system used to provide environmental control within a structure.
Hoseline
A section of flexible conduit that is connected to a water supply source for the purpose of delivering water onto a fire.
Hydrostatic Test
A testing method used to check the integrity of pressure vessels.
Ignition Source
A method (either wanted or unwanted) that provides a means for the initiation of self-sustained combustion.
Ignition Temperature
The minimum temperature at which a fuel other than a liquid will continue to burn once it is ignited.
Immunity
Freedom from legal liability for an act or physical condition.
Incipient Phase
The first stage of the burning process where the substance being oxidized is producing some heat, but the heat has not spread to other substances nearby.
Inspection
A formal examination of an occupancy and its associated uses or processes to determine its compliance with the fire and life safety codes and standards.
Ionization
The process by which an object or substance gains or loses electrons, thus changing its electrical charge.
Legend
An explanatory list of symbols on a map or diagram.
Liability
To be legally obligated or responsible for an act or physical condition.
Life Safety Code (NFPA 101)
A building standard designed to protect lives in the event of a fire.
Liquefied Gas
A confined gas that at normal temperatures exists in both liquid and gaseous states.
Liquid
An incompressible substance that assumes the shape of its container. The molecules flow freely, but substantial cohesion prevents them from expanding as a gas would.
Live Load
The force placed upon a structure by the addition of people, objects, or weather.
Magazine
A storage facility approved by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (BATF) for the storage of explosives.
Means of Egress
A safe and continuous path of travel from any point in a structure leading to a public way. The means of egress is comprised of three parts: the exit access, the exit, and the exit discharge.
Mechanical Systems
Large equipment systems within a building that may include, but are not limited to, climate control systems; smoke, dust, and vapor removal systems; trash collection systems; and automated mail systems. These do not include general utility systems such as electric, gas, and water.
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
A nonprofit educational and technical association dedicated to protecting life and property from fire by developing fire protection standards and educating the public.
National Response Center (NRC)
A federal organization charged with coordinating the response of numerous agencies to emergency incidents involving the release of significant amounts of hazardous materials.
Neutron
A part of the nucleus of an atom that has a neutral electrical charge.
NFPA 704 Labeling
A system for identifying hazardous materials in fixed facilities. The placard is divided into sections that identify the degree of hazard with respect to health, flammability, and reactivity, as well as special hazards.
Noncombustible
Incapable of supporting combustion under normal circumstances.
Normal Operating Pressure
The normal amount of pressure that is expected to be available from a hydrant, prior to pumping.
North American Emergency Response Guidebook (NAERG)
A manual that aids emergency response and inspection personnel in identifying hazardous materials placards. It also gives guidelines for initial actions to be taken at hazardous materials incidents.
Occupancy Classification
The classifications given to structures by the model code used in that jurisdiction based on the intended use for the structure.
Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA)
A United States federal agency that develops and enforces standards and regulations for Occupational health and safety in the workplace.