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Glossary LABELS Four-inch square diamond markers required on individual shipping containers that are smaller than 640 cu ft. LACRIMATION Secretion and discharge of tears. LACRIMATOR A material that strongly irritates the eyes, nose and mucous membranes and causes tearing. LADDER Two rails or beams with steps or rungs spaced at intervals; any fire department ladder of varying length, type, or construction. LADDER BED The rack or racks in which ladders are carried on a ladder truck. Do not confuse with bed ladder. LADDER CARRY Any organized system for carrying ladders. LADDER COMPANY A complement of firefighters especially trained in handling ladders and assigned to a ladder truck. LADDER LOCKS (also dogs, pawls) Metal devices used to hold the fly section of an extension ladder in place after it has been extended. LADDER PIPE Master stream nozzle mounted on the fly of an aerial ladder. LARGE DIAMETER HOSE (LDH) Relay-supply hose of 3 1/2 to 6 inches (90 mm to 150 mm); used to move large volumes of water quickly with a minimum number of pumpers and personnel. LATENCY The state of those materials present but not yet active or released. LATENT HEAT OF VAPORIZATION The quantity of heat absorbed by a substance when converted from a liquid to a gas. LATENT PERIOD Specifically, in the case of mustard, the period between exposure and onset of signs and symptoms; otherwise, an incubation period. LAW OF HEAT FLOW The natural law that specifies that heat tends to flow from hot substances to cold substances. This phenomenon is based on the supposition of the ability of one substance to absorb heat from another substance. See Conduction, Convection, and Radiation. LAW OF SPECIFIC HEAT The measure of the heat-absorbing quality of a substance as measured in BTU's or in kilojoules. The relative quantity of heat required raising the temperature of substances or of the quantity of heat that must be removed to cool a substance. LAY To lay hose out in a predetermined sequence for fire fighting purposes. LAYOUT The distribution of hose at the scene of a fire. LC50 Lethal concentration 50, median lethal concentration. The concentration of a material in air that on the basis of laboratory tests (respiratory route) is expected to kill 50% of a group of test animals when administered as a single exposure in a specific time period. LD 50 The dose of a pesticide active ingredient taken by mouth or absorbed by the skin which is expected to cause death in 50 percent of the test animals; the lethal dose is measured in milligrams per kilogram of body weight. Lethal dose 50. The single dose of a substance that causes death of 50% of an animal population from exposure to the substance by any route other than inhalation. LEAD DUST A malleable type of hazardous dry particulate derived from the heavy soft metallic element; lead is a suspected carcinogen and can cause brain disorders if consumed. LEAK An escape through a hole, crevice, or other opening usually by accident or mistake (fault). LEL (LOWER EXPLOSIVE LIMIT) The lowest concentration of the material in air that can be detonated by spark, shock or fire, etc. LEPC See Local Emergency Planning Committee. LETHAL CHEMICAL AGENT An agent that may be used effectively in a field concentration to produce death. LEVEL A PROTECTION Type of protective clothing worn when the highest level of skin, respiratory and eye protection against chemicals is required. Generally, this consists of a totally encapsulating, vapor-protective ensemble worn with a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) when the ambient environment presents both a respiratory and skin contact IDLH hazard and impairs a worker's ability to escape. Originally developed by the EPA, this definition subsequently has been adopted by OSHA in HAZWOPER (29CFRI910.120). The level of protective equipment in situations where the material is considered acutely vapor toxic to the skin and hazards are unknown. Full encapsulation, airtight chemical suit with SCBA or SABA. LEVEL B PROTECTION Type of protective clothing worn when the highest level of respiratory protection is required, but a lesser level of skin protection is needed. Generally, this consists of a chemical liquid splash protective suit worn with an SCBA when the ambient environment presents an IDLH inhalation hazard, but does not present a skin contact hazard nor does it impair a workers ability to escape. Originally developed by the EPA, this definition subsequently has been adopted by OSHA in HAZWOPER (29CFRI910.120). The level of protective equipment in situations where the environment is not considered acutely vapor toxic to skin but may cause respiratory effects. Chemical splash suit or full coverage non-air tight chemical suit with SCBA or SABA. LEVEL C PROTECTION Type of protective clothing worn when the concentrations and types of airborne substances are known and the criteria for using air-purifying respirators are met (29CFRI 910.120). Generally, this consists of a full-face or half-face respirator and hooded chemical protective clothing. The level of protective equipment required to prevent respiratory exposure but not to exclude possible skin contact. Chemical splash suit with cartridge respirator. LEVEL D PROTECTION A work uniform offering minimal protection and worn for nuisance contamination only. The level of protective equipment required when the atmosphere contains no known hazard, when splashes, immersions, inhalation, or contact with hazardous levels of any chemical is precluded. Work uniform such as coveralls, boots, leather gloves, and hardhat. LEVEL I STAGING Used on all multiple-company emergency responses. The first-arriving vehicles of each type proceed directly to the scene, and the others stand by a block or two from the scene and await orders. LEVEL II STAGING Used on large-scale incidents where greater alarm companies are responding. These companies are sent to a specified location to await assignment. LEVEL OF PROTECTION Personal protective equipment is divided into four categories based on the degree of protection afforded. LEVEL ONE INCIDENT Hazardous materials incidents which can be correctly contained, extinguished, and/or abated utilizing equipment, supplies, and resources immediately available to first responders having jurisdiction, and whose qualifications are limited to and do not exceed the scope of training as explained in 29 CFR 1910, with reference to "First Responder, Operational Level." LEVEL THREE INCIDENT A hazardous materials incident which is beyond the controlling capabilities of a Hazardous Materials Response Team (Technician or Specialist Level) whose qualifications are explained in 29 CFR 1910; and/or requires the use of two or more Hazardous Materials Response Teams; and/or must be additionally assisted by qualified specialty teams or individuals. LEVEL TWO INCIDENT Hazardous materials incidents which can only be identified, tested, sampled, contained, extinguished, and/or abated utilizing the resources of a Hazardous Materials Response Team, which requires the use of specialized chemical protective clothing, and whose qualifications are explained in 29 CFR 1910, with reference to "Hazardous Materials Technician Level." LIAISON OFFICER The point of contact for assisting or coordinating agencies. Member of the Command Staff. LIFE LINE Rope used by firefighters in the performance of rescue, search, and escape. LIFE NET A canvas device with folding circular metal frames with spring action. Used to catch persons who jump from buildings. Not considered to be safe or effective for jumps made from above the fourth floor of a building. LIFT The vertical distance in feet between the source of water and the pump of a fire department pumper. Water that is drafted is often referred to as being lifted. Height a column of water may be lifted in sufficient quantity to provide a reliable fire flow. Lift may be raised through a hard suction hose to a pump, taking into consideration the atmospheric pressure and friction loss within the hard suction hose. Dependable lift is usually considered to be 14.7 feet (4.5 in). Maximum lift is the height to which any amount of water may be raised through a hard suction hose to a pump. Theoretical lift is the scientific height that a column of water may be lifted by atmospheric pressure in a true vacuum. At sea level, this height is 33.8 feet (10 in). The height will decrease as elevation increases. LIGHT RESCUE VEHICLE Small rescue vehicle usually built on a 1 ton or 1 1/2 ton chassis; designed to handle only basic extrication and life-support functions and carries only basic hand tools and small equipment. LIMITED QUANTITY With the exception of Poison B materials, the maximum amount of a hazardous material for which there is a specific labeling or packaging exception. LIMITED-USE DISPOSABLE GARMENTS Protective garments intended for one or several uses. The number of reuses depends on the situation. The following questions can provide the wearer with a starting point when deciding whether to reuse any type of limited use or reusable PPE. Is the PPE contaminated with hazardous materials? Does the PPE still provide adequate protection? (That is, has abrasion, flexing or stretching affected the performance of the product?) Is the material torn, worn or otherwise no longer able to protect after wearing? LINE Usually refers to a line of hose; also frequently used as in reference to a rope or lifeline. LINED TANK A tank with a lining applied in strips or sections and fastened to the inside of the tank after the tank is constructed. Rubber is the most commonly used lining in hazardous materials service. Glass, lead, nickel, polyurethane, and polyvinyl chloride are also used as linings. LINEN HOSE Fire hose constructed of linen or flax fabric without a rubber lining. LIQUEFIED GASES A gas that has been subjected to a sufficient amount of pressure or low temperature to cause it to become a liquid. A gas that is partially liquid at a temperature of 70 degree F (21 degrees C). LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS Any material having a vapor pressure not exceeding that allowed for commercial propane composed predominantly of the following hydrocarbons, either by themselves or as mixtures: propane, propylene, butane (normal butane or isobutane), or butylenes. LIQUID A substance that is neither a solid nor a gas, a substance that flows freely like water. LIQUID AGENT A chemical agent that appears to be an oily film or droplets. The color ranges from dear to brownish amber. LIQUID LINE Any of the piping used to accept or discharge liquid, as opposed to a vapor line. LIQUID PROPELLANTS Liquids used in rockets as fuels and oxidizers. LIQUID TIGHT The absence of detectable liquid penetration inside the chemical protective suit when sprayed with the liquid at a specified pressure, direction and duration. LIQUID VALVE Usually two valves used to load or unload liquids from tank cars. Unloading occurs by pumping, by pressure generated from the contents, or by pressurizing the tank with air, nitrogen, or other gas. An eduction pipe reaches from the liquid valve to the tank’s bottom. LIST (SHIP) A tipping to one side, as caused by unequal distribution of weight, tilt. Listing is a static condition, as distinguished from heeling, which is dynamic. LISTED Usually indicates tested by the Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc., or Factory Mutual System as having met minimum criteria for the device tested. LITER The volume of one kilogram of water at 4 degrees C.; the metric unit of measure for fluids; one U. S. gallon equal 3.78 liters. LOADING SITE See Fill Site. LOADING VALVE Any valve used to bring product into a tank. It may be located anywhere on the tank. An example is a belly valve. LOCAL EMERGENCY PLANNING COMMITTEE (LEPC) A committee appointed by the State Emergency Response Commission, as required by SARA Title III, to formulate a comprehensive emergency plan for its corresponding geographical area.. LOCATION MARKER Device, such as a reflective marker or flag, used to mark the location of a fire hydrant for quicker identification during a fire response. LOCOMOTIVE The machine used to produce motion on a railroad. A railroad engine. LOG BOOK See Journal. LONGITUDINAL Describes length; lengthwise. The distance from left to right or vice versa. LOOPED WATER MAIN A water main arranged in a complete circuit so water will be supplied to a given point from more than one direction. Also called a grid system. LOW ORDER EXPLOSION Materials that require excessive heat and reducing agents to initiate combustion. LOW PRESSURE Inadequate volume or pressure of water as indicated by a pressure drop when a pump attempts to supply hose streams have too great a length or size. LOW PRESSURE CONTAINER A container designed to withstand pressures from 5 to 100 psi. LOWER EXPLOSIVE LIMITS (LEL) The lowest concentration of gas or vapor (% by volume in air) that burns or explodes if an ignition source is present at ambient temperatures. The lowest concentration of fuel vapor mix to support combustion. When the level is below the lower explosive limit, it is termed too lean to burn. See Flammable Limits. LPG (LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS) Any one of several petroleum products such as propane or butane stored under pressure as a liquid LUGGING Condition that occurs when the throttle application is greater than necessary for a given set of conditions; may result in an excessive amount of carbon particles issuing from the exhaust, oil dilution, and additional fuel consumption; can be eliminated by using a lower gear and proper shifting techniques. |
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