|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Glossary G-SERIES NERVE AGENTS Chemical agents moderate to high toxicity developed in the 1930's. Examples are tabun (GA), sarin (GB), and soman (GD). GALLON Unit of liquid measure. One U.S. gallon has the volume of 231 cubic inches. One Imperial gallon equals 1.201 U.S. gallons. GAMMA RAYS A form of electromagnetic radiation similar to x-rays. GAS A formless fluid that occupies the space of its enclosure. It can settle to the bottom or top of an enclosure when mixed with other chemicals. It can be changed to its liquid or solid state only by increased pressure and decreased temperature. GAS-TIGHT SUIT A misnomer for vapor-protective suits, "gas-tight suits" - as defined by OSHA in HAZWOPER - are acceptable for use (that is, maintain in. positive air pressure) with up to a 20% drop in pressure after four minutes in a standard inflation test. GASKETS Rubber seals used in fire hose couplings and pump intakes to prevent the leakage of water at connections. GATE VALVE A type of control valve in which the mechanism acts as a gate. Control valve with a solid plate operated by a handle and screw mechanism. Rotating the handle moves the plate into or out of the waterway. GATED WYE A hose appliance that has one female inlet and two or more male outlets, with a gate valve on each of the male outlets. GATHERING LINES Lines used to transport chemical products from different sources into a tank or distribution center. GAUGE PRESSURE The pressure read on a gauge, which does not take atmospheric pressure into account. The abbreviation for this pressure reading is psig. GAUGES Instruments to show the operating conditions of an appliance or piece of equipment. GAUGING DEVICE A device used to measure how much liquid is in the tank. Various types are used such as rotary gauge and open and closed gauging devices as found on some tank cars. GEL A two-phase colloidal system consisting of a solid and a liquid in more solid form than an aerosol. GENERAL ALARM A general alarm is called as a result of a large fire requiring the calling of off-duty firefighters; an incident that is beyond the available resources. GENERAL DUTY CLAUSE Specifically, this refers to section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (29 U.S.C. et seq.) that requires each employer to "furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees." GENERAL ORDER A standing order, usually written, that is communicated through channels to all units and remains in effect until further notice. GENERATOR Auxiliary electrical power generating device. Portable generators are powered by small gasoline or diesel engines and generally have 110 and/or 220-volt capacities. GIGA Metric prefix for 10 9, 1 000 000 000.0, abbreviated G. GIN POLES Poles held in an upright position at an angle by guy lines; used with a block and tackle for lifting. GLADHANDS Fittings for connection of air brake lines between vehicles. GLOW Visible, flameless combustion of the solid phase of a material. GONG A large cymbal or bell used to alert firefighters. GOUGES A reduction in the thickness of the container shell. It is an indentation in the shell made by a sharp, chisel-like object. A gouge is characterized by the cutting and complete removal of the container or weld metal along the track of contact. GOUGING The process of accidentally cutting a groove or hole in a tank’s exterior. Forming gouges can reduce the strength of a tank and may result in a spill or release of its contents. Gouges are not critical unless they cross a weld seam. GOVERNOR A built-in regulating device to control water pressure in hoselines by means of engine rpm (revolutions per minute). A device that governs the maximum rpm of an engine. GPM (GALLONS PER MINUTE) The measure of waterflow used to measure the output of fire department pumpers, hose streams, nozzles, hydrants, water mains, etc. GRADABILITY Ability of a piece of apparatus to traverse various terrain configurations. GRADE Natural, unaltered ground level. GRADING SCHEDULE A schedule of deficiency points by which insurance engineers grade the fire defenses of a community. GRAM The weight of one cubic centimeter of water at 4 degrees C. GRAM-CALORIE One gram-calorie is the amount of heat necessary to raise one gram of water one degree centigrade from 14.5 degrees C to 15.5 degrees C. GRANULES Dry, coarse particles of some porous material (clay, corncobs, walnut shells) into which a pesticide is absorbed. GRAVITY SYSTEM Water supply system that relies entirely on the force of gravity to propel the water throughout the system. This type of system is generally used in conjunction with an elevated water storage source. GRAVITY TANK A water storage tank for fire protection and community water service. A water level of 100 feet provides a static pressure head of 43.3 psi minus friction losses in piping when water is flowing. GRID MAP A map of a designated area overlaid with a grid system of rectangular coordinates or azimuth bearings (polar coordinates) that are used for the identification of ground locations. GRID SYSTEM WATER MAINS An interconnecting system of water mains in a crisscross or rectangular pattern. GROSS DECONTAMINATION An emergency wash for victims or mitigation personnel when immediate action is required to remove a chemical. Also called primary decontamination. GROSS WEIGHT The weight of a trailer together with the weight of its entire contents. GROUND COVER FIRE Any fire involving natural ground cover such as grass, brush, or timber. GROUND JACK A heavy jack attached to the frame or chassis of an aerial ladder truck to provide for additional stability prior to raising the ladder. GROUNDING A method that prevents static electricity from discharging sparks and producing subsequent ignition points. A method whereby activities, which may generate static electricity, will be prevented from discharging a spark and thereby not produce an ignition point. GROUNDWATER Water in a saturated zone or formation beneath the surface of land or water. GROUPS As used in NFPA 70&emdash;The National Electric Code, are products within a Class. Class I is divided into four groups (Group A&endash;D) on the basis of similar flammability characteristics. Class II is divided into three groups (Groups E&endash;G). There are no groups for Class III materials. GUIDE TO THRESHOLD LIMIT VALUES (TLVTM) FOR CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES AND PHYSICAL AGENTS AND BIOLOGICAL EXPOSURE INDICES (BEITM) A pocket-sized reference guide on exposure limits to common industrial hazards, such as chemicals, noise, heat, cold, radiation and biological agents. This guide is published yearly by the ACGIH and represents experts' consensus on exposure limits. |
home | community | join NCFD | apparatus | firehouse | photos | links All material herein Copyright © 2002 - 2010 New City Fire Engine Company No. 1 All rights reserved. Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited Site designed/produced by Eric Weisler |