P.W. Stephens, Inc.
Glossary
Asbestos
A mineral fiber found in certain types of rocks as Chrysotile, Amosite and Crocodolite. Used as a strengthener, insulator and binding agent. Long known as a carcinogen when ingested though it is unknown if there are any safe levels of asbestos in a material.
Asbestos abatement
Procedures to remove or make safe the asbestos materials.
Containment
The work area, usually a "dirty" sealed off from other "clean" areas.
Decontamination chambers
The entrance /exit booth set up, including clean room, shower, dirty room. To prevent egress of airflow from a work area.
Encapsulate paint
Barrier sealant to bind and prevent the release of airborne lead or asbestos.
Encapsulation
The process to bind or seal asbestos or lead, and prevents it’s airborne release.
Enclosure
Encasing a materials with a permanent hard sealant as drywall or paneling.
Friable
The ability to pulverize a material under hand pressure.
HEPA filter
High Efficiency Particulate Air filter, which filters out 99.97% of contaminants such as asbestos, lead or mold spores.
Non-Friable
The in-ability to pulverize a material under hand pressure
Regulatory Agencies
EPA, Air Quality Management departments, State license boards, OSHA, City building departments.
Sick building syndrome
The condition where spores and molds infiltrate an air flow system and potentially cause sickness to tenants of the areas.
Stachybotre
Many molds are naturally occurring following a water damage, and most are relatively harmless though the Stachybotre mold can be deadly when disturbed or improperly cleaned.
Surfacing materials
A material either sprayed or spread onto a substrate.
Title X
The residential lead based paint hazard reduction act of 1992. The EPA act regarding the safe inspection, removal and disposal of lead from the housing market. For more info go to EPA.gov.
Thermal System Insulation
Any materials connected to a heating system.
For more information, please contact us at info@pwstephensinc.com.