MODULE 9
Unit 9.1
DICTIONARY
OF
INDUSTRY TERMINOLOGY
TERMINOLOGY - MSDS
LB Cleaning Consulting Services
L EA B U B U R U Z
C.E.H., C.A.H., R.E.H., BSAIV
2988 O’Hara Lane
Surrey BC V4A 3E5
Lbuburuz@telus.net
Phone/Fax 604-538-3023
Cell 604-813-610
Lea’s 38 year career in Cleaning Management began as a hospital cleaner which provided the ground work
that led her to a variety of management positions and experiences from Assistant to Director of Services and
the unique fortune of working across Canada. Lea has had the opportunity of gaining experience in all facets
of cleaning management. Working directly for or consulting to facilities that span the acute, mental health,
long term and chronic care sectors; contract cleaning; to a wide variety of government facilities ranging from
highway yards to day care centers, jails and includes rehabilitation centres.
Lea was most recently Corporate Cleaning Consultant with BC Buildings Corporation where she was
responsible for researching, development, training, providing technical advise and standards for over 4000
buildings throughout the province and 50 cleaning management staff. Lea’s scope of responsibility included
all external cleaning consulting services for federal, provincial and public sector clients. Lea created the
provincial template for cleaning management manuals and processes, which set the standards for the entire
province, and produced a master purchasing manual which outlined the purchase requisition specifications for
the purchase of all products, supplies and minor equipment. The purchasing included a BC Green Standard for
the purchase of environmentally responsible cleaning chemicals.
A nationally recognized speaker and author, Lea has been called upon by many organizations to assess, and
implement programs for improving the standards of their cleaning. She is a recognized trainer and facilitator
who has designed and delivered a variety of cleaning related management programs. In addition to her work
with BC Building Corporation, Lea designed and delivered programs to organizations as diverse as the B.C.
Ferries Corporation and the Attorney General of Canada.
Lea’s expertise is recognized by certifications and professional designations from the Province of BC, the USA
International Executive Housekeepers Association and the Canadian Administrative Housekeepers
Association. To attain and maintain the highest international educational credentials in the field of Cleaning
Management, Lea continues her passion by attending courses via numerous colleges and institutions.
Available Services: Public Speaking on a variety of subjects, Cleaning Consulting, and Training.
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Module 9 Unit 9.1
TERMINOLOGY - MSDS
Table Of Contents
Material Safety Data Sheet Terminology ................................................................................................. 1
Carpet, Upholstery, Fabric Terminology ............................................................................................... 11
Cleaning Terminology .............................................................................................................................. 29
Dilution’s Of Chemicals In Water .......................................................................................................... 79
Metric Conversion Table ....................................................................................................................... 80
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Module 9 Unit 9.1
TERMINOLOGY - MSDS
Material Safety Data
Sheet Terminology
A
ACGIH: American Conference of Government and
Industrial Hygienists is an organization of
professional personnel in governmental agencies or
educational institutions engaged in occupational
safety and health programs. ACGIH establishes
recommended occupational exposure limits to
chemical substances and physical agents. See TLV.
ACID: Any chemical that undergoes dissociation in
water with the formulation of hydrogen ions. Acids
have a sour taste and may cause severe shin burns.
Acids turn litmus paper red and have pH values of 06.
ACUTE EFFECT: Adverse effect on a human or
animal that has severe symptoms developing rapidly
and coming quickly to crisis.
ACUTE TOXICITY: Acute effects resulting from a
single dose of, or exposure to, a substance.
Ordinarily used to denote effects in experimental
animals.
AIR-LINE RESPIRATOR: A respirator that is
connected to a compressed breathable air source by a
hose of small inside diameter. The air is delivered
continuously, or intermittently, in a sufficient volume
to meet the wearer’s breathing requirements.
AIR-PURIFYING RESPIRATOR: A respirator
that uses chemicals to remove specific gases and
vapours from the air, or that uses a mechanical filter
to remove particulate matter. An air-purifying
respirator must only be used when there is sufficient
oxygen to sustain life and the air containment level is
below the concentration limits of the device.
ALKALI: Any chemical substance that forms
soluble soaps with fatty acids. Alkalis are also
referred to as bases. They may cause severe burns to
the skin. Alkalis turn litmus paper to blue and have
pH values from 8-14.
ALLERGIC REACTION: An abnormal
physiological response to chemical or physical
stimuli.
ANTIDOTE: A remedy to relieve, prevent, or
counteract the effects of a poison.
APPEARANCE: A description of a substance at
normal room temperature and normal atmospheric
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conditions. Appearance includes the colour, size and
consistency of a material.
ASPHYXIANT: A vapour of gas that can cause
unconsciousness or death by suffocation (lack of
oxygen). Most simple asphyxiant are harmful to the
body only when they become so concentrated that
they reduce oxygen in the air (normally about 21
percent) to dangerous levels ( 18 percent or lower).
Asphyxiation is one of the principal potential hazards
of working in confined and enclosed spaces.
AUTO-IGNITION TEMPERATURE: The
temperature to which a closed or nearly closed
container must be heated in order that the flammable
liquid, when introduced into the container, will ignite
spontaneously or burn.
B
BASE: A substance that (1) liberates hydroxide
(OH) ions when dissolved in water, (2) receives
hydrogen ions from a strong acid to form a weaker
acid, and (3) neutralizes an acid. Bases react with
acids to form salts and water. Bases have a pH
greater than 7 and turn litmus paper blue. See Alkali.
BIODEGRADABLE: Capable of being broken
down into innocuous products by the action of living
things.
BIOHAZARDOUS: Any material containing
bacteria or viruses (germs) that can cause diseases in
humans.
BOILING POINTS-BP: The temperature at which
a liquid changes to a vapour state at a given pressure.
The boiling point usually expressed in O Fahrenheit at
sea level pressure (760 mm Hg, or one atmosphere).
For mixtures, the initial boiling point or the boiling
range may be given.
C
CEILING LIMITS - (PEL or TVL): The
maximum allowable human exposure limit for an
airborne substance which is not to be exceeded even
momentarily. See also PEL and TVL.
CANUTEC: Canadian Transport Emergency Centre.
This 24 hour emergency service provides information
in case of accidents or emergencies which may occur
during the transport of dangerous goods.
CARCINOGEN: A substance or agent capable of
causing or producing cancer in mammals, including
humans. A chemical is considered to be a carcinogen
if (a) it has been evaluated by the International
Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and found to
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Module 9 Unit 9.1
TERMINOLOGY - MSDS
be a carcinogen or potential carcinogen, or, (b) it is
listed as a carcinogen or potential carcinogen in the
latest edition of Annual Report on Carcinogens
published by the National Toxicology Program
(NTP), or, (c) it is regulated by OSHA as a
carcinogen.
CARCONEGIC EFFECTS: This indicates it as a
chemical that can cause cancer. Two organizations
collect and report data on chemicals that are
suspected and/or known carcinogens. IARC:
International Agency for Research on Cancer, NTP:
National Toxicology Program.
CAS: Chemical Abstracts Service. is an organization
under the American Chemical Society. CAS abstracts
and indexes chemical literature from all over the
world in ‘Chemical Abstracts’. ‘CAS Numbers’ are
used to identify specific chemicals or mixtures.
CFR: Code of Federal Regulations. A collection of
the regulations that have been promulgated under
United States Law.
CHEMICAL: An element (e.g. chlorine) or a
compound (e.g. sodium bicarbonate) produced by
chemical reaction.
CHEMICAL CARTRIDGE RESPIRATOR: A
respirator that uses various chemical substances to
purify inhaled air of certain gases and vapour. This
type of respirator is effective for concentrations no
more than ten times the TLV of the contaminant, if
the contaminant has warning properties (odour or
imitation) below the TLV.
CHEMICAL FAMILY: A group of single elements
or compounds with a common general name.
Example: acetone, methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), and
methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK) are of the ‘Ketone’
family; acrolein, furfural, and acetaldehyde are of the
‘aldehyde’ family.
CHEMICAL FORMULA: The chemical formula
gives information on the number and kinds of atoms
in one unit (one molecule) of a pure substance.
CHEMICAL NAME: The name given to a
chemical in the nomenclature system developed by
the International Union of Pure and Applied
Chemistry (UPAC) or the Chemical Abstracts Service
(CSA). The scientific designation of a chemical or a
name that will clearly identify the chemical for hazard
evaluation purposes.
CHEMTREC: Chemical Transportation Emergency
Centre. Is a national centre established by the
Chemical Manufacturers Association (CMA) to relay
pertinent emergency information concerning specific
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chemicals on request from individuals. CHEMTREC
has a 24 hour toll-free telephone number (800-4249300) to help respond to chemical transportation
emergencies.
CHRONIC EFFECT: An adverse effect on a
human or animal body, with symptoms that develop
slowly over a long period of time or that recur
frequently. See also Acute.
CHRONIC EXPOSURE: Long-term contact with a
substance.
CHRONIC TOXICITY: Adverse (chronic) effects
resulting from repeated doses of, or exposure to, a
substance over a relatively prolonged period of time.
Ordinarily used to denote effects in experimental
animals.
CLEAN WATER ACT (CWA): Regulates the
discharge of non-toxic and toxic pollutants into
waterways by municipal, industrial and other point
sources and by non-point sources or pollution. Types
of pollution include toxic substances, organic wastes,
sediment washed from agriculture or construction
operations, acid, bacteria and viruses, nutrients, heat
and oil and greases. The act gives authority to the
federal government and covers all surface waters in
the United States. Major provisions of the act that
deal with chemicals are as follows: Section 303:
Water quality criteria and standards. Section 301,304,
& 307: Effluent limitation and guidelines. Section
311: Control of discards of oil and hazardous
substances.
COEFFICIENT OR WATER/OIL
DISTRIBUTION: This number compares the
amount of material that can be dissolved in oil with
the amount that can be dissolved in water. This
information is used when selecting the right kind of
personal protective equipment.
COMBUSTIBLE: A term used by NFPA, DOT and
others to classify certain liquids that will burn, on the
basis of flash points. Both NFPA and DOT generally
define ‘combustible liquids’ as having a flash-point of
100OF. (37.8OC.) or higher, but below 200OF
(93.3OC.) See also ‘Flammable’. Non-liquid
substances such as wood and paper are classified as
‘ordinary combustibles’ by NFPA.
COMBUSTIBLE LIQUID: Any liquid having a
flash point at or above 100OF. (30.8OC) but below
200OF (93.3OC), except any mixture having
components with flash points or 200OF.(93.3OC) or
higher, the total volume of which makes up ninetynine (99) percent or more of the total volume of the
mixture..
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COMMON NAME: Any means used to identify a
chemical other than its chemical name (e.g. code
name, code number, trade name, brand name, or
generic name) See also Generic.
COMPRESSED GAS: This substance is a gas at
room temperature but is transported and used under
pressure in cylinders.
CONDITIONS TO AVOID: Conditions
encountered during handling or storage that could
cause a substance to become unstable.
CONFINED SPACE: Any area that has limited
openings for entry and exit that would make escape
difficult in an emergency, has a lack of ventilation,
contains known and potential hazards and is not
intended nor designated for continuous human
occupancy.
CONTROLLED PRODUCT: Any material,
products or substance imported or sold in Canada and
classed as one or more of the following: compressed
gas, flammable and combustible material, oxidizing
material, poisonous and infectious material, corrosive
material or dangerously reactive material, under the
Controlled Products Regulations.
CORROSIVE: A chemical that causes visible
destruction of, or irreversible alterations in, living
tissue by chemical action at the site of contact. For
example, a chemical is considered to be corrosive if,
when tested on the intact skin of albino rabbits by the
methods described by the DOT, it destroys or
changes irreversibly the structure of the tissue at the
site of contact following an exposure period of 4
hours. This term shall not refer to action on
inanimate surfaces.
D
DECOMPOSITION: Breakdown of a material or
substance by heat, chemical reaction, electrolysis,
decay or other processes into parts or elements or
simpler compounds.
DENSITY: The mass (weight) per unit volume of a
substance . For example, lead is much more dense
than aluminum.
DOT: U.S. Department of Transportation regulates
transportation of chemicals and other substances.
DRY CHEMICAL: A powdered fire-extinguishing
agent usually composed of sodium bicarbonate,
potassium carbonate etc.
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E
ENGINEERING CONTROLS: These are controls
in the work environment that help minimize the levels
of airborne chemicals.
ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICITY: Information
obtained as a result of conducting environmental
testing designed to study the effects on aquatic and
plant life.
EPA: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
EVAPORATION RATE: The rate at which a
material will vapourize (evaporate)
EXPLOSIVE: A chemical that causes a sudden,
almost instantaneous, release of pressure, gas and
heat when subjected to sudden shock, pressure, or
high temperature.
EXPLOSION POWER: This measures the amount
of energy released for each kilogram of substance that
is exploded.
EXPOSURE OR EXPOSED: State of being open
and vulnerable to a hazardous chemical by inhalation,
ingestion, skin contact, absorption, or any other
course; includes potential (accidental or possible)
exposure.
EXPOSURE LIMITS: The most common exposure
limits are TLVs (threshold limit values). TLVs are
for airborne concentrations or material and suggest
conditions which it is believed nearly all workers may
be repeatedly exposed day after day without any
harmful effects. However, because there is a large
variation in the way people react to chemical
exposures, this is only a guideline. There are three
main types of TLVs. They are Time-Weighted
Averages, Short-Term Exposure Limits and Ceilings.
EXTINCTION: This suggests types of fire
extinguishers that can be used to fight fires or an
explosion of material.
EXTINGUISHING MEDIA: The fire fighting
substance to be used to control material in the event
of a fire. It is usually identified by its generic name,
such as fog, foam, water, etc.
EYE PROTECTION: Recommended safety
glasses, chemical splash goggles, face shields, etc. to
be utilized when handling a hazardous material.
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F
FIBRES: The number of fibres that can be filtered
from one cubic centimeter of air.
FIFRA: Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and
Rodenticide Act requires that certain useful poisons
such as chemical pesticides, sold to the public,
contain labels that carry health hazard warnings to
protect users. It is administered by EPA.
FIRST AID: This section suggests which first aid
treatment should be given should there be an accident
or overexposure to the material.
FLAMMABLE: A chemical that includes one of the
following categories; (a) AEROSOL FLAMMABLE
- An aerosol that, when tested by the method
described in 16 CFR 1500.45, yields a flame
projection exceeding 18 inches at full valve opening,
or a flash back (a flame extending back to the valve)
at any degree of valve opening; (b) GAS,
FLAMMABLE - (1) A gas that, at ambient
temperature and pressure, forms a flammable mixture
with air at a concentration of 13 percent by volume or
less or, (2) A gas that, at ambient temperature and
pressure, forms a range of flammable mixtures with
air wider than 12 percent by volume, regardless of the
lower limit; © LIQUID FLAMMABLE - Any liquid
having a flash point below 100OF (37.8OC) except
any mixture having components with flash point of
100oF (37.8OC) or higher, the total of which make up
99 percent or more of the total volume of mixture;
(d) SOLID FLAMMABLE - A solid, other than a
blasting agent or explosive as defined in 1910.109(a),
that is liable to cause fire through friction, absorption
of moisture, spontaneous chemical change, or
retained heat from manufacturing or processing, or
which can be ignited readily and when ignited burns
so vigorously and persistently as to create a serious
hazard. A solid is a flammable solid if, when tested
by the method described in 16 CFR 1500.44, it
ignites and burns with a self-sustained flame at a rate
greater than one-tenth of an inch per second along its
major axis.
FLASHBACK: Occurs when flame from a torch
burns back into the tip, the torch, or the hose. It is
often accompanied by a hissing or squealing sound
with a smoky or sharp-pointed flame.
FLASH POINT: The minimum temperature at
which liquid gives off a vapour in sufficient
concentration to ignite when tested by the following
methods: (a) Tagliabue Closed Tester (see American
national Standard method of Test for Flash Point by
Tag Closed Tested, Z11.24 1979 (ASTM D56-79)):
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(b) Pensky-Martens Closed Tester (see American
National Standard method of Test for Flash Point by
Pensky-Martens Closed Tester Z11.7-1979 (ASTM
D93-79)): © Setaflash Closed Tester (see American
National Standard Method of Test for Flash Point by
Setaflash Closed Tester (ASTM d3278-78)).
FORMULA: The scientific expression of the
chemical composition of a material (e.g. water is
H20, sulphuric acid is H2S04, sulphuric dioxide is
SO2).
FREEZING POINT: This is the temperature at
which a material changes from a liquid to a solid
under normal conditions of pressure.
G
GENERAL EXHAUST: A system for exhausting
air containing contaminants from a general work area.
See also Local Exhaust.
GENERIC NAME: A designation or identification
used to identify a chemical by other than its chemical
name (e.g. code name, code number, trade name, and
brand name).
GROUNDING: The procedure used to carry
electrical charge to ground through a conductive path.
A typical ground may be connected directly to a
conductive water pipe or to a grounding bus and
ground rod. See also Bonding.
H
HAND PROTECTION: Specific type of gloves or
other hand protection required to prevent harmful
exposure to hazardous materials.
HAZARDOUS CHEMICAL: Any chemical whose
presence or use is a physical hazard or a health
hazard.
HAZARDOUS COMBUSTION PRODUCTS: If a
material emits a hazardous product while being
burned, the products will be listed in this section of
the MSDS.
HAZARDOUS DECOMPOSITION PRODUCTS:
When chemicals burn, react with oxygen in the air or
react with other workplace chemicals, they undergo
various changes and may decompose to produce
hazardous products.
HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS: These are the
chemical names of ingredients considered hazardous
under WHMIS.
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HAZARDOUS POLYMERIXATION: A reaction
which can be extremely dangerous possibly causing
fire or explosion.
HAZARDOUS WARNING: Words, pictures,
symbols, or combination thereof presented on a label
or other appropriate form to inform of the presence of
various materials.
HCS: Hazard Communication Standard is an OSHA
regulation issued under 29 CFR Part 1910.1200.
HEALTH HAZARD: A chemical for which there is
significant evidence, based on at least one study
conducted in accordance with established scientific
principles, that acute or chronic health effects may
occur in exposed employees. The term “health
hazard” include chemicals that are carcinogens, toxic
or highly toxic agents, reproductive toxins, irritants,
corrosives, sensitizers, hepatotoxins, nephrotoxins,
neurotoxins, agents that act on the hematopsiotic
system, and agents that damage the lungs, skin, eyes,
or mucous membranes.
HIGHLY TOXIC: A chemical in any of the
following categories: (a) A chemical with a median
lethal dose (LD50) of 50 milligrams or less per
kilogram of body weight when administered orally to
albino rats weighing between 200 and 300 grams
each; (b) A chemical with a median lethal dose
(LD50) of 200 milligrams or less per kilogram of
body weight when administered by continuous
contact for 24 hours (or less if death occurs within 24
hours) with the bare skin of albino rabbits weighing
between 2 and 3 kilograms each;; © A chemical that
has a median lethal concentration (LC50) in air of
200 parts per million by volume or less of gas or
vapour, or 2 milligrams per litre or less of most,
fume, or dust, when administered by continuous
inhalation for 1 hour (or less if death occurs within 1
hours) to albino rats weighing between 200 and 300
grams each.
I
IARC: International Agency for Research on
Cancer.
IGNITABLE: Capable of being set afire.
IMPERVIOUS: A material that does not allow
another substance to pass through or penetrate it.
INCOMPATIBILITY: Some chemicals may react
violently when mixed together or may give off toxic
vapours.
INGESTION: Taking in by the mouth.
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INGREDIENTS DISCLOSURE: This is a list of
over 1700 chemicals that must be disclosed on an
MSDS sheet if there is a minimum of 1% of that
ingredients in the formula. Included in this list are a
large number of ingredients that must be disclosed at
levels even lower than 1%. These latter ingredients
are potentially more dangerous to the health and
safety of the worker.
INHALATION: Breathing in of a substance in the
form of a gas, vapour, fume, mist or dust.
INSOLUBLE: Incapable of being dissolved in a
liquid.
IRRITANCY: If the product or any ingredient cause
possible irritation to the nose, eyes, throat or skin, it
will be stated in this section of the MSDS.
IRRITANT: A chemical, which is not corrosive,
that causes a reversible inflammatory effect on living
tissue by chemical action at the site of contact. A
chemical is a skin irritant if, when tested on the intact
skin of albino rabbits by the methods of 16 CFR
1500.41 for 4 hours exposure or by other
appropriated techniques, it results in an empirical
score of 5 or more. A chemical is an eye irritant if so
determined under the procedure listed in 16 CFR
1500.42 or other appropriate techniques.
L
LABEL: Notice attached to a container, bearing
information concerning its contents.
LC50: A single does of material expected to kill 50
percent of a group of test animals. The LD50 does is
usually expressed as milligrams or grams of material
per kilogram of animal body weight (mg/kg or g/kg).
The material may be administered by mouth or
applied to the skin.
LEAK AND SPILL PROCEDURES: Clean up
procedures are detailed in this section in case of a
leak or spill.
LEL or LFL: Lower explosive lime, or lower
flammable limit, of a vapour or gas; the lowest
concentration (lowest percentage of the substance in
air) that will produce a flash of fire when an ignition
source (heat, arc or flame) is present. At
concentration lower than the LEL, the mixture is too
“lean” to burn. See also “UEL”
.LOCAL EXHAUST: a system for capturing and
exhausting contaminants from the air at the point
where the contaminants are produced (welding,
grinding, sanding, other processes or operations).
See also General Exhaust.
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MECHANICAL EXHAUST: A powered device,
such as a motor-driven fan or air steam venturi tube,
for exhausting contaminants from a workplace,
vessel, or enclosure.
MECHANICAL FILTER RESPIRATOR: A
respirator used to protect against airborne particular
matter like dusts, mists, metal fume, and smoke.
Mechanical filter respirators do not provide
protection against gases, vapours, or oxygen deficient
atmospheres.
MELTING POINT: The temperature at which a
solid substance changes to a liquid state.
mg/m3: Milligrams per cubic meter is a unit for
expressing concentrations of dusts, gases or mists in
air.
MIXTURE: Any combination of two or more
chemicals if the combination is not, in whole or part,
the result of a chemical reaction.
ml: Milliliter is a metric unit of capacity, equal in
volume to 1 cubic centimeter (cc), or approximately
one-sixteenth of a cubic inch. One-thousandth of a
litre.
MOLECULAR WEIGHT: Weight (mass) of a
molecule based on the sum of the atomic weights of
the atoms that make up the molecule.
MSDS: Material Safety Data Sheet.
NAUSEA: Tendency to vomit, feeling of sickness at
the stomach.
NEUTRALIZE: To eliminate potential hazards by
inactivating strong acids, caustics, and oxidizers. For
example, acids can be neutralized by adding an
appropriate amount of caustic substance to the spill.
MUTAGENIC EFFECTS: Some chemicals can
cause damage to genetic material. This damage may
be one of the steps in causing cancer or birth defects.
Mutagenic data is usually derived from studies on
cells of bacteria and generally do not tell us very
much about the chemical’s ability to cause cancer or
birth defects in humans.
N
NOSH: National Institute for Occupational Safety
and Health, U.S. Public Health Service, U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS),
along other activities, tests and certifies respiratoryprotective devices and air sampling detector tubes,
recommends occupational exposure limits for various
substances, and assists OSHA and MSHA in
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occupational safety and health investigations and
research.
NON-FLAMMABLE: Not easily ignited or, if
ignited, not burning rapidly.
NOT APPLICABLE: This means the information
requested on the data sheet does not apply for this
particular chemical.
NOT AVAILABLE: This means there is no
information available on this topic. Often this is
because the material has not been studied for the
information requested on the data sheet.
NTP: National Toxicology Program. The NTP
publishes an Annual Report on carcinogens.
O
ODOUR: A description of the smell of the
substance.
ODOUR THRESHOLD: The lowest concentration
of a substance’s vapour, in air, that can be smelled.
ORAL: Used in or taken into the body through the
mouth.
ORAL TOXICITY: Adverse effects resulting from
taking a substance into the body by mouth.
Ordinarily used to denote effects in experimental
animals.
OSHA: Occupation Safety and Health
Administration.
OVER EXPOSURE: Exposure to a hazardous
material beyond the allowable exposure limits.
OXIDATION: In a literal sense, oxidation is a
reaction in which a substance combines with oxygen
provided by an oxidizer or oxidizing agents. See also
Oxidizing Agent.
OXIDIZING AGENT: A chemical or substance that
brings about an oxidation reaction. The agent may:
(1) provide the oxygen to the substance being
oxidized (in which case the agent has to be oxygen or
contain oxygen) or, (2) it may receive electrons being
transferred from the substance undergoing oxidation
(chlorine is a good oxidizing agent for electrontransfer purposes, even though it contains no oxygen).
OXIDIZING MATERIAL: An oxidizing material
can cause some other materials to burn by reacting
with them to produce heat and oxygen.
P
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PEL: Permissible Exposure Limit is an occupational
exposure limit established by OSHA’s regulatory
authority. It may be a time-weighted average (TWA)
limit or a maximum concentration exposure limit.
PERCENT VOLATILE: Percent volatile by
volume is the percentage of a liquid or solid (by
volume) that will evaporate at an ambient temperature
of 70OF (unless some other temperature is specified).
Examples: butane, gasoline, and paint thinner
(mineral spirits) are 100 percent volatile; their
individual evaporation rates vary, but in time each
will evaporate completely.
amounts of energy. If hazardous polymerization can
occur with a given material, the MSDS usually will
list conditions that could start the reaction and, since
the material usually contains a polymerization
inhibitor, the length of time during which the inhibitor
will be effective.
ppb: parts per billion in the concentration of a gas or
vapour in air-parts (by volume) of the gas or vapour
in a billion parts of air. Usually used to express
extremely low concentrations of unusually toxic gases
or vapours; also the concentration of a particulate in
a liquid or solid.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
(PPE): This suggests the type of protective clothing
and equipment needed to work safely with the
material.
ppm: Parts per million is the concentration of a gas
or vapour in air-parts (by volume) of the gas or
vapour in a million parts of air; also the
concentration of a particulate in a liquid or solid.
pH: The symbol relating the hydrogen ion (H+)
concentration to that of a given standard solution. A
pH of 7 is neutral. Numbers increasing from 7 to 14
indicate greater alkalinity. Numbers decreasing from
7 to 0 indicate greater acidity.
psi: Parts per square inch (for MSDS purposes) is
the pressure a material exerts on the walls of a
confining vessel or enclosure. For technical
accuracy, pressure must be expressed as psig (pounds
per square inch gauge) or psia (pounds per square
inch absolute, that is, gauge pressure plus seal level
atmospheric pressure, or psig plus approximately 14.7
pounds per square inch. See also mmHg.
PHYSICAL HAZARD: Means a chemical for
which there is scientifically valid evidence that it is a
combustible liquid, a compressed gas, explosive,
flammable, an organic peroxide, an oxidizer,
pyrophoric, unstable (reactive) or water-reactive.
PHYSICAL STATE: This indicates if the material
is a solid, liquid or gas at room temperature.
P.I.N: A four digit Product Identification Number is
used to identify chemicals transported within Canada.
The number is assigned by Transport Canada.
PMCC: Pensky-Marrens Closed Cup. See also
Flash Point.
POISON, CLASS A: DOT term for extremely
dangerous poisons, poisonous gases or liquid that, in
very small amounts, either as a gas or as vapour of the
liquid, mixed with air, are dangerous to life.
Examples: phosgone, cyanogen, hydrocyanic acid,
nitrogen peroxide.
POISON, CLASS B: DOT term for liquid, solid,
paste or semisolid substances, other than Class A
poisons, or irritating materials that are known (or
presumed on the basis of animal tests) to be so toxic
to humans that they are a hazard to health during
transportation.
POLYMERIZATION: A chemical reaction in
which one or more small molecules combine to form
larger molecules. A hazardous polymerization is such
a reaction that takes place at a rate that releases large
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R
REACTION: A chemical transformation or change.
The interaction of two or more substances to form
new substances.
REACTIVITY: Chemical reaction with the release
of energy. Undesirable effects such as pressure build
up, temperature increase, formation of noxious, toxic
or corrosive by-products may occur because of the
reactivity of a substance to heating, burning, direct
contact with other materials, or other conditions in
use or in storage.
REDUCING AGENT: In a reduction reaction
(which always occurs simultaneously with an
oxidation reaction) the reducing agent is the chemical
or substance which (1) combines with oxygen, or (2)
loses electrons to the reaction. See also Oxidation.
REPRODUCTIVE EFFECT: This section of the
MSDS indicates if the material can reduce fertility in
females and males by producing toxic effects on the
reproductive organs.
REPRODUCTIVE TOXIN: Substances that affect
either male or female reproductive systems and may
impair the ability to have children.
RESOURCE CONSERVATION AND
RECOVERY ACT: Was passed by Congress in
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TERMINOLOGY - MSDS
1976 to deal with the control of varieties of solid
waste disposal, including the disposal of wastes that
the EPA lists as hazardous. RCRA defines hazardous
waste, among other things, as solid waste that may
pose a substantial present or potential hazard to
human health and the environment when improperly
treated, stored, transported, disposed or otherwise
managed.
RCRA: Resources Conservation and Recovery Act
is environmental legislation aimed at controlling the
generation, treating, storage, transportation and
disposal of hazardous wastes. It is administered by
EPA.
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION: Devices that
will protect the wearer’s system from overexposure
by inhalation to airborne contaminants. Respiratory
protection is used when a worker must work in an
area where he/she might be exposed to concentration
in excess of the allowable exposure limit.
ROUTES OF ENTRY: The means by which
material may gain access to the body, for example,
inhalation, ingestion, and skin contact
S
SELF-CONTAINED BREATHING
APPARATUS: A respiratory protection device that
consists of a supply or a means of respirable air,
oxygen, or oxygen-generating material, carried by the
wearer.
SENSITIVITY OF IMPACT: If the risk of
explosion is possible de to friction or physical shock,
such as the material being dropped or hit, it will be
listed in this section of the MSDS.
SENSITIVITY TO STATIC DISCHARGE: A few
materials may explode if they come in contact with a
spark generated by static electricity.
SENSITIZATION: It is possible to develop allergylike reactions to some chemicals. A person can
become increasingly sensitive to a material after each
exposure. Eventually exposure to only small amounts
of the material may be needed to set off an allergic
type reaction of the skin or respiratory tract.
SENSITIZER: A chemical that causes a substantial
proportion of exposed people or animals to develop
an allergic reaction in normal tissue after repeated
exposure to the chemical.
‘SKIN’: A notation (sometimes used with PEL or
TLV exposure data) that indicates that the stored
substance may be absorbed by the skin, mucous
membranes and eyes, either airborne or by direct
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contact, and that this additional exposure must be
considered part of the total exposure to avoid
exceeding the PEL or TLV for that substance.
SKIN ABSORPTION: Ability of some hazardous
chemicals to pass directly through the skin and enter
the bloodstream.
SOLUBILITY IN WATER: A term expressing the
percentage of a material (by weight) that will dissolve
in water at ambient temperature. Solubility
information can be useful in determining spill clean
up methods and re-extinguishing agents and methods
for a material.
SOLVENT: A substance, usually a liquid, in which
other substances are dissolved. The most common
solvent is water.
SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS (for procedures):
This section may contain additional procedures to be
used for fire fighting or preventing re-ignition.
SPECIAL SHIPPING INFORMATION: This will
give the requirements under the Transportation of
Dangerous Goods regulations, or any other special
instructions required for shipping the material.
SPECIFIC CHEMICAL IDENTITY: The
chemical name, Chemical Abstracts Services (CAS)
Registry Number, or any precise chemical
designation of a substance.
SPECIFIC GRAVITY: The weight of a material
compared to the weight of an equal volume of water
is an expression of the density (or heaviness) of a
material. Insoluble materials with specific gravity of
less than 1.0 will float in, or on, water. Insoluble
materials with specific gravity greater than 1.0 will
sink in water. Most (but not all) flammable liquids
have specific gravity less than 1.0 and, if not soluble,
will float on water, an important consideration for fire
suppression.
SPILL OR LEAK PROCEUDRES: The methods,
equipment and precautions that should be used to
control or clean up a leak or spill.
STABILITY: The ability of a material to remain
unchanged. For MSDS purposes, a material is stable
if it remains in the same form under expected and
reasonable conditions of storage or use. Conditions
that may cause instability (dangerous change) are
stated: for example, temperatures above 1500F;
shock from dropping; STEL Short Term Exposure
Limit (ACGIH terminology). See also TLV.
STORAGE REQUIREMENTS: This section
indicates safe storage for the material.
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Module 9 Unit 9.1
TERMINOLOGY - MSDS
SUPPLIED AIR RESPIRATORS: Air line
respirators of self-contained breathing apparatus.
SYNERGISTIC MATERIALS: Synergism is the
ability of two or more chemicals, when combined, to
have a greater effect than the sum total of the
individual ingredients.
SYNONYMS: These are alternative names by which
the material is known.
SYSTEMIC POISON: A poison that spreads
throughout the body, affecting all body systems and
organs. It’s adverse effect is not localized in one spot
or area.
SYSTEMIC TOXICITY: Adverse effects caused
by a substance that affects the body in general rather
than in a local manner.
T
TARGET ORGAN EFFECTS: The following is a
target organ categorization of effects that may occur,
concluding examples of signs and symptoms, and
chemicals that have been found to cause such effects.
These examples are presented to illustrate the range
and diversity of effects and hazards found in the
workplace, and the broad scope employers must
consider in this area, but they are not intended to be
all inclusive:
a) Hepatotoxins - chemicals that produce liver
damage. Signs and Symptoms - jaundice, liver
enlargement. Chemicals - carbon tetrachloride,
nitrosamines.
b) Nephrotoxins - chemicals that produce kidney
damage. Signs and Symptoms - edema,
proteinuria. Chemicals - halogenated
hydrocarbons, uranium.
c)
Neurotoxins - chemicals that produce their
primary toxic effects on the nervous system.
Signs and Symptoms - narcosis, behavioural
changes, decrease in motor functions.
Chemicals - mercury, carbon disulfide.
d) Agents that Act - blood hemotopiatic system
decrease hemoglobin function, deprive the body
tissue of oxygen. Signs and Symptoms cyanosis, loss of consciousness. Chemicals carbon monoxide, cyanides.
e)
Agents that Damage the Lung. chemicals that
irritate or damage the pulmonary tissue. Signs
and Symptoms - cough, tightness in chest,
shortness of breath. Chemicals - silica, asbestos.
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f)
Reproductive Toxins - chemicals that adversely
affect the reproductive capability, including
chromosomal damage (mutations) and effects on
fetuses ((teratogenesis). Signs and Symptoms birth defects, sterility. Chemicals - lead, DBCP.
g) Cutaneous Hazards - chemicals that affect the
dermal layer of the body,. Signs and Symptoms
- defatting of the skin, rashes, irriation.
Chemicals - ketones, chlorinated compounds.
h) Eye Hazard - chemicals that affect the eye or
visual capacity. Signs and Symptoms conjunctivitis, corneal damage. Chemicals organic solvents, acids.
TDG FLAMMABILITY CLASSIFICATION:
This relates to the Transportation of Dangerous
Goods regulations. It assists fire fighters and
emergency response personnel in the event of an
accident or spill.
TERATOGENIC EFFECTS: Some chemicals
ma6y cause damage to a developing fetus.
Information for this section is taken exclusively from
animal studies, not human.
TLV: Threshold Limit Value is a term used by
ACGIH to express the airborne concentration of
material to which nearly all persons can be exposed
day after day without adverse effects. ACGIH
expresses TLVs in three ways: TLV-TWA: The
allowable Time-Weighted Average concentration for
a normal 8 hour workday or 40 hour workweek,.
TLV-STEL: The Short-Term Exposure Limit, or
maximum concentration for a continuous 15 minute
exposure period (maximum of four such periods per
day, with at least 60 minutes between exposure
period, and provided the daily TLV-TWA is not
exceeded). TLV-C. The ceiling exposure limit the
concentration that should not be exceeded even
instantaneously.
TOXIC: A chemical falling within any of the
following categories: (a) A chemical that has a
median lethal dose (LD50) of more than 50
milligrams per kilogram, but not more than 5000
milligrams per kilogram, of body weight when
administered orally to albino rats weighing between
200 and 300 grams each; (b) A chemical that has a
median lethal dose (LD50) of more than 200
milligrams per kilogram, but not more than 1000
milligrams per kilogram, of body weight when
administered by continuous contact for 24 hours (or
less if death occurs within 24 hours) with the bare
skin of albino rabbits weighing between two and three
kilograms each; (c) A chemical that has a median
LB Cleaning Consulting Services
Module 9 Unit 9.1
TERMINOLOGY - MSDS
lethal concentration (LC50) in air of more than 200
parts per million, but not more than 2000 parts per
million by volume of gas or vapour, or more than two
milligrams per liter, but not more than 20 milligrams
per liter, of most, fume or dust when administered by
continuous inhalation for one hour (or less if death
occurs within 1 hour) to albino rats weighing between
200 and 300 grams each.
TOXIC SUBSTANCE: Any substance that can
cause acute or chronic injury to the human body, or
which is suspected of being able to cause diseases or
injury under some conditions.
TOXICOLOGICAL PROPERTIES: Toxic means
poisonous. This section describes possible health
effects caused by exposure to too much of a chemical.
TWA: Time-Weighted Average exposure is the
airborne concentration (highest percentage of the
substance in air) that will produce a flash of fire when
an ignition source (heat, arc, or flame) is present. At
higher concentrations the mixture is too “rich” to
burn. See also LEL.
U
UN: United Nations identification number. This is a
unique number for each ingredient.
UPPER EXPLSOIVE LIMITED (UEL or UFL):
If a gas or vapour has a concentration in air which
falls between the lower and upper explosive limits,
there is a risk of fire or explosion. The UEL is the
maximum concentration of vapours in the air that can
form a flammable or explosive mixture if they contact
an ignition source.
USTABLE: Tending toward decomposition or other
unwanted chemical change during normal handling or
storage.
V
manholes, in trenches and ditches,where they may
create fire or health hazards.
VAPOUR PRESSURE: The pressure exerted by a
saturated vapour above its own liquid in a closed
container. When quality control tests are performed
on products, the test temperature is usually 100OF and
the vapour pressure is expressed as pounds per square
inch (psig or psia), but vapour pressures reported as
MSDs are in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) at 68OF
(20OC) unless stated otherwise. Three facts are
important to remember. 1. Vapour pressure of a
substance at 100OF will always be higher than the
vapour pressure of the substance at 68OF (20OC). 2.
Vapour pressures reported on MSDSs in mmHg are
usually very low pressures; 760 mmHg is equivalent
to 14.7 pounds per square inch. 3. The lower the
boiling point of a substance, the higher its vapour
pressure.
VISCOSITY: The tendency of a fluid to resist
internal flow without regard to its density.
W
WASTE DISPOSAL: This section describes
suggested waste handling requirements and will often
suggest reader follow local, provincial and federal
government authorities guidelines.
WATER DISPOSAL METHODS: Proper disposal
methods for contaminated material, recovered liquids
or solids, and their container.
WATER-REACTIVE: A chemical that reacts with
water to release a gas that is either flammable or
presents a health hazard.
WHMIS: Classifies a material as very toxic when it
has an LC50 less than 1500 ppm for vapour, and less
than 2500 ppm for a gas, and less than 0.5 mg/L for a
dust
VAPOUR: The gaseous form of a solid or liquid
substance as it evaporates.
VAPOUR DENSITY: The weight of a vapour or
gas compared to the weight of an equal volume of air
is an expression of the density of the vapour or gas.
Material lighter than air have vapour densities less
than 1.0 (examples: propane, hydrogen sulfide,
ethane, butane, chlorine, sulphur dioxide) have
vapour densities greater than 1.0. All vapours and
gasses will mix with air, but lighter material will tend
to rise and dissipate (unless confined). Heavier
vapours and gases are likely to concentrate in low
places along or under floors, in sumps, sewers, and
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Module 9 Unit 9.1
TERMINOLOGY - CARPET, UPHOLSTERY, FABRIC
Carpet, Upholstery,
Fabric Terminology
A
ABRADED YARNS - Continuous filament yarns
where the filaments are cut or abraded at intervals
with an additional twist to present a more natural
fibre appearance. These yarns are combined with
other yarns.
ABRASION - The wearing away or cleaning by
some means of friction.
ABRASION TESTING - This test is usually
performed with what is known as a Taber Abrader.
This apparatus evenly wears away the face of the
specimen being tested at a uniform rate. The results
of this test will be stated in the number of cycles and
the percentage of face yarn worn away at specific
intervals.
ABRASIVE - A product that works by abrasion.
Products such as cleaners, polishes, and pads may
contain an abrasive.
ABSORBENT - A dry solid material that takes in
and holds fluid
ABSORPTION - Tendency of fibres to take in and
hold liquids.
ADSORPTION - Tendency of fibres to hold
substances upon surface without soaking into fibres
(i.e., dirt, dust, soot, sand).
ACID - Substance with pH value from 0 to 7.
ACID RINSE - Mildly acidic (acid chemical)
solution used to neutralize a fabric with an alkaline to
prevent or cure browning.
ACCESSORIES - Various tools that may be used in
conjunction with carpet cleaning (i.e. a floor pad,
vacuum tools.
ACRYLIC - A particular type of material used in the
formation of plastics. Found in many floor finishes
and the fibres to make carpets.
ACRYLIC FIBRES - Man-made surface fibres with
the soft warm appearance of wool.
ALKALI - Substance with a pH value from 7 to 14.
Axminster, Velvet or Wilton weave which have been
manufactured to simulate the colour and pattern
designs of Oriental rugs. The sheen or lustre
distinguishes this type of American carpet from other
weaves. They are without sizing and are soft and
easily folded such as is the true Oriental.
ANCHORITE TOOL- Designed to drive small head
brads into carpet to conceal fastenings. Hammer
driven unit.
ANIMAL FIBRES- Any textile fibre coming from
animal hair such as wool, as opposed to vegetable and
synthetic fibres such as cotton and nylon.
ANIMAL STAIN - Discolouration of fibres caused
by animal indiscretion.
ANTIFOAMING AGENT -Used in carpet cleaning
to reduce and eliminate foam.
ANTI-STATIC - Ability (natural or induced by
chemical) of a fibre to disperse electrical charge
before build-up of static becomes noticeable to
humans.
APPEARANCE RETENTION - One of the most
important parts of a carpet specification is the
Hexapod Drum ISO/TC38/SC12/N299; ASTM 5252
for minimum 12,000 cycles OR Vetterman Drum
Test ISO/TC38/SC12/TR9405 for a minimum of
22,000 cycles, a minimum rating of 3.0 using
ISO/TC38/SC12/TR9405.
ARAMID - Synthetic fibre in which substance is a
long chain polyamide with at least 87% of the Amide
linkages attached directly to the two aromatic rings.
ATTATCHED CUSHION - Cushion permanently
bonded to the backs of carpets and rugs by the
manufacturer. Most often comprised of synthetic
rubber foam or polyurethane foam.
AUTOCLAVE - Apparatus for heat-setting yarn with
super-heated steam.
AXMINSTER - A type of weaving using a loom
named after a town in England One of four basic
weaves. Pile tufts in this weave are mechanically
inserted and bound to the back in a manner similar to
the hand knotting of Oriental rugs, making possible
almost unlimited combinations of colours and
patterns.
AVERAGE STIFFNESS - Force required to stretch
fibres one percent in length expressed in grams per
denier. Related to Young’s Modules.
AMERICAN ORIENTAL - Term incorrectly
applied to loom-made American carpets of the
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TERMINOLOGY - CARPET, UPHOLSTERY, FABRIC
AWL - Pointed steel shaft with wood or plastic
handle for making holes for screws or for lifting a
corner of the carpet for inspection.
standard tuft, spacing across the width. (2) A needle
in the Jacquard that is out of alignment with punched
holes in pattern cards.
B
BINDER BAR- A strip of metal or vinyl installed
over a carpet edge to protect against unraveling and
wear.
BACK SEAMS - All carpet seams are located in the
back of the carpet. The seams made while the carpet
is face-down are known as back seams, while those
made with the carpet face-up are termed face seams.
BACKING - The foundation or underside of the
carpet that secures the pile yarn in position and
provides a firm foundation. The backing is usually
jute, cotton or latex, a synthetic material. In the
weaving process, the carpet is tufted on a broad
woven fabric, which serves as a backing. Most tufted
carpet, as well as most woven carpet, is coated on the
back with latex to seal the tufts. With this finish, the
individual tufts will not pull loose and a clean edge
can be cut in any direction. Binding is necessary.
BARRE - A dyeing defect showing up as bars or
stripes in a fabric.
BARYTES - (Barium sulfate). Refined white clays
used to absorb colour and soil from fabric (‘fullers
earth’ or diatomaceous filter powder).
BASEBOARD - Board running around the room at
base of wall. Wall to wall carpeting is laid flush with
this board while rugs leave a space between the edge
of the rug and this board.
BINDER STAPLER- A plier type stapler for
fastening carpet. Usually equipped with a guide for
depth.
BINDING - A strip sewn over a carpet edge to
protect against unraveling.
BINDING YARN - Yarn running lengthwise (warp)
to increase strength and weight of material.
BLEEDING - Loss of colour when wet due to
improper dyeing or from the use of poor dyes.
Bleeding fabrics will stain other fabrics on contact.
BLEND - A fabric containing a mixture of two or
more fibres or yarns.
BLOCKING- The interference of a dye with the
action of another dye in the same bath.
BOBBIN- A spool-like device made of various
materials, shapes and constructions, with a head at
one or both ends and a hole through its length or
barrel for placement on a spindle or skewer. It is
used to hold yarn for spinning, weaving or sewing.
BODY - The solid, full feel of a fabric.
BASIC DYES - Basic dyes produce a positive charge
and are used in dyeing acrylic, modified nylon and
polyester fibres.
BODY( DRAPERY)- The middle section of a
drapery roughly ½ “ from the top and 12” from the
bottom
BCF- Bulked continuous filament. Continuous
strands of synthetic fibre formed into yarn bundles of
a given number of filaments and texturized to
increase bulk and cover. Texturizing changes the
straight filaments into kinked or curled
configurations.
BONDED RUBBER CUSHION - Comes in two
forms: (1) as a cushion prepared in strips prior to its
application to the carpet back; (2) as a cushion
manufactured and cured in place in seamless lengths
and widths. Rubber cushions are usually either
sponge rubber or latex. Its quality is estimated by its
density.
BEADING OR WELTING - A fabric covered cord
used around the seams of upholstered furniture or
cushions.
BEAM- Large, horizontal cylinders or spools. Yarns
are wound on beams located at the back of the loom
or tufting machine.
BONE SCRAPER- A flat, blade shaped tool that is
made of bone or plastic. Used to remove or loosen
encrusted dirt or material from the surface of a carpet.
BEARDING - Long fibre fuzz on loop pile or cut
pile fabrics caused by fibre snagging and inadequate
anchorage.
BONDED URETHANE CUSHION- A carpet
cushion made from urethane trim, generated from
urethane foam product manufacture, which has been
granulated and bonded to form a porous material and
fabricated into foam sheets.
BENT NEEDLES - (1) Needles in the tufting
machine permanently pushed out of place causing a
streak or grinning, running lengthwise because of off-
BOTTOM SEAMS- All carpet seams are located on
the back or underside of the carpet. Those made
when the face is down are called ‘Bottom Seams’
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TERMINOLOGY - CARPET, UPHOLSTERY, FABRIC
while those made with the carpet face up are called
‘Face Seams”.
BRAIDED- Reversible rugs produced from braided
strips of new or used material. Most are oval or
round, but some are made in linear strips.
BREAKING STRENGTH - Property of a fabric
which allows resistance to rupture from evenly
applied pressure. Expressed in pounds of force per
one inch in both warp and weft.
BRAIDED - Reversible oval or round rugs produced
from braided strips of new or used material.
BRIGHTENERS - Chemical substances that are
added to carpet and fabric care products. The
purpose of brighteners is to make colours appear
more vivid.
BROADLOOM - A designation of width not a
special construction. It means seamless carpet of any
weave produced on a broad loom from six to eighteen
feet wide. It is also a term used for tufted carpet
made in wide widths. No particular quality,
construction or style.
BROCADE CARPET- Carpet with heavy twisted
tufts forming an engraved effect on a field of straight
fibres. Colours are often the same.
BROWNING, BROWN OUT or BROWN
SPOTTING - A reaction that occurs in carpets when
high pH solutions cause the carpet’s natural colouring
in the backing (usually jute) to travel up the fibre
strand and discolour the carpet. Easily cured with debrowning product application.
BRUSSELS - Rare term used to describe a loop pile
woven on Wilton frame.
BRUSSELS PITCH- 252 or 256 dents per 27inches
in width.
BUCKLES - Buckling - Deviations in a carpet
where it does not lay flat, wrinkles.
BULKING - Processing yarn, usually by mechanical
means to fluff it up and give more coverage with the
same weight. Texturizing and lofting.
BUNDLE WRAP- The bed of latex that surrounds a
pulled tuft.
BURLING - An operation after weaving to remove
loose ends and check condition of fabric. Also a
repair operation on damaged carpet which sets in
individual tufts or loose ends.
BURN TEST- Unknown fibres can usually be
determined by removing a strand of yarn and burning
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it with a match. Wool gives off a smell of burning
hair, nylon, acrylics and nylon acetate all form a bead
like residue when burned. (Refer to carpet technology
for other test odours.)
BUTTERING- Refers to the application of adhesive
to the edge of the carpet
C
CAM LOOM - A loom in which the shedding is
performed by means of cams. A velvet loom.
CARDING MACHINE - The device which takes
raw staple fibre and opens, cleans and separates the
individual fibres and delivers them in sliver form or
as a carded web. It is the step between blending and
drafting in the spinning system.
CARAMELIZED SUGAR STAINS - Brown
discolouration on fabric, often called ‘Tannin’ stains
caused by oxidation of sugars common to fruit juices
such as lemons, peaches, apples, etc. Caramelized
sugar stains are at first invisible, but become brown
when heated or with age.
CARPET - The general designation of fabric for soft
floor covering, especially that used to cover the entire
floor and fastened to it, for example wall to wall, stair
carpet, hall carpet etc.
CARPET BASE OR CUTTER - Replaceable blade
cutter has width adjustment and guide facilitating
cutting carpet for use a cove base material.
CARPET COMB - Multi-tooth plastic comb that is
set on wood block for relief of pile crushing or
shading. Has a wood handle.
CARPET CUSHION- A term used to describe any
kind of material placed under a carpet to provide
softness when it is walked upon. Also called lining
padding and underlay.
CARPET CUTTER CONVENTIONAL BACK A hand tool for cutting secondary backs other than
foam or cushion materials Can be used from the face
or the back and is normally used with a straight edge
along a chalk line.
CARPET CUTTER CUSHION/FOAM BACKER
- Hand tool used to cut these types of backing
materials from the face of the carpet using a straight
edge or following the rows of the level loop
construction. Blade angle allows the cutter to slice
through the foam and not tear the backing materials.
CARPET CUTTING MACHINE - A circular
bladed, electrically driven, unit for cutting carpets in
warehouse or workroom. Some manufacturers have
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TERMINOLOGY - CARPET, UPHOLSTERY, FABRIC
circular bladed carpet cutters light enough to take to
the job site.
CARPET FRESHNER - A product, usually a
powder, that is placed on a carpet to eliminate odours.
CARPET HAMMER - Small faced 5”-8” steel
forged tool with claw for driving small nails and
tacks. Handle is wood or rubber covered.
CARPET ROLLER - Steel roller unit with a long Thandle used to assure contact between carpet and
adhesive after installation.
CHENILLE - A pile fabric woven by the insertion of
a prepared weft row of surface yarn tufts in a "fur" or
"caterpillar" form through fine but strong cotton
"catcher" warp yarns, and over a heavy woolen
backing yarn.
CIRLING - Circular streaks left on the carpet after a
rotary shampooing because of improper cleaning
technique by the operator.
CLEANING HEAD - A tool used in carpet
extraction cleaning, which sprays solution and
vacuums it up.
COMBED YARN - Cotton yarn spun from cotton
which has been carded and combed in order to
remove all short fibres and impurities. Produces a
finer smoother yarn.
COMBINATION - Combination yarn has two or
more yarns, one may have a high twist, the other little
or none. Combination fabric is composed of these
yarns.
COMMERCIAL MATCHING - Matching of
colours with a variation barely detectable by the
human eye.
COMPLEMENTARY COLOURS - Any two
colours like green and red which are directly across
from each other on the colour wheel.
CONSTRUCTION - Carpet construction is defined
by stating the manufacturing method (tufted, woven
etc.) and the final arrangements of materials achieved
by following specific specifications.
CONTINUOUS DYEING - The process of dyeing
carpet on a continuous production line rather than
piece-dyeing separate lots. Most often done on
continuous dyeing equipment which flows on
dyestuffs as distinguished from submerging carpet in
separate dye backs.
CONTINUOUS FILAMENT - Continuous strand of
synthetic fibre extruded in yarn form, without the
need for spinning which all natural fibres require.
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CORN ROWING - A term used to describe matting
that occurs in plushes and shapes where some of the
yarns that do not mat, form ‘rows’ usually across the
width of the traffic lanes.
COTTON - A soft white, fibrous substance
composed of the hairs surrounding the seeds of an
erect, freely branching tropical plant (cotton plant).
Used primarily for warp yarns in woven carpet.
Cotton was used in the past as a face fibre.
COUNT - (1) A number identifying yarn size or
weight per unit length or vice versa depending on the
particular system being used. (2) Count of fabric is
indicated by the number of warp ends and filing ends
per inch.
COUNT OF CLOTH - The number of yarns ( or
threads) per inch. The warp yarns are lengthwise.
The filing called weft or woof are horizontal yarns.
Thus broadloom fabric that has a count of 144 x 76
has 144 warp yarns and 75 woof yarns.
CRAB - Hand device to stretch carpet in a space
where a knee kicker cannot be used.
CREEL - The rack located adjacent to a tufting
machine which holds the coned of pile yarn which
supply yarn to the needles of the tufting machine.
CREELING - The process of mounting yarn
packages on the frame.
CRIMP - In fibre, a nonlinear configuration such as
sawtooth, zig-zag or random curl relative to the fibre
axis. Most synthetic fibres, both staple and filament,
used in carpet are crimped. Fibre crimp increases
bulk and cover and facilitates interlocking of staple
fibres in spun yarns.
CRIMPING - A method of texturizing staple and
continuous filament yarn to produce irregular
waviness of the filaments to offset the alignment of
the fibres and increase bulk and covering power. It
also facilitates interlocking of fibres, which is
necessary for spinning staple fibres into yarn.
CROCKING - A term used to describe excess colour
rubbing off because of improper dye penetration,
fixation or selection..
CROSS-DYED - Multi-colour effect created in a
fabric using fibres of different dye affinities.
CROSS-SEAMS - Seams made by joining ends of
carpet.
CUSHION-BACK CARPET - Carpet having a
cushion or padding as an integral part of its backing,
such as high density foam or sponge-backed carpet..
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CUSTOM-TUFTED CARPET - Carpet or rugs in
which pile yarns are manually tufted with hand
machines or by narrow width tufting machines.
CUT - Length of fabric, as carpet. A room size piece
cut off a larger roll.
CUT AND PLUG - Repair technique involving
cutting out the damaged area and replacing it with a
patch.
CUT-PILE - The face of a carpet that has had the
ends cut at the loops.
D
DEEP DYE - Modified synthetic fibres with
increased dye affinity relative to regular dye fibres.
By combining deep dye fibres with regular dye fibres
a two-colour effect can be achieved with one dye
bath.
DEFLECTED NEEDLE - Needles in the tufting
machine that are pushed aside by a warp end in the
backing cloth causing a streak or ‘grinning’ running
lengthwise because of off-standard tuft spacing across
the width. The real mechanism of most so-called
needle deflection is the pushing aside of backing
fabric warp yarns by tufting needles during tuft
insertion. When the needles withdraw, warp yarns
move back to their original positions, thus pushing
tuft rows off gauge and creating wide gaps between
them.
DELUSTREED YARNS - Dulling the natural lustre
by chemical or physical methods.
DELAMINATION / SCRIM TEAR - In this
particular testing procedure, the test is to determine
how much pressure it takes to forcibly remove the
secondary backing from a carpet sample. The results
of this test will usually be stated in ounces or pounds.
For jute and polypropylene backed carpets the FHA
requirements is 100 ounces or 1 ¼ pounds of scrim
tear. A generally accepted industry standard is 7
pounds.
DELUSTRED YARNS - Dulling the natural lustre
by chemical or physical methods. Fibre producers
designations include dull, semi-dull and semi-bright,
whereas bright fibres are non-delustred.
DENIER - A yarn fibre count. It is the weight in
grams of 9000 meters. Denier is a direct yarn
numbering system, the higher the denier, the larger
the yarn.
DENSITY - Amount of pile packed into a given
volume of carpet, measured in ounces of pile yarn per
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unit volume, the weight of pile yarn is a unit volume.
The weight of pile yarn in a unit volume of carpet US.
Government FHA density (D) expressed in ounces
per cubic yard is given by the formula D=W x 36T in
which D is the density , W is the pile yarn weight in
ounces per square yard and T is the pile thickness or
height in inches.
DESIGNED FOR DISASSEMBLY - In a world
where recycling is on the rise and the cost of disposal
is increasing to the point where reducing waste is on
every organization’s agenda, ease of destruction is
becoming every bit as important as ease of
construction.
DIMENSIONAL STABILITY - The tendency of a
fabric to retain its size and shape. This may be done
by chemical or physical means. A secondary backing
will add dimensional stability to a tufted carpet.
DISASTER REPAIR - Those services that relate to
cleaning, repairing or restoring carpets, resilient
floors, draperies, upholstery etc. as a result of fire,
smoke, water etc.
DOBBY - A carpet loom device that produces
geometric patterns in woven carpet.
DOMESTIC CARPET - Carpet manufactured in
North America.
DOPE DYED - (see also solution and spun dyed)
Synthetic fibres coloured by addition of pigments to
polymer melts in solutions prior to extrusion by the
fibre producer..
DOUBLE BACK - A secondary backing cemented
to the back of tufted knitted and some woven carpet
as additional reinforcement, to provide greater
dimensional stability.
DRAG TOOL - A weighted piece of equipment used
for steam cleaning of carpeting. It contains the
vacuum head and detergent jets.
DRAWING IN OR DRAWING UP - The process
of placing the warp ends through the heddies and
reeds of the loom.
DRIVING BAR - An offset steel tool permitting the
operator to install carpet strip under toe recesses
without damage. Useful under radiators. Magnetic
tip holds tack or concrete nail in place.
DROP MATCH - To maintain a pattern, the design
is sometimes dropped in the next width of carpet.
DRY ROT - A condition caused by an attack of
microorganisms on fibres, textiles, carpets and other
materials. An attack on natural carpet backing may
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TERMINOLOGY - CARPET, UPHOLSTERY, FABRIC
cause loss of strength that leads to tearing and
breaking up.
DUSTER FABRIC - Any cut pile fabric woven with
surface yarns spun from special types of staple and
chemically washed, like hand-woven Oriental fabrics,
to give a bright sheen or lustre.
DUTCHMAN - A narrow strip of carpet side-seamed
to compensate for off-sets, unusual wall contours.
DYE-BECK - Vat used for piece dyeing of lengths of
carpet by immersion in aqueous solutions of dyes and
chemicals. Fitted with a reel for circulation carpet in
and out of the dye liquor, inlets from steam and water,
drains and temperature control..
DYEING - The process of colouring materials;
impregnating fabric with dyestuff. See Solution,
Stock, Piece, Cross and Continuous dyeing.
DRY FOAM CLEANING - A dry foam is the
cleaning agent.
DRY POWDER CLEANING - An absorbent
powder is worked into the pile then vacuumed out.
DRY ROOM - A hot-air room in which carpets are
dried.
DRY ROT - Mildew damage of carpet backing.
DYEING - To impart a new and permanent colour by
impregnating with a dye.
E
ELECTROSTATIC FLOCKING - A method used
for producing flocked fabrics, including flocked
carpet. Flocking consists of attaching short lengths of
fibres to fabric substrates with adhesives. In
electrostatic flocking, precision cut fibres are aligned
in an electrostatic field perpendicular to the substrate,
thus creating a plush-like surface. Often referred to as
carpet flooring. Very rugged and durable and one of
the only carpet styles to guarantee no pooling.
EMBOSSED - An engraved effect created by using
heavy twisted yarns against a field of straight tufts.
The low pile is a loop and the raised pile is cut.
ENCAPSULATING - The percentage that the latex
back coating or adhesive surrounds the yarn bundle
underneath the primary backing , expressed as a
rough percentage. This is very important in loop pile
carpet to prevent excess fuzzing and piling of the
yarn.
END - Individual warp yarn. The warp is composed
of cut ends, or a short length or piece of carpet.
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EXTENDED LENGTH - The length of pile yarn in
one running inch of one tuft row in tufted carpet.
Sometimes called take-up.
EXTRACTOR - Machine used for steam cleaning.
F
FABRIC CARE - Refers to the total cleaning system
for carpet, draperies and upholstery.
FABRIC PROTECTOR - Sprayed on after cleaning
has provided a totally neutral carpet condition, to
reduce re-soiling and staining. Treatment to be viable
must last through at least 3 extraction processes and
be compatible with the cleaning chemicals.
FACE - Fibres above the backing, the part you walk
on, the pile or tufts.
FACE SEAMS - Sewed or cemented seams made
without turning the carpet over or face down. Used
during installation or repair where back seaming is
impossible.
FACE WEIGHT - ( Pile Weight) The weight of the
pile including those portions of the pile that extend
into the backing structure, usually expressed in
ounces per square yard.
FADEOMETER - Device used for determining the
effects of light on the properties of yarns, fabrics,
carpets, plastics, and other materials. It uses a
standard light source such as an xenon light lamp to
simulate approximately the spectrum of sunlight.
Generally used for measuring fade resistance of
carpet colours, which are rated according to the
number of hours of fadeometer exposure required to
produce visible loss of colour.
FASTNESS - The ability of a dye to retain its colour
when exposed to cleaning, light and various colourdestroying agents.
FADING - A loss of colour due to sunlight, air
pollution, or chemical reaction
FASTNESS - How well an item retains its original
colour when exposed to sunlight, or cleaning
chemicals.
FELTING - To press or mat together various
substances, such as hair or fibre, to form a fabric
generally used as backing.
FIBRE - A substance used in yarn to form a textile.
Synthetics are widely used as fibre. Natural or man
made objects that have lengths hundreds to thousands
of times greater than their widths.
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TERMINOLOGY - CARPET, UPHOLSTERY, FABRIC
FIBRE CUSHION - Separate carpet underpad
consisting of needle felted animal hair; jute, other
fibres or fibre blends.
due to attack by atmospheric contaminates. Ozone
generated during thunderstorms and oxides of
nitrogen from gas furnaces are the most common.
FIBRE RUGS - Reversible fibre rugs are constructed
of paper in combination with cotton and wool. A
plain or twill weave is used and they are sized.
FURNITURE PROTECTORS - Plastic or foil
covered squares set under furniture legs to avoid rust
marks and furniture stains after carpet cleaning.
FILAMENT - A continuous strand of fibre. Natural
filaments are woven, synthetic fibres are extruded,
often with dye combined in the fibre.
FUSION BUNDING - A construction whereby the
face fibres are fused with hot melt glue to the
backing, but do not penetrate the backing. Also
called ‘plastic bonded’.
FILLER - A low cost material. Generally powders
of very small particle size. Carpet latex laminating
compounds and foams contain large amounts of
fillers. The most common filler in carpet latex is
calcium carbonate, often called whiting, produced by
grinding limestone.
FILLING YARN - In weaving, any yarn running
across the width of the fabric perpendicular to the
warp yarns. In woven carpet, filling yarns are part of
the group of construction yarns which also include
chain and stuffer warp and form the backing. Woven
carpet fill and chain warp yarns interface to secure the
pile yarns. Filling and other construction yarns are
usually fibrillated polypropylene, jute, kraftcord or
similar materials.
FLAIRING - Excessive broadening of the tips of the
tufts to form a fan shape, usually due to lack of heat
set or excessive mechanical agitation.
FLOAT - A planned part of the design in which the
face yarn is carried over two of more wires.
FLOCKING - Short fibre is adhered to a fabric
creating a short-pile material with a velvet texture.
FLUORESCENT BRIGHTENERS - Chemicals
with definite affinities for specific fibres. They can
attach themselves to fibres even after rinsing and, in
the presence of light, radiate a blue florescence which
makes colours look brighter.
FLUFFING - Loose fibre fragments appearing upon
surface or rug when new, not a defect but a result of
manufacture.
FRIEZE - A carpet of rough texture made of tightly
twisted yarns.
FRINGING MACHINE - A sewing appliance for
fringing area rugs. Generally uses two threads to
form stitch. Equipped with adjustable guides.
FULL ROLL - A length of carpet roll goods usually
approximately 100 feet long.
FUME FADING - Also referred to as gas fading,
this is a loss or shifting of the dye colour of the carpet
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FUZZING - A fuzzy appearance caused by breaking
or snagging of filaments.
G
GAGE/PITCH - The number of ends of surface yarn
counting across the width of the carpet. In woven
carpet, pitch is the number of ends of yarn in 27
inches of width; e.g. 216 divided by 27 = 8 ends per
inch. In tufted carpet, gauge also means the number
of ends of a surface yarn per inch counting across the
carpet e.g. 1/8 gauge = 8 ends per inch. To convert
gauge to pitch multiply ends per inch by 27; e.g. 1/10
gauge is equivalent to 270 pitch or 10 ends per inch x
27 1/8 gauge is 8 ends of yarn per inch x 27 = 216
pitch.
GAUGE WIRE - A standing wire used with an extra
filling yarn to control the height of the pile on a
carpet weaving loom.
GLUEDOWN - A method of installing where the
carpet is glued directly to the floor.
GRASS - Rugs made of long, jointless grasses,
twisted with cotton into yarns. They are reversible
and are in colour and plain weave.
GRIN / GRINNING - A condition where the
backing shows between the rows of pile. Visibility of
the carpet backing through the face, often between the
two adjoining tuft rows. May be caused by low pile
yarn weight, off-gauge tufting machine parts, tuft row
deflection, inadequate blooming gauge tufting or pile
yarn or installation over sharp curves such a stair
nosing. Often used to judge the quality of carpeting.
GREIGE GOODS - Undyed or unfinished carpet.
GROUND COLOUR - Background colour against
which the top colours form a design or pattern.
GULLY - The space between the tack strip and the
wall.
H
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TERMINOLOGY - CARPET, UPHOLSTERY, FABRIC
HAND - The feel of a carpet, determined to some
extent by the quality and construction of a fabric; a
value judgment.
HOOKED RUGS - Strips of cloth inserted into prewoven cloth by hand or needle. Modern tufting is
mechanized hooking.
HEAT BOND IRON - Electrically heated irons used
for application of hot melt seaming tapes. Generally
equipped with either flat or grooved base plate and
heat shield to prevent over-heating of carpet backing.
I
HEAT SETTING - Process for stabilization of
carpet yarns by exposure to heat. Conventional
autoclave heat-setting treats yarns in skein
configuration with pressurized steam, usually at
temperatures in the 240-300OF range, often 270OF for
nylon. Some continuous heat-setting machines
employ dry heat. The principle benefits are twist
retention in piled yarns in cut-pile carpet and general
stabilization of yarn configuration.
HEATHER - A multicolour effect provided by
blending fibres of different colours prior to spinning
carpet yarn.
HEDDLE - Part of a weaving loom comprised of one
of the sets of parallel wires, blades or cords (often
with eyelets in their centres through which warp yarns
pass) that, with their mounting, comprise the harness
used to guide the warp threads and raise or lower
them in weaving.
HEDDLE FRAME - Part of a weaving loom in
which the heddles are mounted.
HESSIAN - Plain woven jute fabric with
approximately equal numbers of warp and fill yarns
per unit dimension.
HEXAPOD DRUM TEST - ISO/TC38/SC12/N299;
ASTM 5252 for minimum 12,000 cycles. A
standard test for carpet retention and appearance or
the Vetterman Drum Test ISO/TC38/SC12/TR9405
for a minimum of 22,000 cycles, a minimum rating of
3.0 using ISO/TC38/SC12/TR9405.
HIGH-DENSITY - A material with heavier than
normal weight-per-unit volume.
HIGH DENSITY FOAM - A liquid rubber product
applied to the carpet back and allowed to cure.
HIGH LOW - Multi-level pile, combining cut and
looped surface yarns.
HOOKED ROGS - Strips of cloth inserted into prewoven cloth by hand or needles. Modern tufting is
mechanized hooking.
HOT MELT - A blend of polymer and filling
applied to carpet back to lock in surface yarns.
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INDOOR-OUTDOOR - Type of carpet regardless
of construction which is made entirely of components
(surface, yarn, backing, adhesives or lamination
materials) which have been especially designed or
treated to withstand temperature variations,
ultraviolet rays and moisture and other types of
outdoor exposure. Can be used either outside or
inside.
IN-PLANT CLEANING - Cleaning done in-plant as
compared to building cleaning, where materials are
transported for cleaning.
INGRAIN CARPET - Double-faced pile-less carpet
using coloured filling yarns for design. Fabric is
reversible and the designs and colours on the face and
back will be in reverse. Known also as Scotch or
Kidderminster.
INGRAINING - Mixing or weaving threads of
different colours.
INTERFACE - A surface forming a common
boundary between two separate bodies of space. The
boundary between phases in a heterogeneous system.
J
JACQUARD - The pattern control on Wilton Loom.
A chain of perforated cardboard "cards" punched
according to the design elements which, when
brought into position, activates this mechanism by
causing it to select the desired colour of yarn to form
the design on the pile surface. The non-selected
colours are woven "dormant" through the body of the
fabric.
JASPE - Irregular stripes of two shades of the same
colour used to produce a particular effect upon pile
yarns of designed fabrics. The yarn twist also affects
the resulting design.
JERKER BAR - Part of a tufting machine
comprising a moveable guide or eyeboard through
which the pile yarns are threaded. It controls tension
on the pile yarn on their path to the tufting needles,
removing slack on the upstroke of the needle bar and
contributing to yarn feed control.
JUTE - A vegetable fibre imported from India or
Pakistan. It is heavy and tough and makes substantial
backing to carpet. It is used to give stiffness and
strength to carpet backing. It must never be used in a
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TERMINOLOGY - CARPET, UPHOLSTERY, FABRIC
below ground or ground level installation where high
humidity or moisture content exists because of its
vegetative ability to support the growth of mildews,
molds etc.
K
KEMP - Coarse, brittle white fibre occurring
frequently in ‘non-blooded’ carpet wools. These
fibres do not accept dye and consequently an excess
could be prominent and undesirable.
KIDDERMINSTER CARPET - Originated in an
English town by that name. Similar to Ingrain Carpet.
KILMARNOCK CARPET - Similar to Ingrain
Carpet.
KNEE-KICKER - A carpet installation tool
consisting of a pinned plate connected to a short
section of metal tubing. The end opposite to the plate
has a padded cushion which the installer strikes with
their knee to stretch the carpet, which is gripped by
the pinned plate. Knee kickers are only used in small
areas which are so small that power stretchers cannot
be used. In general, adequate stretching of
commercial carpet cannot to achieved by knee
kickers.
KNITTED CARPET - Knitted carpets are fabricated
in one operation, so are woven carpets. Unlike
weaving, however, the knitting process loops together
the backing yarn, stitching yarn and pile yarn with
three sets of needles - much the same way hand
knitting is done. To give additional body to the fabric
a coat of latex is applied to the back. As in tufted
carpets a second backing is frequently added. Since a
simple pile yarn is used in the knitting operation, as in
velvet, knitted carpets are usually solid colours or
tweeds, although in recent years patterns have
become possible. Knitted carpets usually come with
uncut loops, both single level and multi-level. A cut
pile can also be achieved with modifications to the
knitting machine.
KNITTING - A fabric formation process comprising
interfacing yarns in a series of connected loops with
needles. Pile and backing are produced
simultaneously with multiple sets of needles that
interface pile backing and stitching. A small fraction
of total carpet production is produced by knitting.
KRAFT CORD - A tough yarn made from wood
pulp. It is used in weaving the backing of some
carpet. A tightly twisted yarn made from plant fibre
or synthetics, used as backing yarn in carpet weaving
or is the filler on upholstery beading.
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L
LATEX - Can be synthetic or found in the sap of
rubber trees, most often used as a binder in chemical
formulations. A water emulsion of synthetic rubber,
natural rubber or other polymer. In carpet, latex is
used for laminating secondary backings to tufted
carpet, back coating carpet and rugs, and for
manufacturing foamed cushion. Almost all carpet
latex consists of styrene-butadiene synthetic rubber
(SBR) compounded with large quantities of powdered
fillers. The latter are most often whiting, which is
calcium carbonate.
LATEXING - A term used to describe the
application of a natural or synthetic latex compound
to the back of carpet.
LATEX PENETRATION - Yarn is removed from
the primary backing and secondary backing and
inspected under a microscope to determine how much
latex has penetrated the yarn bundle that exists
beneath the primary backing. The results are stated
as a percentage of latex penetration. The generally
accepted level is about 85%. Latex penetration
determines the tuff bind of the carpet.
LAY - The tendency of pile tufts or loops to lean or
lay in a certain direction.
LENO WEAVE - A woven fabric construction in
which paired warp yarns twist around one another
between fill yarn picks. It is similar to woven gauze
bandage construction. Leno construction renders the
yarn relatively immobile within the fabric, making
possible very open weaves which are relatively stable.
Woven polypropylene secondary backing for tufted
carpets are generally of Leno weave construction.
LEVEL LOOP - A carpet style having all tufts in a
loop form and of identical height.
LINING - Same as carpet cushion.
LOOM - Machine threaded with carpet yarns, on
which carpet is woven much the same as clothing
fabrics are woven.
LOOP PILE - Carpet style having a pile surface
consisting of uncut loops of woven or tufted yarns.
Also called “round wire” in woven carpet
terminology.
LOW ROWS - Rows of excessively low pile height
across the width of the fabric of the carpet.
M
MARKER - (1) A distinguishing thread line woven
into the back towards the right-hand edge to enable
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TERMINOLOGY - CARPET, UPHOLSTERY, FABRIC
the workroom or the installer to assemble breadths of
carpet, causing the pile to lay in the same direction.
(2) A pattern marking point of a distinguishing
colour woven into the back close to each edge to
enable the workroom or the installer to assemble
breadths of carpet and match the pattern when
working on the underside.
MATCH-SET OR DROP - In a set-match carpet
pattern, the figure matches straight across on each
side of the carpet width; in drop-match, the figure
matches midway of the design; in a quarter-drop
match, the figure matches one quarter of the length of
the repeat on the opposite side.
MATTING - Severe pile crush combined with
entanglement of fibres and tufts.
MEDULLA - Centre core of a wool carpet fibre.
MULTIFILAMENT - Many filaments used to form
one yarn.
N
NAP - The pile on the surface of a carpet - the
weaving surface.
NAP FINISHING BRUSH - A tool that is similar in
appearance to a push broom except that the bristles
are usually made of nylon and are stiffer. Used to set
the nap on loop pile carpet.
NAP SHEAR - A special bent handled trimmer used
by carpet installers to trim seams and remove sprouts
from carpet pile.
NARROW CARPET - Fabric woven 27" and 36" in
width, as distinguished from broadloom which is any
carpet over 54".
MENDING - Hand repair of carpet after tufting and
weaving to replace missing tufts, remove knots and
loose ends etc.
NATURAL FIBRE - Unbleached and undyed yarn
sun from a blend of black brown or gray wools.
METALLIC FIBRE - A manufactured fibre
composed of metal, plastic-coated metal, metalcoated plastic or a core covered by metal. The
purpose is to reduce static build-up in the carpet.
NATURAL WOOLS - Refers to undyed or
unbalanced wool which is often imitated by adding
dark coloured fibres to the white wool in order to
prevent the goods from showing soiled effect too
quickly.
MILL ENDS - Remnants or short lengths of finished
fabric. Sometimes used to refer to a ‘second’ when
they are sold, but mill end is not the correct term.
NEEDLE BOARD - Part of a needle loom or fibre
locker.
MILDEW - Fungus that can cause odour and fibre
damage on carpet. Occurs where damp and dark.
NEEDLE LOOM - A machine for producing
needled felt fabric also called needle punched fabrics,
which are sometimes used in outdoor carpet.
MITRE JOINT - A junction of two pieces of carpet
at an angle. Most mitre joints involve pieces at right
angles to one another with their ends cut at 45 O to
form the joint.
MODULAR CARPET INSTALLATION
TEMPLATE - A precision machined cut steel plate
with handle. Used to scribe-cut modules for perfect
fit.
MOISTURE REGAIN - The amount of moisture an
over-dry fabric will absorb from exposure to
atmosphere. Values are: wool - 15%; nylon - 4%;
polyester - 0.4%; olefin - 0%.
MOLDED RUBBER BACK - Liquid rubber is
coated on the carpet back, then rolled out with an
embossed roller.
MONOFILAMENT - Any filament strong enough to
be used singly to form a fabric.
MORESQUE - Single strands of different colours of
yarn twisted together to form one multi-coloured
yarn.
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NEEDLE PUNCHING - Layers, batts or webs of
loose fibre are needled into a core fabric to form a
felted material. It can be embossed, laminated or
printed.
NON-WOVEN - Fabric composed of fibres held
together by chemical or fibrous bonding agent (not
woven).
NYLON - A fibre, filament, bristle or sheet fashioned
of tough elastic synthetic polyamide material and
used in textiles.
O
OILY YARN OR LOOM OIL - Yarn containing
excessive oil on its surface, usually caused from
excessive oil on the machinery. Although not visible
during carpet productions it may appear as soiled or
dark lines of yarn when the carpet is in service. The
problem is insignificant in piece dyed carpet which is
washed during the dye cycle, but appears in carpet
made from stock-dyed or solution dyed yarn which is
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not subjected to wet processing after weaving or
tufting.
OLEFINS - Any long chain synthetic polymer
composed of at least 85% by weight of ethylene,
propylene or other olefin units.
ORIENTAL RUGS - Rugs hand-woven in the
Middle East and in the Orient.
OUTDOOR CARPET - Carpet specifically
designed to resist fading and deterioration due to
sunlight and water. Most are solvent-dyed
polypropylene containing ultraviolet stabilization
additives. Coatings and backings that are water and
rot resistant are usually synthetic.
P
PACKAGE DYED - Yarn dyed while wound on
perforated tubes or wire forms. The package dye
machine forces dye liquor through the yarn on the dye
package.
PICK - Number of weft yarns shuttled across the
warp yarns which indicate closeness of length weave.
A measure of quality.
PILE - Upright ends of yarn, cut or looped, that form
the wearing surface of carpets.
PILE CRUSH - Loss of pile thickness in a carpet
due to traffic and heavy furniture. The tufts collapse
into the air space between them.
PILE CRUSH-SHADING - Bending of pile caused
by walking or pressure of furniture.
PILE HEIGHT - The length of the extended tufts of
a carpet measured from the primary backing to their
tuft tips.
PILE LAY - Direction taken by surface yarn during
manufacture.
PILE DENSITY - Refers to closeness of fibres; in
most cases, high density increases weight and quality.
PADDING - Material serving as a cushion or lining
under a carpet.
PILE LIFTER - A special heavy duty vacuuming
machine that loosens soil, vacuums it and stands the
pile up prior to deep cleaning.
PADDING STAPLER - Spring activated or
hammer action tool that feeds staples automatically
for installation of padding.
PILE SETTING - Brushing done after shampooing
to restore the damp pile to its original height. A pile
lifting machine or a pile brush is used.
PASTING - Pre-wetting dyes or other chemicals and
working them into a paste for easier dispersion in the
dye bath.
PILE TEST - Carpet flammability that is described
in federal legislation CPSC-1-70 and CPSP 2-70. It
measures flammability as a function of the size of
burn produced by timed burning tabled
(methenamine). Also used on the back of carpet. All
carpet sold in the United States must pass the CPSC
1-70 flammability test.
PATENT-BACK CARPET - Carpet constructed so
the fabric can be cut in any direction without raveling
the edges.
PATTERN - Decorative design on a carpet, also a
sketch showing such design.
PATTERN STREAKS - Visually apparent streaking
in patterned carpet resulting from linear juxtaposition
of pattern elements in one direction. It is usually
most visible in the length direction. It is not a carpet
defect, but is inherent in certain designs. Contract
specifiers should view rolls of carpet laid out on a
floor to evaluate geometric or other busy patterns for
this characteristic which may be objectionable in long
corridors and other large areas, but not visible in
small rooms.
PIECE DYED - Carpet that is finished without dye
and then the whole roll or piece is dyed as a unit.
PIGMENT - A finely divided, insoluble substance
used to de-lustre or colour yarns or fabrics.
PIGMENTED YARNS - A yarn spun from a
solution to which pigment has been added.
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PILE WIRE - A metal rod over which the yarn is
woven to produce a pile.
PILE YARN - The yarn used to form the tufts or
loops of a pile fabric.
PILLING - A condition in certain fibres in which
strands of the fibre separate and become knotted with
other strands, causing a rough appearance. Pilled
tufts should not be pulled from the carpet, but cut off
with sharp scissors at the pile surface.
PITCH - The number of warp yarn ends per inch
across the width of carpet. It is usually stated in
relation to 27” or ¾ yard width. See Gauge.
PIVOT - An area within the traffic lane where the
traffic must turn or ’pivot’ to reach a destination.
PLAIN OR FLAT WEAVE - A fabric with a flat
surface, in plain, twill or fancy weaves, having a
printed, stencil or woven design generally reversible.
Module 9 Unit 9.1
LB CleaningConsulting Services
TERMINOLOGY - CARPET, UPHOLSTERY, FABRIC
PLIED YARN - A yarn composed of two or more
single yarns twisted together. Many 2-ply yarns are
used in carpet. In cut-pile carpet e.g. Saxony, piled
yarns must be heat-set to prevent untwisting under
traffic. Multiple continuous filament yarns made by
fibre producers are sometime air-entangled rather
than twisted together.
PLUSH - Level cut pile carpet texture made from
non-heat-set yarn.
PLUSH FINISH - A smooth carpet surface texture in
which individual tufts are only minimally visible and
the overall visual effect is that of a single level of
fibre ends. This finish is normally achieved only on
cut-pile carpet produced from non-heat single spun
yarns by brushing and shearing.
PLUSH RAKE - Tool used to raise the pile of high
cut pile carpets.
PLY - The number of strands of fibre which have
been twisted together to form a yarn, i.e. 3 ply, 4 ply.
POINT - One tuft of pile.
POLYAMIDES - All nylon fibres are polyamides.
They are characterized by the following groups:
terminal amino groups, terminal carboxyl groups and
imido groups.
POLYESTER - A fibre forming thermoplastic
synthetic polymer used in some carpet that is
essentially staple and spun yarn. A fibre-forming
thermoplastic synthetic polymer used in some carpet
fibre. Essentially all polyester carpet fibre is staple
and the yarns are spun yarns. Polyester carpet fibre is
made from terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol and
is known chemically as poly (ethylene terephthalate).
POLYPROPYLENE - A thermoplastic fibre that is
polymer of propylene.
POLYMER - Chemical compound formed by
polymerization and consisting of repeating structural
units.
POWER STRETCHER - A carpet installation tool
used to stretch carpet in over-pad tackless strip
installation. All contract installations should be
power stretched unless the area is so small that this is
impossible. If (and only if) power stretching is
impossible, knee kickers may be used.
PRE-SPOTTING - Pre-spotting is done to remove
stains prior to cleaning of carpets.
PRIMARY BACKING - The material on which the
carpet is constructed to which the visible secondary
Page 22
Rev March 2005
backing is anchored. Made usually of jute or
polypropylene.
PRIME URETHANE CUSHION - Separate carpet
underpad made from virgin polyurethane foam. The
sheet of foam is cut from large ‘loaves’. As opposed
to prime cushion, re-bonded polyurethane is made
from recovered scrap.
PRINTING - Surface designs or patterns made with
dye applied with engraved rollers or blocks.
POTABLE WATER- Drinking water, suitable for
human consumption.
PUCKERING - A condition in a carpet seam, due to
poor layout or unequal stretch where the carpet is
longer or shorter on one side of the seam, giving a
puckered effect.
Q
QUARTER - An obsolete term of measure wherein
nine inches was the unit; a 27" carpet was 3/4 carpet
and 36" was 4/4. Feet and inches are now used.
R
RAG RUG - Braided rag strips sewn together.
RANDOM-SHEARED - Texture pattern created by
shearing some of the top or higher loops and leaving
others looped.
REED-MARK - Streak running in the warp direction
caused by loose or bent reed.
REPEAT - Measuring lengthwise, it is the distance
from one point in a pattern to where it appears again.
RESIDUE - Cleaning chemicals or soil left in a
carpet after the cleaning process, specifically where
no water extraction (rinsing) process has taken place.
RESIDUAL SHRINKAGE - Decrease in
dimensions after washing or dry cleaning.
RESILIENCE - Ability of a carpet fabric to spring
back to its original shape or thickness after being
crushed or walked upon.
RESIST-PRINTING - A dye-resist agent is printed
on tufted carpet prior to piece dyeing.
RESISTING AGENT - A chemical that will repel
dye molecules or slow down their rate of attachment
to a fibre.
RESTRETCH - Remedial step to correct improper
carpet laying or wrong stretch, should be performed
using a power stretcher.
Module 9 Unit 9.1
LB CleaningConsulting Services
TERMINOLOGY - CARPET, UPHOLSTERY, FABRIC
ROTARY BRUSH CLEANING - Method of
cleaning using high-speed rotary brush.
RINGING/SPOTTING - A ring shaped mark that
appears on moisture sensitive fabric as they dry, when
cleaned with water-based chemicals. Silk and satin
fabrics tend to ring or spot when cleaned this way.
ROPE CREASE - A dye streak caused by gathering
or roping together of a fabric during the dyeing
process.
ROUND WIRE OR LOOSE PILE - A Wilton or
velvet carpet woven with the pile yarn uncut.
ROVING - An intermediate stage in the production
of spun yarns consisting of a loose assembly of staple
fibres with little or no twist. Roving is smaller than
sliver but larger than yarn.
ROWS/WIRES - Rows of tufts counting lengthwise
in one inch of carpet. In Axminster carpets, these are
called rows - in Wilton and velvet - wires.
RUG - A term used for a soft, heavy fabric used as
floor covering. Is usually not fastened to the floor
and can be easily removed for in-plant cleaning.
Also, does not as a rule cover the entire floor, several
inches from the wall being uncovered.
SEALED SEAM - In glue down carpet, the edges of
the carpet are sealed to prevent separation. A bead of
adhesive is placed along the primary backing of one
edge and the other edge is compressed into the edge
to seal it.
SEAMLESS - Without seams.
SEAMS - See BACK SEAMS, FACE SEAMS,
CROSS SEAMS, SIDE SEAMS.
SECONDARY BACKING - A layer of latex foam,
jute, polypropylene or vinyl that is laminated to
underside of carpet for dimensional stability.
SECONDS - Off quality or rejects; having flaws or
imperfections but not bad enough to throw away.
SELF-TONE - Two or more shades of the same
colour; when used with design is called "two-tone".
SELVAGE - Edge of a carpet finished so as not to
ravel or require binding.
SERGING - Known as "over-sewing", this is a
method of finishing an edge of carpet. It is customary
to serge the side and bind the end.
S
SET MATCH - In a set-match pattern, the figure
matches straight across on each side of the narrow
carpet width; in a drop match, the figure matches
midway of the design; in a quarter-drop match, the
figure matches one-quarter of the length of the repeat
on the opposite side.
SAXONY CARPET - A textured Wilton carpet
made by using a skein dyed or stock dyed, pre-set,
heavy count, high twist, woolen yarn. Usually 180
pitch 8 row 0.370 inch wire, and 5 frames.
SETTING - The process of setting a pattern for
Axminster loom by winding the specified coloured
yarns on a spool in the sequence required for
weaving.
SCALE DRAWING - Drawing in which all
measurements are drawn to scale (1/4" to one foot),
all elements and dimensions in drawing are
proportional to actual object drawn.
SEWING POLE - Piece of wood, more or less
round, over which carpet is laid prior to opening up
the fabric to facilitate sewing - about 4" in diameter.
RUST REMOVER - A specialty cleaner used to
remove rust stains from carpet yarn.
SCALLOPS - Up-and-down uneven effect along the
edge of a carpet caused by indentations made by
tacks.
SHADING - An apparent change of colour in carpet
pile caused when light is reflected in different ways as
fibres are bent. Found in many fabrics and is not a
defect.
SCRIBING - Transferring irregularities of a wall
onto a piece of carpet which is then cut to fit.
SHAG - A deep pile, textured carpet with long, uncut
surface yarns.
SCRIM BACK - A double back made of light,
coarse fabric, cemented to a jute or kraft cord back in
tufted construction.
SHAG RAKE - Plastic rake used to lift shag after
cleaning and improve appearance.
SCULPTURED - A type of pattern formed when
certain tufts are eliminated or pile yarns drawn tightly
to the back to form a specific design in the face of the
carpet. This simulates hand carving.
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SHEARING - Process in manufacture in which
fabric is drawn under cutting blades as a lawn mower
to produce a smooth face on the fabric.
SHEDDING - (1) The operation of forming a shed in
weaving. (2) A loss of nominal length staple during
processing or normal use of the material.
Module 9 Unit 9.1
LB CleaningConsulting Services
TERMINOLOGY - CARPET, UPHOLSTERY, FABRIC
SHEEN-TYPE - A rug having a high lustre, usually
from chemical washing.
SHINER - A relatively short streak caused by a
lustrous section of a filament yarn.
SHOT - Number of weft yarns shuttled across the
fabric in relation to rows of tufts. Thus, two-shot two weft yarns for every row of tufts; three-shot three weft yarns for every row of tufts.
SHOOTING OR SPROUTING - Individual strands
of yarn protruding above the face of the pile. This
condition is not a defect and the sprouting can simply
be eliminated by clipping off the yarn level with the
surface. Never pull the yarn out.
SHRINKAGE - The contraction of carpets and rugs
after shampooing or washing and re-drying.
SHUTTLE - In weaving, a boat-shaped wooden
instrument which holds the bottom from which the
weft yarns unwind as the shuttle passes through the
warp shed.
SIDE OR LENGTH SEAMS - Seams running the
length of the carpet or rug.
SIZING - A product that provides a coating such as
starch.
SPIKE ROLL - Part of the tufting machine that pulls
the primary backing and tufted carpet through the
working area of the machine.
SPINNING - A term for yarn or fibre production.
Synonymous with extrusion of polymer through the
small holes of the spinneret into synthetic fibre.
SPOTTER - A product used to remove spots and
stains from carpet..
SPOTTING - Removal of spots and stains.
SPROUT/SHOOTING - Emergence of long pile
tufts above the normal pile surface. Often correctable
by cutting the sprouted tufts even with the pile.
SPUN YARN - Yarn consisting of fibres of regular
or irregular length spun or twisted into yarn.
Compare continuous filament.
STAIN REPELLENT - A product applied to carpets
that helps yarn resist stains.
STABILIZED BACKING - Coating applied to
upholstery backing to give strength and stability.
STABILIZING - Treating a fabric so that it will not
shrink or stretch more than a certain percentage.
STAIN - Discolouration by foreign matter.
SKEIN DYED - Carpets dyed by dipping carpet yarn
in dyeing vats before construction.
STAIN REPELLENT - A product that is applied to
a carpet to help resist stains.
SOLUTION DYED - The colour pigments are added
to the polymer before extrusion, thus the colour is
part of the fibre rather than a surface layer. This is
far better dyed yarn.
STAIN RESISTANT FIBRE - Chemically treated
nylon fibre that has the ability to resist acid dye
stains. Also known as 5th or advanced generation.
SLIVER - A loose, soft, untwisted strand or rope of
fibres.
SMYRNA - A reversible, double-piled rug, woven
from Chenille fur strips without the backing
characteristic of the Chenille weave. Binding yarns
are wool, cotton, jute or paper.
SOIL RETARDANT - Agent or chemical finish
applied to carpet pile and fabric surfaces to resist
soiling.
SOUR - An acid chemical. Also called acidic rinse
or acetic. Used to neutralize an alkaline condition in
fabric to prevent browning.
SPACE DYED - A process whereby different
colours are "printed" along the length of the yarn
before manufacture of carpet. This imparts a tweedy
appearance.
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STAPLE - A description of the fibres in their natural
state before being spun into yarn.
STAPLE FIBRE - Short lengths of fibre which may
be converted into spun yarns by textile yarn spinning
process. Also simply called staple.
STAPLE NYLON - Nylon composed of specially
engineered fibres cut into short staple for spinning
yarns.
STATIC SHOCK - Discharge of electrostatic
potential from carpet to person to conductive ground.
STATIC TEST - This test is technically known as
the Electrostatic Propensity of floor covering
materials. The test is conducted by scuffing or
stepping a leather or neolite shoe across a carpet and
measuring the voltage generated. A number of tests
are performed and an average is derived. This test is
usually stated in the number of volts or the number of
kilovolts. One (1) kilovolt is equivalent to 1,000
volts. A rating of 3,500 volts and a rating of 3.5
Module 9 Unit 9.1
LB CleaningConsulting Services
TERMINOLOGY - CARPET, UPHOLSTERY, FABRIC
kilovolts are the same and 3.5 kilovolts is considered
to be the threshold of human sensitivity.
STAY TACKING - Temporary tacking of carpet to
hold stretch until the entire installation is stretched
over and fastened onto the tackless strip.
STEAM CLEANING - A modern carpet cleaning
process that injects hot water under pressure, which is
followed by immediate extraction to remove excess
moisture, soils, residues and contaminants.
STEP RETURN - A term for that part of the
staircase tread which extends over the riser. Also
known as a bullnose or extended nosing.
STIFFNESS - Property of fibre or fabric which
resists bending.
STITCH - The number of lengthwise yarn tufts in
one inch of tufted carpet.
STITCH LENGTH - Total length of yarn from
which a tuft is made. It is numerically equal to twice
the pile height plus the associated back-stitch behind
the primary backing.
STOCK DYED - Coloured spun yarn produced from
fibres dyed in staple form. The term does not include
yarns spun from solution dyed staple.
STOP MARKS - A mark across the width (weft) of
carpet caused by off-standard feed relationship of
yarn on the start-up of machine (loom).
STRAIGHT EDGE - Steel or aluminum bar with
squared edges to be used as a guide for cutting or
aligning edges of carpet or resilient flooring.
STREAK - Any lengthwise narrow visual defect in
the carpet. Dye streaks may be caused by a single
pile having different dye affinity from the others.
Other streaks may be yarn defects such as tight twist,
stretched yarn or yarns of varying in size. A
moderate level of streaking is almost always present
in Saxony made from lies hot-set yarns and should be
considered characteristic of this style.
STRETCH - A carpet installation term for the
amount of elongation of carpet when it is stretched
over pad onto tackless strip. Generally one to two
percent.
STRETCHER - A mechanical power stretcher using
adjustable tubing and a tail block to stretch carpet
onto tackless strip in floor carpet installations. The
installer can control the amount of tension applied to
the fabric being installed to eliminate wrinkles and
puckers.
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Rev March 2005
STRIA OR STRIPED - A striped effect obtained by
loosely twisting two strands of one shade of yarn with
one strand of a lighter or darker shade. The single
yarn appears of irregular stripes.
STRIKE RATE - The rate of time which dye is
initially absorbed into a fibre.
STRIKE TACKER - A semi-automatic unit for
driving long staples or T-nails into underlays, tackless
strip or other anchoring devices. Activated with a
rubber mallet. (some models are air activated).
STUFFER YARNS - or hidden yarns - Stuffer
yarns are found in velvet and Wiltons between the
pile or backing. It lends increased body, quality and
wearability not found in Axminster and tufted, which
are just backing and pile yarns. Stuffer fibres are
usually jute or cotton.
SUBLIMATION - The loss of dyestuff from a fabric
through vapourization.
SWATCH - A small piece of fabric used as a
representative sample.
SYNTHETIC FIBRES - Man-made fibres, as
opposed to natural fibres such as wool, that are used
in most carpets today.
T
TABLET TEST - Standard testing method for carpet
flammability, using an ignition tablet (or
methenamine ‘pill’) under controlled conditions.
TACKLESS - (Tack Strip) Wooden strips that have
holding pins inserted in them, used in smooth edge
installation.
TAK DYEING - A continuous dyeing process for
producing random multicolour patterns which are
usually less sharply defined than printed patterns.
Coloured dye liquid is applied to the carpet in a
controlled pattern of droplets.
TAMPING - The hammering motion applied in
using a spotting brush to increase penetration of a
cleaning agent into the soiled area of the carpet.
TANNIN STAINS - Tannin is a substance found in
vegetable matter, such as coffee, tea, grease etc.
Tannin stains are not always visible when fresh, but
become brown on contact with heat. Do not confuse
with caramelized sugar.
TAPESTRY - A wall hanging of soft fabric, usually
highly decorated. Also, a rare term that describes a
looped pile fabric woven on the velvet loom.
Module 9 Unit 9.1
LB CleaningConsulting Services
TERMINOLOGY - CARPET, UPHOLSTERY, FABRIC
TEMPERATURE - There are times, particularly
with older style conventional chemicals, when the
temperature of a solution is very important to its
ability to perform. In this case the rule of thumb is
that the cleaning efficiency is doubled for every 1720O F. rise in temperature above 120 F. In this case a
cleaner would be twice as effective at 160O F. than it
would be at 140O F and so on.
TEMPLATE - A pattern of paper, metal or
cardboard for shaping carpet to be cut.
TENACITY - Stress applied to produce a particular
elongation in a fibre. The breaking tenacity is the
stress required to elongate a fibre to the breaking
point.
TERIARY COLOURS - Red-orange, yellow
orange, blue-green, blue violet and re-violet are
teriary colours. They are produced by mixing
primary colours with adjacent secondary colours.
TENSILE STRENGTH - Breaking strain of yarns of
fabrics. High tensile strength means yarns that are
strong.
TEXTURE - Refers to the surface of a carpet. The
feel of a fabric - the hand. An effect caused by
different heights of pile, various yarns, brocade
engraving and various other treatments of the fabric.
THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY - Ability of a
material to transmit heat. It is the reciprocal of
resisitivity. Good insulators, including some carpets,
have high resisitivity (R-value) and low thermal
conductivity.
THREE-QUARTER CARPET- A woven carpet
term for narrow goods 27 inches wide.
THRESHOLD - The raised board beneath a door.
Also known as a sill or saddle.
TIMING - Operational sequence of the moving parts
of looms and tufting machines.
TIP-SHEARING - Texture pattern created in the
same way as random-shearing, but generally less
definite than random shearing.
TONE-ON-TONE - A carpet pattern made by using
two or more shades of the same hue or colour.
TOP COLOURS - The colours in the yarn used to
form the top design as distinguished from the
background or ground colours.
TOTAL WEIGHT - Weight per square yard of the
total carpet pile yarn, primary and secondary backing
and coatings.
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TRAFFIC - Carpet wear resulting from passage of
people.
TRAFFIC LANE - The area of a carpet that sees the
most foot traffic. Generally requires a regular pile
lifting program and a cleaning program before other
less travelled areas of a floor. These areas should
never be permitted to become so soil laden that the
travelled areas are definite and compacted.
TRAFFIC LANE PAPER - Paper placed in high
traffic areas, which must be opened to foot traffic
while the carpet is still damp.
TRAFFIC LANE CLEANER - A carpet cleaning
product that at specific dilutions is used to clean high
traffic areas of carpet.
TREAD - The horizontal part of a step on which the
foot treads.
TREATMENT - As a general rule refers to the
application of a deodorizing/sanitizing product to
eliminate offensive odours.
TRIMMERS- Single or double bladed tools for
cutting carpet or resilient materials along wall edges.
Trimmer type depends on the fabric involved.
TROWEL - Notched steel plate with handle used to
apply paste and adhesives to surface. Notch types
vary in tooth size and shape (V or square). Proper
size trowel must be used and depends on backing
construction.
TROWEL NOTCHER - Steel die, attached to plier
type handles, for re-cutting teeth in trowels.
TRUCK MOUNT(ED) - Water use carpet cleaning
equipment which is mounted in a van type vehicle.
Depending on the type of chemicals used may have
an on-board propane heating system. Must have
holding tanks for dispensing effective mix of water
and chemicals as well as tanks for the contaminated
(extracted) solution. Usually only the cleaning head
and hoses are taken into the premises. Entrance must
be secured.
TUFT BIND - Force required to pull a tuft from the
carpet (usually measured in ounces).
TUFTED CARPET - Manufactured in two separate
operations. The backing is woven first and then the
tufts. To hold the tufts permanently in place, the
backing is coated with a heavy layer of latex. On a
considerable part of the yardage, a second backing is
added to lend additional ‘hand’ and dimensional
stability. The tufted pile can be multi-level, cut or
uncut. Striated and carved effects can be achieved.
The texture can be a variety of possibilities.
Module 9 Unit 9.1
LB CleaningConsulting Services
TERMINOLOGY - CARPET, UPHOLSTERY, FABRIC
TUFTS - Cut of uncut loops forming the face of the
fabric.
TUNNEL TEST - Standard testing method for
measuring flame spread, fuel contribution and smoke
density of materials under controlled conditions, with
numerical rating from 10 to a maximum of 75. In the
USA it is required for carpets used in hospitals
funded under the Federal Hill-Burton Act..
TWIST - The pile texture created with tightly twisted
yarns in which the ply twist is considerably greater
than the single twist resulting in a curl or pebbly
effect.
TWIST SET- A permanent twist in yarn achieved by
the application of hot dry heat.
TWO-TONE - A slight variation of tone on tone.
U
UNDERLAY - Refers to padding or carpet cushion.
UNION DYEING - The uniform dyeing of two
different fibres in the same yarn or fabric.
V
VALUE - Value refers to a colour’s approximate
position in relation to black and white - white being
high in value and black being low in value.
VELVET CARPET - A pile carpet made on a
simple loom. The carpet is usually a solid colour
moresque and may have cut or looped pile of either
soft or hard twisted yarns.
VETTERMAN DRUM TESTISO/TC38/SC12/TR9405 for a minimum of 22,000
cycles, a minimum rating of 3.0 using
ISO/TC38/SC12/TR9405 or hexapod drum test ISO/TC38/SC12/N299; ASTM 5252 for minimum
12,000 cycles. A standard test for carpet retention
and appearance.
VINYL - A synthetic carpet back which may be
applied in either a "hard" or cushioned form.
VINYL FOAM CUSHIONING - A form carpet
cushion made from a combination of solids and
liquids.
VIRGIN WOOL - According to the wool products
Labelling Act, virgin wool also called new wool is
wool that has never been used or reclaimed from any
spun, woven, knitted, felted, manufactured or used
product. It is not a guarantee of quality.
W
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WARP - (warp yarns) The series of yarns that run
the length of the fabric, rugs or carpets. Pile yarns
and woven yarns run warp-wise.
WARP PILE - Extra set of yarns woven into a fabric
to form an upright pile.
WATER MARKING - See shading.
WEAVING - A fabric formation process. Interlacing
or weaving together the surface and backing yarns in
one operation.
WEFT OR WOOF - The series of yarns that run
widthwise in woven cloth, carpet, interfacing with the
various wary yarns.
WET SIDE - The removal of stains or spotting
agents by the use of water or agents containing water.
WIDTH OF WEFT - Distance between the selvage
edges of the carpet.
WILTON - Fabric woven on a loom controlled by a
Jacquard device which raises one of from two to six
surface yarns over a bladed pile wire that is
withdrawn to cut the tufts and produce a plush like
face.
WIRE HEIGHT - In woven carpet it is the height of
the pile tufts.
WIRES - Metal strips inserted in the weaving shed in
Wilton and velvet weaves so that the surface yarns
are bound down over them, forming a loop of the
proper height. In round wire constructions loops are
left uncut; in cut pile flat wires with knife edges are
used, cutting loops as wires are withdrawn.
WOOD BLOCKS - Sealed small blocks of wood,
usually 2” x 2” x 1” used to prop up console type
furniture and allow air passage underneath.
WOOLEN YARN - A rather soft, bulky yarn spun
from both long and short wool fibres not combed out
straight, but lying in all directions so that they
interlock and produce a felt-like texture.
WORSTED YARN - Made of long, staple carpet
fibre and combed to parallel the fibre and remove the
extremely short fibres.
WOVEN BACKING - A tufted carpet term for
primary or secondary backing manufactured by the
weaving process.
WOVEN CARPET - Refers to a rug or carpet that is
made by a weaving process.
Y
Module 9 Unit 9.1
LB CleaningConsulting Services
TERMINOLOGY - CARPET, UPHOLSTERY, FABRIC
YARN - A continuous strand composed of fibres or
filaments used in weaving and knitting to form carpet
and other fabrics.
YARN COUNT - A number used to describe the size
of the yarn. Denier is used for BCF yarns and cotton
counts for spun yarns.
YARN DYEING - Dyeing yarn before tufting or
weaving it into the carpet.
YARN PLY - The number of single ply-twisted
together in a plied yarn.
YARN SIZE - Refers to count. See Denier.
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Module 9 Unit 9.1
LB CleaningConsulting Services
TERMINOLOGY - CLEANING
Cleaning Terminology
A
ACGIH - American Conference of Government
Industrial Hygienists is an organization of
professional personnel in governmental agencies of
educational institutions engaged in occupational
safety and health programs. ACGIH establishes
recommended occupational exposure limits for
chemical substances and physical agents.
A.O.A.C. The standard abbreviation for the
Association of Official Agricultural Chemists’
A.O.A.C. Use Dilution Test - Test sponsored by the
association which shows whether a disinfectant or
disinfecting cleaner kills bacteria at the dilution
recommended by the manufacturer and shown on the
label. (to determining phenol coefficient and kill
effectiveness of disinfectants and sanitizing products.)
A.T.C.C. - American Type Culture Collection,
source of supply for micro-organisms of standardized
strength.
ABRASION - Wearing away or cleaning by some
means of friction.
ABRASIVE - A substance used to scour, scrub,
smooth or polish. Abrasive particles are found in such
products as cleansers, stones, scouring pads and hand
cleaners. Caution may irreversibly damage surfaces.
ABRASIVE PADS - There are three basic types.
Metal are a mesh made from fine #00 to #3 grade.
Stainless steel are similar to metal but generally
coarser and the stainless steel will not rust. Carbon
silicate are coated over nylon, polyester or other
material.
ABRASIVE CLEANERS - Cleaning agents
consisting of granular materials such as finely ground
silica, talc, wood flour, corn meal , volcanic ash,
powdered feldspar and powdered pumice. Clean
mainly by their abrasive or scouring action. Some
have detergents, bleaching agents or cleaning aids
along with insoluble abrasives Many of the abrasive
powdered or cream cleansers will etch lavatory
porcelain, chrome, arborite, formica, etc. The
powdered silica types must be avoided at all cost as
they lead to silcosis ( lung cancer).
ABS - Alkyl benzene sulfonate: A family of closely
related chemical compounds which comprise the
“surfactant” or surface-active ingredients, giving
many household detergents their cleaning power. It is
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also one of the components which determine
“sudsing” properties.
ABSORBENT - A dry solid material that attracts
substances from a surface to the absorbent material.
Widely used in carpet and concrete cleaning
ABSORBENT AGENT - A products that attracts
into the body of one substance by another so that the
absorbed substance disappears physically, e.g.
detergent, etc.
ABSORBTION - 1.The passage of a material
through skin. 2. Tendency of fibres to take in and
hold liquids.
ABSORBENTS - Calcined earth and other materials
which are applied to heavy grease or oil and other
spillage for both safety purposes and for removal by
absorption, after which a more thorough cleaning can
be performed.
ACCESSORIES - Various tools used in conjunction
with cleaning machines and equipment.
ACETIC ACID - A colourless, pungent, liquid acid,
CH3COOH, that is the chief acid of vinegar, its salts
and esters (facetate) are used in textiles.
ACETIC ACID RINSE - Acts as a sour for
detergents. Sets fugitive colours.
ACETONE - A colourless volatile fragrant liquid
used in dissolving organic substances such as fat.
ACID - Any compound of hydrogen and one or more
other elements that dissociates or breaks down to
produce hydrogen when dissolved in water. The
resulting solutions are sour in taste and will cause
litmus paper to turn red. The solution will neutralize
hydroxides, alkalis, or bases. A water soluble
substance having a pH (see pH) between 0 and 7, and
possessing those properties by which the product
reacts as an acid, e.g., reacts with alkali (see alkali)
and is commonly used for descaling, derusting, and
deoxidizing (as on aluminum) type operations.
Acid will also dissolve marble, so care should be
taken.
ACID CHEMICALS - Chemicals with a pH reading
of less that 7.
ACID CLEANERS - A detergent made up in part or
wholly with one or more of the acids. Include
powdered and liquid bowl cleaners for removing lime
encrustation’s from urinals, citric acid solutions for
damp-wiping bronze trim, and buffered phosphoric
acid compounds for cleaning exterior aluminum trim.
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Acid cleaners are often employed on a regular cycle
to neutralize cleaners which are alkaline.
ACID HARDENERS- Chemicals, generally metal
fluorosilicates, applied to concrete or terrazzo which
react with the free lime and calcium carbonates
present to form silica quartz, a very hard surface. This
result is a concrete or terrazzo with a harder surface
than that obtained without acid hardening.
ACIDITY - A measure of the strength of an acid.
ACOUSTIC TILE - Commonly a porous material,
used in ceilings for the deadening, absorption and
control of sound.
ACOUSTICS - The qualities of a room; that which is
adapted for conveying sound or aiding hearing.
ACRYLATE RESIN - A glassy synthetic organic
plastic used for cast and molded parts or as coatings
and adhesives.
ACRYLIC - A particular type of material used in the
formation of plastics. Found in many floor finishes
and the fibres to make carpets.
ACRYLICS - Synthetic chemical floor finishes.
Certain chemical types of polymers are known as
"acrylics." All polymers are not "acrylics", but there
are many different types of "acrylics" and each type
may exhibit differing properties. Some are soft, some
are hard, and some will give more shine than others.
ACRYLIC FLOOR FINISH- A water based floor
finish that dries hard and glossy; is non-discolouring,
is resistant to black marks and is durable.
ACRYLIC STYRENE - A once popular type of
polymer blend for floor finishes.
ACTIVATED CARBON - A finely pulverized,
black char that has been specially treated to give it the
property of attracting and holding colour and odour
forming compounds in solvent.
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS - The ingredients in a
product that are specifically designed to achieve the
product performance objective.
ACTUAL EVAPOURATION - The total quantity
of water (in pounds) evapourated from any
temperature of feed water into steam at any pressure.
The heat used per pound depends on the fed water
temperature at which the steam is made.
ACUTE- A term used to describe the amount of time
required for a symptom to happen. Acute symptoms
happen quickly. Chronic symptoms take more time.
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ACUTE EFFECT - An adverse effect that develops
rapidly from a short term high level exposure to a
material.
ACUTE DERMAL LD50 TEST- A test used to
determine the toxicity and hazards of components
when applied to the skin. Reported as LD50 ( lethal
dose which will kill 50% of the tested animals.)
ACUTE INHALATION LC50 TEST- A test used
to define general toxicity of a compound when
inhaled. Reported as LC50 (lethal concentration
which will kill 50% of the tested animals).
ACUTE ORAL LD50 TEST- A test used to define
general toxicity and hazard of a compound when
ingested. Reported as LD50 ( lethal dose which will
kill 50% of the animals tested).
ACUTE PRIMARY DERMAL IRRITATION
TEST- A test used to define general skin irritation.
ACUTE PRIMARY EYE IRRITATION TEST - A
test used to define the general irritation to the eye(s).
ACUTE TOXICITY - Acute effects resulting from
a single dose of, or exposure to a substance.
Ordinarily used to denote effects in experimental
animals.
ADHESION - Steady or firm attachment. To stick, or
form attachment. The state of adhering or sticking.
Example: adhesive tape. Commonly used in reference
to floor finishes and their ability to adhere to floors
rather than flake or powder off. A good floor finish
will have good adhesion.
ADJUSTER - In the insurance field, the person
responsible for adjusting cleaning claims by
interpreting policy.
ADSORPTION - Adherence of a substance to a
boundary surface or interface between two surfaces of
liquids, gases or solids. Tendency of fibres to hold
substances upon a surface without soaking into fibres
i.e. dirt, dust, soot, sand.
AEROBE BACTERIA - A type of bacteria
(microorganism) that requires air (oxygen) for growth
.
AEROBIC - Capable of growing in the presence of
free oxygen: as active bacteria.
AEROSOL - A extremely fine mist or fog consisting
of solids or liquid particles suspended in air. Also
term used for products which mechanically produce a
mist.
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AFFINITY - Attractive force between substances or
particles causing them to combine chemically. An
example is the affinity of acid dyes for nylon fibre.
AGAR - The dried mucilaginous substance extracts
from marine algae or seaweeds. It is used as a base
for solid media and is usually not liquefied by most
bacteria.
AGGLOMERATION - The collection of extremely
fine soil particles into larger masses.
AGGREGATES - Ingredients, usually sand and
gravel, which are mixed with water and Portland
cement to make concrete.
AIR-CONDITIONING - The process of treating air
so as to control simultaneously its temperature,
humidity, cleanliness, and distribution. The system
may be designed for summer air-conditioning or for
winter air-conditioning or for both, and may also
include control of factors affecting both the physical
and chemical conditions of the atmosphere such as
dust, bacteria, odours, toxic gases and ionization.
AIR-CONDITIONING O DAY The air-conditioning
O
day is defined as a departure of one O per day in the
mean daily temperature above a reference standard of
65O Fahrenheit from the Weather Bureau for all
commissioned and cooperative stations. O days also
provide basis for estimating fuel costs in winter and
air-conditioning costs in summer. For any one day,
when the mean temperature is less than 65OF, there
exists as many O days as there are Fahrenheit O
difference in temperature between the mean for the
day and 65 F.
AIR DRY - To dry by leaving at room temperature
without the aid of mechanical means.
AIR MOVER - A squirrel cage fan with ducted
snout used for drying and ventilating. These are rated
in cubic feet per minute ( CFM)
ALGAECIDE - Product which destroys algae.
ALGISTAT - Product used to inhibit algae growth.
ALIQUOT: The part of a number that divides the
number evenly leaving no remainder (i.e. 8 is an
aliquot part of 24).
ALKALI - Substances and salts with basic properties
of acrid taste, power to neutralize acids, form salts.
Turns litmus paper blue, denoting alkalinity. Water
soluble and water softeners. Example: caustic soda.
Also known as alkaline, base, or caustic.
ALKALI FREE - Uncombined alkali present in the
free state as caustic soda or caustic potash.
ALKALIES - A term that should more properly be
restricted to the hydroxides and carbonates of sodium
and potassium, but which sometimes is loosely
applied to the hydroxides of the other alkali metals,
the alkaline earth metals, and the bicarbonate and
hydroxide of the ammonium radical. Caustic soda,
soda ash, bicarbonate of soda, sal soda (washing
soda), caustic potash and ammonia are examples.
ALKALINE CLEANERS - A detergent made up in
part or wholly with one or more of the alkalies. The
term is also applied to a detergent which contains
none of the alkalies but which has alkaline properties.
ALKALINITY - Is useful in removing acidic, fatty
and oil soils. Soap and soap based products are
alkaline and perform well only in an alkaline medium.
Detergent products can be formulated at any level of
alkalinity determined by the tasks to be performed.
ALKALINE RESIDUE - Unsightly film left on the
floor surface after stripping. A white powdery film
which can best be observed by running your hand
across the floor.
ALKALI RESISTANT - This is the ability of a
product to withstand alkalies.
AIR TRACKER - Drives staples or ‘T’ nails into
wood or blown or poured aggregates.
ALLERGIC REACTION - An abnormal
physiological reaction to chemical or other stimulus.
AIR-INDOOR AIR QUALITY - Is typically 10 to
1000 times worse in quality than outdoor air. In the
interest of energy, heating, and air conditioning units
( HVAC) have been designed to maximize the use of
indoor air.
ANTIDOTE - A remedy to relieve, prevent, or
counteract the effects of a poison.
ALCOHOL - A distilled spirit, from fermented sugar
and various other carbon compounds. A powerful
disinfectant, example: sterilization. As a solvent used
for removing stains, cleaning glass, etc.
ALGAE - Microscopic single cell plants that grow in
water, contain chlorophyll and require sunlight.
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ALLOY - A fused mixture of two or more metals, as
brass is a mixture of copper and zinc melted together.
ALL-PURPOSE CLEANER - A detergent, powder,
or other cleaning material which is designed to clean
in one operation. May also be a general purpose
cleaner specifically for walls, painted surfaces, etc.
AMINE - An organic chemical characterized by the
presence of nitrogen and an alkaline pH. Used to
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break metal interlock. Unlike ammonia floor strippers
amine-type strippers are pleasant to work with as they
are free of strong ammonia odour and do not irritate
the nose and eyes. Amines are often used as floor
finish strippers, buffering agents in liquid laundry
detergents and as fabric softeners.
AMMONIA - An alkaline gas composed of three
parts hydrogen and one part nitrogen. Dissolved in
water, obtainable in varying strengths. Cuts grease,
bleaches slightly, poisonous; should be well sealed
and carefully stored in a cool place away from all
other chemicals..
AMPHOLYTICS - Compounds which can function
either as an anionic or as a cationic.
AMPHOTERIC - A surface-active agent, has the
ability to act as a cationic under acid conditions and
as a anionic under alkaline conditions. (depends on
the pH)
AMYL ACETATE - A highly volatile (dangerous)
spotting chemical used by some to remove lipstick
etc. Has a banana smell.
ANAEROBE - An organism which lives and is
active in the absence of oxygen.
ANAEROBIC BACTERIA - Bacteria that thrives
(grows) in the absence of air or oxygen.
ANHYDROUS - A product that has had all the water
removed.
ANHYDROUS SOAP - Soap which is free of water
and all other contaminates. Sometimes alcohol, pine
oil and other volatile materials are in a soap; these
would fit the classification ‘other contaminates’ .
Often referred to as the soap solids of a product.
ANILINE - Coal tar base used as a lavender dye.
ANIONIC - A molecule that carries a negative
charged which may help to attract and hold soil
particles.
ANIONIC DETERGENT - When dissolved in
water, split into particles having positive and negative
charges, with the heavy (fatty) part or working part of
the molecule showing a negative (anionic) charge in
solution. Most general purpose soapless detergents
are anionic. Almost invariably soiled surfaces are
negatively charged and when the anionic detergent
attaches itself to the dirt particle, the dirt particle is
forced away from the surface being cleaned because
like charges repel and opposite charges attract. When
builders such as phosphates were added to anionics
this “bouncing off” of the dirt by electrical force was
greatly increased. Anionics are most effective in
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neutral or alkaline cleaning solutions The bulk of the
detergents currently marketed, such as soaps, alkyl
aryl sulfonates, alkyl sulfates, etc., are of the anionic
class. Anionic detergents are not compatible with
cationic detergents.
ANSEROBES - Organisms that grow without
oxygen.
ANSI - American National Standards Institute; a
privately funded, voluntary membership organization
that identifies industrial and public needs for national
consensus standards and coordinates development of
such standards.
ANTIDOTE - An agent that neutralizes or
counteracts the harmful effects of poison.
ANTIBACTERIAL - A chemical or physical gent
which exerts an adverse effect on bacteria.aInimical
to bacteria.
ANTIBIOTIC - A substance that controls the growth
of or kills microorganisms. Usually used to refer to
those products that control infectious diseases.
ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANT - Capable of growth in
the presence of one or more antibiotic compounds.
The resistance of a microorganism to antibiotics does
not mean it is also resistant to the cidal activity of
germicides.
ANTIFOAMING AGENT - Antifoaming agents are
used in floor coatings and carpet cleaning to
reduce and eliminate bubbles and foam when applied.
For floor finishes, bubbles and foam interfere with
continuous film formation and can cause cratering
when the bobbles break during the drying cycle.
ANTI-MICROBIAL - Agent which inhibits or
destroys bacteria, fungi, protozoa or viruses that are
pathogenic.
ANTI-REDEPOSITION AGENT - An ingredient,
usually carboxy-methyl-cellulose, incorporated into a
laundry detergent to help prevent soil from resettling
on clothes after it has been removed during washing.
ANTISEPTIC - A substance which opposes sepsis
(infection by pathogenic micro-organisms) and
putrefaction, either by inhibiting growth or destroying
micro-organisms.
ANTISEPSIS - The process of controlling or
inhibiting growth and multiplication of
microorganisms with chemical agents.
ANTISEPTIC - A chemical agent that kills
microbes. The term is often used for agents that act
on organisms associated with the body or skin and
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applies to products regulated by government
regulatory bodies.
ANTISEPTICS - Substances applied to humans or
animals which destroy harmful micro-organisms or
inhibit their activity. Such substances may also be
used as disinfectants, which are applied to inanimate
objects, but the concentration and other use
conditions are different.
ANTI-SLIP - A measure of a floor finishes ability to
be non-slip.
ANTI-STATIC - Having the ability to reduce, or
control static electricity.
ANTISTATIC AGENT - A chemical agent that
reduces static electricity by preventing friction.
Friction causes fabric (especially man-made fabrics
such as nylon and polyester) to produce static
electricity discharge. Used on carpets and other
materials to eliminate static electricity.
ANTISTAT - Substance which reduces static
electricity.
ANTITOXIN - An antibody capable of uniting with
and neutralizing a specific toxin.
A.O.A.C. The Association of Official Analytical
Chemists. This organization's test procedures result in
accepted standards for disinfectant activity.
APPEARANCE - A description of a substance at
normal room temperature and normal atmospheric
conditions. Appearance includes the colour, size and
consistency of a material.
AQUEOUS - Synthetic fibre in which substance is a
long chain polyamide with at least 87% of the Amide
linkages attached directly to the two aromatic rings.
AROMATIC SOLVENTS - Solvents made of
compounds that contain an unsaturated ring of carbon
atoms, typified by benzene’s structure. Xylene and
toluene are aromatic solvents and are extremely
harmful to humans.
ASBESTOS - A non-flammable mineral fibre that
was once used exclusively in some floor tiles
especially vinyl asbestos tile ( VAT) and asphalt tile,
its use is limited because asbestos is known to be a
carcinogen.
ASEPSIS - Refers to the absence of pathogenic
microorganisms.
ASEPTIC OR ASEPSIS - State of being free or
freed from pathogenic organisms. It is more
commonly used with respect to freedom from harmful
micro-organisms.
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ASPHALT TILE - A mixture of synthetic (manmade) fibres, lime rock, mineral fillers and colouring.
Asphalt binds the mixture together widthwise.
ASPHYXIANT - A vapour or gas which can cause
unconsciousness or death by suffocation. A potential
hazard, particularly when working with certain
chemicals in unventilated or confined areas.
ATTACK RATE: A figure reflecting the number of
disease cases or infections in proportion to the total
number of susceptible individuals during a specified
period. For example:
Attack rate =
# or new infections
# of new patients in hospital
x 100
ATTENUATED ORGANISM - One whose
virulence has been decreased.
AUTO-IGNITION TEMPERATURE - The lowest
temperature at which a flammable gas will
spontaneously ignite without a spark or flame.
AUTOCLAVE - A steam and disinfectant method
for sterilization in hospitals with superheated stem in
a pressurized vessel.
AUTOMATIC SCRUBBER - A powered floor
cleaning machine that dispenses cleaning solution
scrubs it into the floor and vacuums it up into a
recovery tank all in one pass. Also known as
automatics or walk behinds..
AUTOMATION - The application of fully automatic
procedures in the efficient performance and control
operation involving a sequence of complex
standardized repetitive processes; the theory, art and
technique of converting a mechanical process to
maximum automated operation.
AUXILIARY TANKS - Means of storing additional
supply of water and returned dirty solution in hot
water carpet cleaning truck mounted units.
AVIAN ACUTE ORAL LD 50 TEST - A test used
to determine the lethal dosage for 50% of test birds
for products marketed for the outdoors.
B
"B" CLASS FIRE - These are fires in oils, greases,
gasoline, and inflammable liquids.
BACILLUS - Cylindrical or rod shaped bacteria that
occur in chains, produce spores, and are active only
in the presence of oxygen
BACK-PACK VACUUM - A lightweight portable
vacuum used in hard to reach areas. Examples:
stairwells, high ledges.
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BACON-STRIPS - Streaks left on floor after poor
scrubbing or partial stripping. A bridle effect.
Overpopulation in the hospital environment can occur
in dust, water, or dirty equipment.
BACTEREMIC - Bacteria in the blood stream
The following shows how fast some bacteria can
multiply:
BACTERIA - Minute one-cell plant-like,
microscopic organisms which differ from true plants
in that they lack (do not contain) chlorophyll. They
may be harmless and useful, or dangerous and deadly.
Bacteria becomes dangerous when it is misplaced,
e.g., harmless (intestinal) bacteria will become quite
dangerous when on skin surfaces or on food. Plural
of Bacterium.
Autotrophic: organisms that live in organic matter.
Heterotrophic: organisms that live on organic matter.
Parasites: Those which require living organic matter
for growth. These include the pathogens, which have
an injurious effect on animal or plants (host) upon
which they live.
Saprophytes or Saprogens: those which live on dead
organic matter.
Morcology of Bacteria:
Bacteria are classified according to their shape into
three main classes:
Bacilli (bacillus, singular) rod-shaped
Cocci (coccus, singular): round or spherical
Spirilla (spirillum, singular): comma-shaped or
spiraled. These are motile.
BACTERIAL - Pertaining to or caused by bacteria
such as bacterial infection.
BACTERIAL ACTIVITY - When bacteria enter the
body, they will try to invade the tissues, reproduce
and colonize. White blood cells in the human system
attempt to prevent invasion by attacking the bacteria.
Infection occurs when bacterial cells win the battle.
Some symptoms of infection are: fatigue, sweating,
higher body temperature, pain and//or sores.
BACTERIAL CAPSULE - A capsule is not a spore.
It is a slimy layer that surrounds bacterial cells and
can interfere with germicidal penetration. Not all
bacterial cells produce capsules.
BACTERIAL FLORA - All types of bacteria, such
as normally found on the skin. A collective
designation for the bacteria of a given region, system
or period.
BACTERIAL REPRODUCTION - RATE - Each
bacterium cell divides into two cells. There is no
distinction between male or female cells.
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15 minutes - 1 becomes 2
30 minutes - 2 becomes 4
45 minutes - 4 becomes 8
90 minutes - 8 becomes 64 and
5 hours - >1,000,000 bacteria.
Required Environment - This fast multiplication
occurs only in comfortable environment where there
is sufficient warmth, moisture and food. The absence
or shortage of these critical elements can kill bacteria
or impede their growth. Bacteria causing botulism,
for example, require oxygen (aerobes) while tetanus
organisms die in its presence (anaerobes).
Cold - Slows down bacterial growth, but does not kill
them. Therefore, perishable foods placed in a
refrigerator last longer, but over time will still spoil.
Heat - When bacteria are "cooked" at 140F, those
bacteria incapable of forming spores are killed. This
occurs during pasteurization of milk. Boiling water,
of course, will kill bacteria, fungi and most viruses in
a few minutes, but may require hours to kill spores.
Even sunlight destroys bacteria.
BACTERIASTAT - A chemical agent that does not
destroy all infectious bacteria quickly, but will retard
or prevent their growth or multiplication.
BACTERICIDAL - Causing the destruction of
bacteria; applied especially to chemical agents that
kill both pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria but
not usually bacterial spores.
BACTERICIDE - A chemical agent or substance
that destroys bacteria. Synonymous with germicide.
BACTERIOLYSIN - An agent or substance which
causes disintrigation (lysis) of bacteria.
BACTERIOPHAGE - An ultramicroscopic agent
which produces a dissolution of a specific bacterial
cell and is regarded by some as a living agent and by
others as an enzyme. A virus that infects bacteria.
BACTERIOSTASIS - The prevention of growth or
multiplication of bacteria.
BACTERIUM - Microscopic one-celled living
plants having round, rod-like, spiral, or filamentous
bodies. Some are infection-producing, most are
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harmless to man, and some are of value in such
industrial processes as fermentation.
BALUSTRE OR BANISTER - One of a set of small
pillars that support a handrail (or balustrade) on a
stairway.
BANISTER BRUSH - A small hand brush used in
conjunction with a dustpan to pick up heaps of waste
and soil. Other areas include stairs, ledges, banisters.
BASE - A water soluble substance with pH greater
that 7.
BASEBOARD - Strips of rubber or other materials
used as trim and protectors between the wall base and
flooring, especially with resilient floors.
BASEBOARD BRUSH - A long handled, angled,
two-sided brush for cleaning baseboards and adjacent
areas.
BASE UNIT - The main power source from a Hot
Water type carpet cleaner.
BASKET - Hand carrying maid's basket, for carrying
supplies and cleaning gear.
BEATER BAR - A rigid bar on a vacuum cleaner
brush that agitates and loosens soil from the carpet.
BIODEGRADABLE - A term used primarily to
describe certain detergents, and other similar
solutions whose wastes can be broken down
(decomposed) by normal bacteria present in the
ground and waterways, or during sewage treatment.
BIRD’S EYES - Circular blemishes on floor finish
surface caused by bubbles solidifying during
application. Usually caused by agitation of the floor
finish during the application or by applying heavy
coats of finish. Also known as “fish eyes”.
BLACK MARK - In the Building Service
Maintenance Industry this term describes a heavy
scuff mark caused by traffic, heavy boots, rubber and
synthetic rubber heals.
BLEACH - To whiten: Available as a powder or
liquid. Compounds of calcium, chlorine and oxygen.
Should be used sparingly, if at all. Emits toxic
vapours in combination with various other chemicals.
BLEACHING - The process of whitening or
removing the original colour of a material.
BLEEDING - Removal of colour from carpet or
other floor material by a liquid. Some carpets may
bleed from hot water. Floor tile (particularly asphalt
and marble) can bleed from an excessive or harsh
concentration of stripper.
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BLINDS - Window screens, shades or shutters. In the
Building Service Maintenance Industry, usually
descriptive of venetian blinds, vertical or horizontal.
BLOOM - Blooming, the condition existing when a
floor, such as concrete, is covered by a fine whitish
powder. A whitish or gray discolouration on
furniture.
BLOWER VACUUM - A unique type of vacuum. It
can be used as a vacuum, wet or dry pick up and with
the head removed, used as a blower. It is screened to
protect the turbine.
BLUESTONE - or blue vitriol. A hydrated, copper
sulfate, used for flooring, as slate, quarry tile, and
flagstones. Very porous.
BOILING POINT - The lowest temperature at
which liquid becomes vapour.
BORAX - A mineral compound of sodium boron and
oxygen, found on lake shores. It is used as a
substitute for soap in certain industries and in
antiseptic preparations.
BOTULISM - Poisoning that results from the toxin
produced by certain bacillus and is sometimes found
in imporperly canned or preserved foods. Symptoms
include: nausea, vomiting, muscular weakness, and
blurred vision.
BRASS - An alloy of copper and zinc. Used as
ornamentation and trim, also name plates.
BRICK - A block of baked or burned clay, used in
walls and flooring; needs careful maintenance. Very
porous unless sealed.
BRIGHTWORK - The chrome plumbing fixtures
around sinks, fountains and the tops of toilets and
urinals. Broad Spectrum - Killing a wide variety of
Gram - (negative and Gram + positive) organisms.
BROAD SPECTRUM KILL - Ability to kill most
micro-organisms present.
BROMPHENOL BLUE - A dye used as an
indicator of acidity or alkalinity (pH).
BUCKLES - Deviations in a carpet where it does not
lay flat; wrinkles.
BUFFABILITY - That property by which scratches
and other deformations can be removed by rubbing
with a suitable tool.
BUFFER - Any substance in a fluid which tends to
resist a change in pH when acid or alkali is added.
Also slang term for a floor buffing and scrubbing
machine.
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BUFFER ACTION - The resistance of a solution to
change in pH.
BUFFER AGENT - A material added to a solution
to give it buffering action.
BUFFERING - A buffered solution is one that tends
to resist a change in pH when there is a change in
concentration or when the solution is partially
neutralized. Buffering agents are chemicals which,
when added to solutions of other chemicals, act as
"buffers", that is, they tend to hold the pH constant
regardless of changes in concentration or changes due
to neutralization.
BUFFERING ACTIVITY - This is a measure of the
ability of the detergent to stand up under acid soils
without loosing its cleaning action. Most common
scrub soaps break down under this test.
BUFFING - Polishing with a floor machine, floor
pad or brush.
BUILDERS - Complex soluble phosphates added to
detergents acting as water softeners and detergent
aids. Materials added to solutions, such as soap, to
add strength and bulk. Hence: built-in detergents,
strippers, etc.
BUILT SOAP OR DETERGENT - A cleaner made
of soap or soapless detergent base with alkaline
builders added to aid in the cleaning.
BURNISH - To burnish (buff) a protective floor
coating using a machine with an RPM exceeding 300
resulting in a hard finish.
BURNS - Black marks on flooring, heavy scuff
marks, referred to as burns or heel burns.
BUTYL CELLUSOLVE - A trademark for a watersoluble solvent which used to be used in products.
Actual name of slang term “butyl“. Today many
firms advertise non-butyl as an assurance of current
methodology.
BYPASS MOTOR - A wet/dry vacuum motor that
employs two sources of air in the machine’s
operation; i.e., working or vacuum in. and cooling air.
C
C.F.M. - Cubic Feet per Minute. Describes the
amount of air movement generated by a vacuum
motor. When combined with waterlift, offers an
accurate efficiency rating for wet/dry vacuums.
"C" CLASS FIRE - These are fires in electrical
equipment.
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CABORUNDUM - An abrasive carbon silicon
compound made by electric fusion. Graded from
coarse to fine. Used as "emery" for polishing various
surfaces. Examples: metal, furniture, etc.
CALCIUM CARBONATE - An insoluble
compound that occurs naturally as chalk and
limestone that results from the reaction of sodium
carbonate and the hard water ion.
CANISTER - A container, usually made of tin.
Refers mainly to a vacuum. Example: canister
vacuum. This is a small suction type vacuum mounted
on wheels. Has many uses.
CAPSULATED - Applies to an organism capable of
producing a colourless, gelatin-like layer around
itself.
CARBOLIC ACID - An acid produced from coal
tar, used as a disinfectant.
CARBONATE - Sodium Carbonate - The chemical
name for the alkaline salt commonly known in crude
form as soda ash.
CARBON DIOXIDE - CO2, used in some fire
extinguishers. CO2 extinguishers are mainly used on
electrical "C" class fires, but are multipurpose. A
heavy colourless gas.
CARBON TETRACHLORIDE - A nonflammable
cleaning fluid. A solvent, extremely hazardous to
use, emits toxic vapours.
CARNUBA - Natural polishing wax which is derived
from the leaves of the carnuba palm tree in Brazil.
Average yield per year from one tree is
approximately 5 oz. of wax.
CARPET - To cover the floor with carpeting.
Manufactured from various fibres by different
processes to form a floor covering. Examples: wallto-wall carpeting, vacuum, sweeper, beetle.
CARRIER - A solution used to hold and carry
another agent or compound. Examples: solvent in
paste wax, water in water emulsion wax. A person,
animal or thing that carries and transmits disease
germs while remaining unaffected.
CASTILE - Originally soap made from olive oil in
Castile Spain. Now refers to any mild soap made
from vegetable oils.
CATALYST - A substance that acts as an agent in a
solution, speeding up its power (cleaning) or its
purpose. Example: one of the agents used in epoxies
is a catalyst.
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TERMINOLOGY - CLEANING
CATIONIC - Usually a detergent material in which
the effective portion carries positive, plus, charged
particles or ions. Surface-active agents are known as
cationic when the ion imparting surface activity is a
cation; used in the manufacture of quaternary
cleaning disinfectants.
CATIONIC DETERGENT - A detergent that
produces positively charged colloidal ions in solution.
Cationics are noted for their germicidal ability.
Quaternary ammonium compounds are good
examples of cationics.
The cationics split into two parts in use dilution, and
the working part carries a positive (+) charge. This
positive charge attaches itself to the negatively (-)
charges surface and is difficult to remove. This is the
reason that a cationic disinfectant like quaternary
ammonium compounds remains on treated laundry
even after rinsing and causes the fabric to be a
bacteriastatic. Cation-active compounds have no
detergent action in alkaline solutions. Whenever an
anionic and a cationic are mixed, an insoluble
worthless “gunk” is formed.
CAULKING - The filling of cracks and crevices with
a special compound designed to expand and contract
in the filled space.
CAUSTIC - An extremely, strong based (alkaline)
substance which irritates the skin. Corrosive. When
the term is used alone it usually refers to caustic soda
(sodium hydroxide) which is used in manufacturing
hard soap. It also refers to caustic potash (potassium
hydroxide) which is used in the manufacturing of soft
soap. Soda, lye, potassium, sodium and other
hydroxides. Used in building strong strippers.
CELLULOSE - Complex carbohydrates used in the
manufacture of paper, rayon and synthetic type
sponges.
CEMENT - Powdery form of burnt clay and
limestone, used in mortars and concrete cement
blocks; often used in wall construction. Very porous.
CENTIGRADE - Consisting of or divided into 100
degrees (temperature scale).
CENTIMETER - A unit of measure equal to 1/100
meter (0.3937 inch).
CENTRED - Refers to a type of weight centred floor
machine with the motor directly over the brush.
Centreing pads are under the driving block or brush.
CERAMIC TILE - Tiles - made from a class of
minerals known as silicates, shaped when clay is soft
and wet and hardened by firing in a kiln. Resists salts,
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water, gases and acids. A impervious, usually glossy,
layer on the surface.
CHAMOIS - Name derived from the skins of a small
goat-like animal of Europe. Today manufactured
from sheepskins. Referred to as "chammy",
"shammy" or "leather". Used in cleaning windows,
mirrors, etc.
CHELATING AGENT - An organic sequestering
agent that combines with, and improves, the
performance and efficiency of a product as it is used
to inactivate hard water and other metallic ions in the
water. Also a water softener. Prevents films and
soap-fat scum from forming, and should dissolve such
films and scum already formed.
CHEMICALS - A term loosely applied to a wide
range of cleaning agents. A chemical reaction takes
place, often disastrously, by the indiscriminate mixing
of chemical cleaners.
CHLORINE - A chemical formed by combining
"chloride of lime, sodium carbonate and water" commonly called bleach. Exudes a strong smelling
irritant gas. A whitener and disinfectant. Chlorinating
- using as a purifier.
CHLORINE BLEACH - A group of strong
oxidizing agents commonly sold in approximately 5%
solution of sodium hypochlorite. Looses potency
rapidly irrespective of how it is packaged, deactivates
enzymes in laundry cleaners, destructive to surfaces,
people and things.
CHRONIC TOXICITY - Adverse affects caused by
continuous or repeated exposure to a harmful
organism over a period of time equal to 1/2 of the
organism’s lifetime.
CHROME - Chromium: Bluish, silvery white,
rustproof, metallic, chemical element. Used in plating
metals to form a hard brittle surface. Used in
manufacturing stainless steel. High finish, easy to
maintain. Used on plumbing fixtures, metal furniture,
electrical appliances and as a trim.
CIDAL OR “CIDE” - Generally refers to agents
with the ability to kill micro-organisms.
CITRIC ACID - Obtained from fruit juices.
Example: lemon, used as a bleaching agent to remove
stains.
CLARITY - The clearness of a liquid product. This
denotes lack of clouding from precipitate or
undesirable insoluble matter.
CLEANABILITY - The ease with which a surface
may be returned to its original or "clean" state.
Module 9 Unit 9.1
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TERMINOLOGY - CLEANING
CLEANED IN PLACE (CIP) - The cleaning and
sanitizing of food and dairy processing equipment in
its assembled condition by circulation of detergent,
rinse, and sanitizing solutions under appropriate
conditions of time, temperature and physical action.
CLEANER - A person who performs "cleaning"
tasks such as a building service worker.
CLEANER DISINFECTANT - A chemical mixture
of disinfectant and detergent which when used as
directed by the manufacturer will clean surfaces and
kill microorganisms simultaneously.
CLEANING AGENTS - Products that remove soil
when used according to manufacturers instructions.
polymers may behave like colloids even though the
particles are singular molecules as large as half a
micron in diameter.
COLLOIDAL ACTION - A detergent may exhibit
colloidal action by causing a soil to be suspended as
an emulsion.
COLLOIDAL SILICA - Very fine silicone particles
suspended in floor finishes, waxes, etc. Helps to
prevent slipping. Products called "anti-slip".
COLONY - A macroscopically visible growth of
micro-organisms on a solid culture medium.
COLOURFAST - Colour locked in, colours that will
not fade or run.
CLEANSER - A consumer powder or liquid
cleaning product generally containing abrasives, a
surfactant and frequently bleach. Rarely utilized in
the commercial field .
COLOURED FINISHES - "Coloured pigments"
added to products to give "coloured waxes" and
finishes.
CLEARING AGENT - A material added to lower
the cloud point of a liquid detergent product.
COMBUSTIBLE MATERIAL - Any material with
a flash point of 140oF or higher. The higher the flash
point, the more combustible the material.
CLOUD POINT - The temperature at which a clear
liquid detergent or shampoo product becomes turbid
or opaque, generally due to salting out or
crystallization of ingredients in the product.
COMMENSAL - An animal or plant that lives on,
in, or with another. Both share their food, but neither
is parasitic and neither is harmed by it.
CLUTCH - A device for controlling the power and
motion of machines; to engage or set in motion.
Example: some automatic scrubbers.
CLUTCH PLATE - The central, engaging and
locking attachment of floor machine brushes and
driving pads. Different sizes.
COAGULATION - Formation of a clot or gelatinous
mass. Curdling.
COAL OIL - Kerosene: A derivative of petroleum
and related hydrocarbons. A solvent used as a grease
cutter for removing oil and grease stains. A volatile
liquid and flammable.
COCCI - Spherical or oval shaped bacteria.
COCCUS - Spherical bacteria forms, e.g.
staphylococcus (singular) and staphylococci (plural).
COLIFORM BACTERIA - Normally found in the
intestinal tract or in fecal material, coliform bacteria
ferment lactose sugar with gas, do not produce
spores, are classified gram-negative, and can grow
aerobically or anaerobically.
COLLOID - A liquid mixture or suspension in which
the particles of suspended liquid or solid are present
in very finely divided but not molecular or dissolved
form. Suspensions of very large molecules such as
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COMMUNICABLE - Pertaining to a disease whose
causative agent is readily transferred from one person
to another.
COMPATIBLE - Chemicals are compatible when
they can be mixed together without affecting toe
properties or decreasing to effectiveness of either.
COMPROMISED HOST - A person who has a
poor defense against disease (deficient immunity to
bacteria).
CONCENTRATE - The undiluted form of a
dilutable cleaning product.
CONCENTRATED CLEANER - Cleaner or
material at full strength, normally requires dilution
prior to use.
CONCENTRATED WEIGHT - The most typical
floor machine; the weight or motor, being directly
over the brush. Very effective for scrubbing
purposes.
CONCRETE - Building material, mixture of cement,
sand, gravel and water. Concrete floors - cleaners sealer - finishes - paints. Porous unless sealed.
CONCRETE FLOOR - A mixture of cement, sand,
and crushed stone or gravel, made into a paste with
water. It sets as a solid mass due to the chemical
reaction of the cement with water.
Module 9 Unit 9.1
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TERMINOLOGY - CLEANING
CONCRETE SEAL - A protective coating applied
to new or old concrete floor to harden, seal, and
reduce dusting.
CROSS-CONTAMINATION - The process of
transferring bacteria from one person or an object to
another person. Similar term to cross-infection.
CONDUCTIVE - The property of allowing electrical
current to flow freely through, as applied to hospital
floors and the materials used to maintain them.
Conductive floors are available in terrazzo, oxychloride, ceramic tile, and various types of vinyl tile.
It is most important that the materials and procedures
used in maintaining floors of this type do not interfere
with the desired O of conductivity.
CROSS INFECTION - Diseases transmitted
between patients or other persons who are so infected
- hospital oriented.
CONDUCTIVE FINISHES - A floor finish or floor
wax, that acts as a conductor. Examples: operating
theaters, the conduction of static electricity.
CONDUCTIVE FLOORING - A floor designed to
carry off built-up static electricity, reducing the
possibility of explosion in hospitals, operating rooms,
power storage and loading plants. Spark proof
flooring is available in linoleum, vinyl and troweled
on floors.
CONDUCTIVE SEALERS - Specially prepared
sealers for conductive floors, as conductive finishes
and waxes.
CONTACT - The act of touching or meeting, such as
when infected organisms contact then contaminate
others.
COUPLING AGENT - A coupling agent is a
substance soluble in both water and in material to be
emulsified which improves the stability of the
emulsion.
CULTIVATION - Attention given to the
development or advancement of some substance.
CULTURE - Cultivation (growing) of microorganisms, etc., in prepared nutritive media.
CULTURE TUBES - A population of microorganisms in a medium which supports their growth
and which can be used for their study.
CURING - The total period of time for complete
setting of floor finishes. From 24 to 48 hours for total
cure may be required. Buffing may serve to speed
curing time.
CUT SOLUTION - A full strength solution reduced
in strength by adding water.
D
CONTAGIOUS - Spread by direct or indirect
contact; communicable; as in disease.
DAILY WORK SCHEDULE - A written or
understood daily work assignment.
CONTAMINATION - The presence of microorganisms or soil or undesirable elements on surfaces,
in organic or inorganic materials and living tissue.
DAMP MOP - A one bucket operation with a well
wrung mop. To go over the entire floor area with a
solution containing detergent, disinfectant or
sanitizing agent and free it of all dust, dirt and water
soluble soil.
CORK TILE - Essentially a wood product
manufactured from the granulated bark from the cork
oak tree, plus resin binders and wax. Today it is
factory waxed or pre-finished with a combination of
wax and/or resin applied to the cork under heat and as
a "cured" finish.
DAMP WIPE - A method of damp cleaning or
"dusting", furniture, fittings, ledges, etc., using a
damp cloth, either water or solution.
CORROSION - Process of gradual eating away by
chemical action.
DARKENING - Darkness or darkening effect. A
sign of wax or floor finish buildup around perimeters
of floorings.
CORROSION INHIBITOR - Substance which
protects against oxidation of metal surfaces.
DECONTAMINATE - To rid of a polluting or
harmful substance.
CORROSIVES - Substances which cause skin and
eye damage at the site of contact.
DEEP BACTERIAL FLORA - The deepest layer of
bacterial flora of the hair follicles and sebaceous
gland ducts of the skin of a person. It is exposed only
by sweating, prolonged scrubbing or incision.
COUNTER BRUSH - A brush of horsehair or fibres
with extended hand grip of hard wood; used for
sweeping in corners, hard-to-reach areas, and for
sweeping soil and debris into dust pan.
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DEFLOCCULATION - The act of reducing or
breaking agglomerated masses into very fine
particles. Soils not removable by saponification or
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TERMINOLOGY - CLEANING
emulsification must be deflocculated, i.e. broken into
individual particles and dispersed throughout the
solution.
DEFOAMER - Substance used to reduce or
eliminate foam. Destabilizes the wall structure of air
bubbles, causing them to collapse and thus reducing
the foam.
DEGRADE - The loss of strength in bleach solutions
caused by time and or the action of sunlight.
DEGREASER - A chemical (solvent, soap, detergent
or alkali) product specifically formulated to remove
grease, oil and greasy soils.
DEHYDRATION - The loss of water from a
substance or mixture either through ordinary drying,
or through a decomposition process that produces
water.
DEIONIZED WATER - Water that has been
purified of salts by passage in succession through a
cation-exchange resin to replace metal ions such as
calcium and iron by hydrogen ions and then through
an anionic-exchange resin to remove both the
hydrogen ions and the corresponding negative ions.
When non-ionic impurities are absent, such water is
the equivalent of distilled water.
DELETERIOUS EFFECT - Harmful effect that
some products may have on floors and on floor
finishes.
DENATURATION - The destruction of the usual
nature of a substance. Condemned foods, for
example, may be denatured by the addition of a
substance preventing normal use.
DENSITY - Mass or weight per unit volume.
Expressed as pounds per gallon it gives a control of a
product and also shipping weight. Water is 8.34
pounds per gallon. Some products are as high as 11
pounds per gallon, others only 4 pounds per gallon.
DERMATITIS - A disease of the skin. Common
skin problem amongst cleaning staff, often generated
from lack of effective hand protection when working
in solutions most prevalent when users are dealing
with phenolic based solutions.
DESICANT - Any substance or mixture of
substances intended for artificially accelerating the
drying of plant tissue. A drying agent.
DESTATICIZER - A material that dissipates static
electricity such as cationic wetting agents.
DETERGENCY - Cleaning efficiency; effectiveness
of cleaning. Detergency depends upon the following
properties of the cleaner and conditions of the soil:
wetting penetration, suspension, emulsification,
dissolving, absorption, dispersion, colloidal action,
interfacial tension, electric charge, nature of soil,
temperature, duration (contact time) and surface
friction.
DETERGENTS - By strict definition, this term
includes all chemicals that are capable of cleaning,
including soaps, although popular usage has made it
nearly synonymous with synthetic detergents. In
common usage, a detergent is a cleaning material
other than soap.
DETERGENTS-DISHWASHING - Formulated for
use in automatic dishwashers, these are more highly
alkaline than other detergents and may include: (1)
sodium silicate for removing grease and fats, holding
soils in suspension, inhibiting corrosion and
tarnishing of metals; (2) sodium phosphate, the
primary detergent material which ties up calcium and
magnesium in hard water; (3) chlorine for bactericidal
effect; (4) sodium carbonate to increase the
washability; (5) a wetting agent to penetrate, loosen
soil from dishes, and aid in the rinsing process.
DETERGENT-SANITIZER - An agent that both
cleans and sanitizes.
DEODORANT - A product that masks or modifies
unpleasant odours, producing pleasant aromas.
Available in block, liquid or spray.
DILUTION - A substance made thinner or more
liquid by mixture with something else, especially with
water.
Spray: Useful where airing is not possible, air
fresheners, aerosols; scented.
DIPHASE METAL CLEANER - A composition
which produces two phases in the cleaning tank,
namely a solvent layer and an aqueous layer which
cleans by solvent action and emulsification, the
aqueous layer preventing the evapouration of the
solvent.
Block: These should be used in wall containers,
consist of a paraffin base, pine oil or formaldehyde;
water and scent added, tend to stick to plumbing and
plug up.
DERMAL TOXICITY TEST - A standard test in
which rabbits may be used to test for possible
irritation of the skin by a particular substance.
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DIPLOCOCCUS - Spherical bacterium occurring
predominately in pairs.
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TERMINOLOGY - CLEANING
DIGESTER - An enzyme used to break down stains
caused by food products and blood.
DILUTENT - Any substance used to dilute a
chemical or used as a carrier for a chemical, e.g.
water, talc, corn meal, etc.
DILUTION - The reduction of a concentration of
one product by the addition of a carrier. This carrier
commonly refers to either water or a solvent used to
dilute a product per manufacturers instructions before
use.
DIRECT WORK - Work which alters the
composition, condition, conformation, or construction
of a product, the cost of which can be identified with
and assessed against a particular part, product or
group of parts, or products accurately and without
undue effort or expense.
DIRECT PICKUP - The tendency of a floor finish
to retain dust, lint, and other superficial dirt; may be a
characteristic of extremely soft or slow curing
finishes.
DIRT RETENTION - As a test for floor finish, the O
of adherence of tracked-in soil to a floor finish.
DISEASE - A destructive condition, with a specific
cause and characteristic symptoms, present in an
organism.
DISINFECTANT - A chemical agent that destroys
more than 99% of the disease-bearing
microorganisms ordinarily on inanimate objects;
however, a disinfectant usually does not destroy
bacteria spores or virus. Products making
disinfectant claims must be registered with the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state it
on the label with a registered EPA number. In
Canada for non- health care facilities the requirement
is for Pest Control Product Number (PCP # ) which
ensures that the product will provide what the label
states. Drug Identification Number (DIN) is also a
preferred requirement as well.
DISINFECTANT CLAIM - A claim made on a
product label stating that the product is registered as a
disinfectant under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide,
and Rodenticide Act of 1947.
DISINFECTION - The cleansing of an organism or
substance.
DISPERSION - The separation and spreading of soil
and grease from a surface, resulting from chemical
actions in cleaners.
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DISPERSING AGENTS - A material that increases
the stability of a suspension of particles in a liquid
medium.
DISSOLVING AGENT - A detergent that tends to
separate or break down soil and to cause it to pass
into solution and disperse.
DIVIDED WEIGHT - Floor machines so designed,
that the motor, or weight, sits between the fixed
wheels and the brush. Usually older type machines.
DOUBLE BUCKET - An arrangement of two scrub
buckets and wringers on a rack or dolly, that
facilitates the cleaning operation by having chemical
in one bucket and rinse water in the other.
DRAIN CLEANER - A chemically strong product
formulated to clean plugs of solid grease and other
varied materials embedded in drains. Tends to be
extremely dangerous to sue and has been replaced
most often with air plunge systems.
DROPLET INFECTION - Infection or bacteria
spread by droplets (i.e. sneezes, coughs).
DRY CLEANING - Cleaning in a substantially nonaqueous medium.
DRY CLEANING DETERGENT - A detergent
that, when added to a dry-cleaning solvent, increases
cleaning effectiveness.
DRY MOPPING - A procedure by which a floor
area is wiped by a tool known as a dry mop, will
likely have a removable, launderable head of looped
or cut strands that have been manufactures using
100% synthetic colour fast strands, non-linting, with
static ability thereby eliminating any harmful and
costly treatments or sprays.
DRYING TIME - The time required for drying of a
protective coating applied to a floor before returning
it to usage irrespective of whether the coating dries
from the top down or the bottom up. Not the same a
curing time.
DUST - To free an area of fine soil or fine dirt.
DUSTING - A surface cleaning operation to remove
light powdery soil by wiping. For high dusting
generally an extendible light weight handle and a
washable head made with anti-static properties is
used while mid to low level dusting is performed by
hand using a cloth which has been wet and wrung in
an approved chemical solution sometimes referred to
as damp dusting. Dry dusting is not an approved
method of professional cleaning mid to low level
surfaces.
Module 9 Unit 9.1
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TERMINOLOGY - CLEANING
DUSTING-CEMENT - As applied to a concrete
floor surface, the forming by traffic wear of fine dry
particles of the concrete mixture usually denotes
improper curing or maintenance.
E
E.P.A. - Environmental Protection Agency of the
United States Government. Has responsibility to
regulate the environment.
ECOLOGY - The branch of biology that explains the
relationship between living organisms and their
environment.
ECONOMIC POISON - Pesticide.
EFFLORESCENCE - The forming of a white
deposit on concrete or brick surfaces. Concrete and
brick contain small amounts of water-soluble salts
such as sodium sulfate, magnesium sulfate and
calcium sulfate. If a floor or wall has any contact
with moisture, this moisture will dissolve these
soluble salts and slowly carry them out to the surface
where the moisture dries and the white salts are
deposited.
EFFLUENT - The outflow, such as the liquid
discharge from sewage treatment plants.
ELECTRIC CHARGE - Any amount of electricity,
static or current, on a given object; conductive
flooring and conductive waxes may carry any charge
away before it can build up sufficiently to cause a
spark and ignite gases.
ELECTRODE - Either terminal, positive or
negative, of an electrical source.
EMULSIFYING AGENT - A material that increases
the stability of a dispersion of one liquid in another.
EMULSION - A substantially permanent
heterogeneous liquid mixture of two or more liquids
which do not normally dissolve in each other but
which are held in suspension, one in the other by
small amounts of additional substances known as
emulsifiers. These modify the surface tension of the
droplets to keep them from coalescing. Dispersion of
small oil particles in a solution.
EMULSION CLEANER - A composition which
forms an emulsion capable of dissolving or
suspending soil.
ENDEMIC - Something that is indigenous to an area.
For example, the habitual presence of disease within a
geographic area.
ENDOGENOUS INFECTION - An infection that
originates within or develops from an organism.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT - The possible
adverse effect of the release of a material into the
environment as listed in MSDS information.
ENTERIC - Intestinal.
ENTEROVIRUSES - Viruses found in the human
intestines.
ENZYME - An organic catalyst formed by a living
cell. It promotes a chemical reaction between other
chemicals, but is not itself changed by the reaction. A
complex protein product that induces or speeds
chemical reactions. Used in many cleaning products
such as laundry detergents.
EMOLLIENTS - A class, or group name given to
certain chemicals, and pharmaceutical products to
indicate, or describe their usefulness in medicine.
.Agents incorporated in toilet soaps to soothe and
soften the skin.
EPIDEMIC - A condition in which a large number
of persons in a community contract the same disease
within a short time.
EMULSIFICATION - The action of breaking up
fats, oils and other soils into smaller particles which
are then suspended in a solution. Also, a light
sensitive coating found on film, paper, or glass.
EPOXY - A shortened name for a class of synthetic
resins. They are condensation products most
generally formed by the reaction of bisphenol and
epichlorhydrin. When used in adhesives they are
among the best for metal-to-metal bonding. When
used in floor coatings they combine outstanding
hardness and durability with exceptionally light
colour, and they remain light with the passage of
time.
EMULSIFY - To suspend and disperse droplets of
one liquid in another without dissolving. A soap or
detergent having the power to emulsify oils.
EMULSIFIED - A stable mixture of two liquids
normally not miscible with the presence of emulsifier.
Typically refers to the method by which oil and fatty
materials may be dispersed in water either to clean
surfaces, or formulate waxes, polishes and finishes.
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EPIDEMIOLOGY - The branch of medicine that
investigates the cause and control of epidemics.
Epoxies are well-known for their high order of
chemical resistance, unusual flexibility and
outstanding adhesion.
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TERMINOLOGY - CLEANING
EQUIVALENT TIME - The total man-time
involved in a function, divided by the output of one
particular operation. It is assumed that the man-time
involved in the function is directly related to the
output of the operation.
ESCHERICHIA COLI - Bacteria which live in the
intestinal tract. Members of the coliform or colontyphoid-dysentery group. They are Gram-negative,
non-sporing, usually motile rods. Their presence is
commonly measured in sewage to determine
effectiveness of sewage treatment. Can cause urinary
tract infections and lesions in any part of the body.
ESTERS - A compound, often fragrant, formed by
the reaction between an acid and an alcohol or phenol
with the elimination of water.
ESTIMATED OPERATIONAL DATA - Data
compiled by estimating the man-time required for the
activities not covered by adequate records.
ETCH - To pit a surface by applying a suitable
chemical solution thereby permanently changing the
outside of a smooth surface causing the surface to be
pitted and rough. Usually refers to the use of acid on
concrete surfaces to increase surface area and thereby
improve adhesion by subsequent seal coatings.
ETCHING - Producing a rough surface or lines on
metals, glass, etc., by a corrosive, acid chemical.
ETIOLOGY - A branch of knowledge dealing with
causes and origins, as a disease.
EVAPOURATION - The process by which waxes
and finishes set and harden on surfaces. Examples:
water emulsions, soap and detergent solutions drying
up. Volatile liquids such as ammonia must be well
sealed to prevent evaporation.
EXOGENOUS INFECTION - Infection that
originates externally.
EXPOSURE LIMIT - The limit set to minimize an
employee’s exposure to a hazardous material.
Associated terms include Permissible Exposure Limit
(PEL), Short Term Exposure (STEL) and Threshold
Limit Value (TVL).
EXTERIOR WINDOWS - Those windows which
are located on an exterior wall of a building.
F
F.D.A. - Food and Drug Administration (of the
Department of Health, Education, and Welfare).
FABRIC SOFTENER - A rinse additive which
imparts lubricity to fibres. Also referred to as fabric
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conditioner not to be confused with water conditioner
- its primary purpose is to make washable fabric feel
softer. Reduces wrinkles and clinging due to static
electricity, makes ironing easier or sometimes
unnecessary, may contain bluing, brightening agents,
and or a bacteriostat - not to be used when laundering
Wet and Dry mops etc.
FACULTATIVE - As applied to micro-organisms,
those which are able to live under either aerobic of
anaerobic conditions.
FADING - Loss of colour caused by actinic radiation
such as sunlight, atmospheric gasses and cleaning or
bleaching chemicals.
FAHRENHEIT - A standard scale of a thermometer
in which water boils at 212O and freezes at 32O above
zero of its scale. A standard household scale prior to
the introduction/ change over to Celsius. F to C = 5/9
(F-32).
FAST FLOORS - Floor surfaces that are slippery
and may not meet the standard coefficient for slip
resistance as recognized by Underwriter's Laboratory.
FATIGUE - Weariness, from mental or physical
exertion, which causes a decrease in productivity.
FATTY ACID - An organic (most commonly tallow
and coconut oil) substance which reacts with a base to
form soap.
FEATHER IN - To carefully blend a spot with the
surrounding area. Example: spot touch up of floor
polishes where the newly applied polish is "feathered
in" or blended into the adjacent area.
FECES - The excrement discharged from the
intestines, consisting chiefly of food residues, microorganisms and intestinal excretions.
FELT BASED FLOOR COVERING - A floor
covering made of paper felt and asphalt, coated with
oil paint. Imitation or cheap linoleum.
FIBRES - Natural or man-made objects that have
lengths hundreds to thousands of times greater than
their widths (high aspect ratio).
FILLER - A filler primarily is a cost-reducing
material used in the manufacture of flooring materials
or paint. They may also be called extenders and often
have secondary functions. What is filler in one
composition may be the main ingredient in another,
such as cork which is the main ingredient in cork
flooring but a filler in magnesite floors. Other fillers
may be sand, wood flour, marble dust, talc, leather,
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clay, mica, etc. Another use of filler is for a
composition used to fill pores of wood before
applying seal or paint. Also a material added to soap
or other detergent that does not improve its
attractiveness or effectiveness under the conditions of
use.
FILM - A thin covering such as wax film, coating or
layer. Continuous film refers to a light multi-coat
process in applying finish so that most liquids cannot
penetrate.
FILMING - The development of a thin covering or
coating.
FILTER - Anything porous, such as paper, cloth,
sand or resins through which fluid is passed to be
purified or to have undesirable matter strained out.
All emulsions and most soaps and detergents are
filtered so that they will remain free from sediment.
FINISH - A protective coating used as a top coat.
Previous coatings, whether the same or of different
material, serve as sealers and the last coat is the
finish.
FINISHED FLOOR - Sealed by a suitable surface
coating.
FIRST CLEAN - Term used by some for initial
clean-up of buildings.
FISH ACUTE TOXICITY TEST (LC50, 96
hours) - Test used to define toxicity and hazard
potential to fish. Results reported as LC50, i.e., the
concentration which will kill 50% of the fish.
FISH EYES - Also known as (see) Bird’s Eyes.
FLAGGED FIBRES - Brush or broom fibres that
are split at the end to increase cleaning efficiency.
FLAGELLUM - Long slender thread or projection
of protoplasm from a microscopic plant cell end or
side. An end flagellum appears like a tail and its
movement is the means of mobility.
FLAMMABILITY - The capacity of a material to
ignite easily and burn rapidly. This term is also used
to classify certain liquids on the basis of their flash
point.
FLAMMABLE LIQUID - Any liquid which gives
off flammable vapours at or below a temperature of
80o F.
FLASH POINT - The lowest temperature at which
the vapour from a product will ignite. The
temperature at which sufficient vapours of a
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potentially flammable product have accumulated in
the atmosphere to present a sufficient fire or
explosion hazard. Usually measured by the
Tagliabeau open or closed cup methods.
FLEXIBILITY - (A test for a floor finish) - The
ability of a floor finish to be pliable or resilient or
plastic in nature. This is tested by coating on a
flexible tile and bending over a standard mandrill.
FLOCCULATION - The appearance of floc in a
reaction mixture, or the converting of the solid matter
of a suspension into agglomerated or larger particles
that tend to separate out by settlement.
FLOODING - Low density pigments rising to the
surface of wet film, sometimes causing non-uniform
film appearance.
FLOOR FINISH - Man made in a wide variety of
formulas. Applied and become the top layers of
protective floor coatings.
FLOOR MACHINE - (Buffer) A powered machine
used to scrub and buff floors that is equipped with a
pad driver and synthetic pads or brush.
FLOOR MAINTAINER - A power-driven machine
equipped with a scrubbing or polishing brush (sizes
12 inches to 30 inches) used to remove soil by
scrubbing and for polishing waxed floor surfaces.
FLORA - A collective designation for the plants or
micro-organisms of a given region, or system, or
period. Examples: the bacterial flora of the skin,
intestines, or a room.
FLOW CHARTS - Graphic representations of the
progress of materials and/or information through a
system, with pertinent analytical data appended.
FLUORESCENCE - The production of visible light
or other radiation by a substance as the result of
exposure to and absorption of other radiation’s of
different wave length, such as ultra violet light or
electric discharge in a vacuum tube. A fluorescent
dye used in a laundry soap makes clothes look whiter
and brighter when it absorbs daylight. This can be
identified by placing it under an ultra violet light.
FOAM - A mass of bubbles formed on liquids by
agitation. Some detergents are non-foaming, most of
them give an average amount of foam and some are
high foamers. Foam height is measured in a RossMiles Foam Tester in the laboratory and relative
foaming abilities of detergents can be found.
FOAMING AGENT - A material that increases the
stability of a suspension of gas bubbles in a liquid
medium.
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FOGGING - Dispersing colloidal particles of a
pesticide into the air of an enclosed space for the
purpose of destroying the insect pest. A fog is
composed of smaller liquid particles than the spray
normally emitted from an aerosol spray. Once used
as a process for dispensing a germicidal to try to
reduce the bacteria flora in following an isolation
discharge in a health care unit.
GERM - A micro-organism, especially bacteria,
causing decease.
FOMITE (FOMES) - Any object or substance other
than food that may harbor carry or transmit a disease.
Examples: bedding, clothing, dishes.
GERMICIDAL NEUTRALIZER - Ingredients
combined in nutrient media to arrest the action of a
disinfectant following a period of exposure.
FORECAST - A prediction of the future value of a
variable.
GERMICIDE RINSE - Rinse, utilizing a germicide
in the water.
FORMALDEHYDE - Preservative; sterilizing and
disinfecting agent (gas or liquid).
GILBERT FORMULA - A method for planning a
cleaning program. It is based on a complete inventory
of the area to be cleaned, being broken down into
work units. Equalizes work loads.
FREQUENCY - Rate of occurrence.
FUMIGANT - A smoke, vapour or gas used in
confined space as a means of disinfecting or
disinfesting.
FUNGI (FUNGUS) - Vegetable organisms that lack
chlorophyll and are filamentous. A subphylum of
plants including bacteria, yeast’s and molds, mildew,
yeast and mushrooms.
FUNGICIDE - A prepared chemical agent that
destroys all types of fungi such as molds.
FUNGICIDAL TEST (AOAC) - Standard test
against Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Gives use
dilution for killing this fungus and other fungi.
FUNGISTAT - A product which retards the
development of fungi but does not prevent its reoccurrence.
FURNITURE POLISH - A liquid, paste or pump
spray designed to remove stains from natural wood
surfaces, confer shine and protect against water spots,
formulated to reduce buildup.
G
GAMETE - A matured germ cell.
GAS - One of the three forms of matter. Vapours
emitted by some liquid cleaners. Example: ammonia an irritant. Some exterior cleaning equipment
powered by gasoline.
GAS GANGRENE - An infection resulting from
spore-forming bacteria.
GEL - A jelly like material formed by the coagulation
of colloidal liquid.
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GERMICIDE - Any substance that kills germs. A
disinfectant.
GERMICIDAL DETERGENT - A detergent using
a germicide in its composition. Economies can be
gained by one step cleaning and disinfecting.
GLASS - A hard, brittle, substance, produced by the
fusion of sand and other materials. Transparent or
translucent. Glass care, the maintenance and cleaning
of glass. Example: window cleaning.
GLEAM - As on a polished surface. Will shine in a
subdued light. An attractive appearance.
GLIDE - Furniture rests or glides that allow ease of
movement of furniture. Also equal distribution of
weight over a larger surface area.
GLOSS - The shine sheen brightness or lustre of a
finished surface giving depth of gloss, sometimes
called jetness, or depth of gloss reflection.
GLOSS RETENTION - That property in which the
initial gloss after application and buffing is retained
for an extended time. Note time elapsed before initial
gloss has disappeared.
GLOSSMETER - An instrument used to measure the
gloss from a coating of floor finish.
GLUTERALDEHYDE - A chemical relative of
formaldehyde, used in cold sterilization.
GLYCERIN - Sometimes glycerol. A sweet, syrupy,
colourless liquid, obtained from fats. Used in certain
soap making processes or as a solvent, moistener or
lubricant.
GRAINS HARDNESS - A measure of water
hardness. The actual amount of dissolved calcium and
magnesium salts measured in parts per million in a
gallon of water. One grain of water hardness equals
17 PPM of calcium carbonate.
GRAM - A unit of weight in the metric system (one
ounce = 28.35 grams).
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GRAM-NEGATIVE BACTERIA - Bacteria are
separated into two groups when stained with crystal
violet dye. Bacteria which will not retain the gramstain (crystal violet) counter stain are gram negative.
Gram negative bacteria are somewhat more resistant
to germicides; however, usually a chemical
disinfectant is strong enough to mask this difference.
Resistance to certain antibiotics such as penicillin is a
difference compared to gram positive bacteria.
Aerobacter aerogenes, Eberthella typhi, hemophilus
influenza, Escherichia coli, proteus vulgaria,
pseudomonas aeruginosa, salmonella schottmulleri
and vibria comma are examples.
GRAM-NEGATIVE / AEROBIC NON-SPORING
- Pseudomonas Aeruginosa bacteria cause a variety
of animal and human wound infections;
genitourinary, respiratory tract, joint, and eye
infections.
Enterbacter Aerogenes bacteria cause pathogenic
infections only in area other than the alimentary tract.
Source: Widely distributed in animal and human
intestinal tracts, grains, milk and dairy products,
water and plants.
Enterobacter Cloacae bacteria cause secondary
infections in pneumonia cases and other respiratory
tract infections.
Source: Water, soil, feces, and sewage.
Proteus Mirabilis bacteria cause stomach and
intestinal membrane infection and gastroenteritis.
Source: Abscesses, putrid tissue or meat intestines
and soil.
Escherichia Coli bacteria that cause urogenital tract
inflammation in adult humans and diarrhea in infants.
Source: Widel distributed in nature, animal and
human intestine, sewage.
Important: Coli indicates fecal contamination in
water supplies. E. coli and S. typhus can exist at the
same time.
Flavobacterium Meningosepticum cause diarrhea in
human infants.
Source: Water and soil.
Salmonella Cholerasesuis bacteria cause acute
gastroenteritis and enteric fever in humans and
secondary virus disease in hogs (hog chlorea).
Source: Pig, contaminated water or food.
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Serratia Marcescens bacteria cause wound
infections, urinary tract infections and respiratory
tract infections (generally nonpathogenic in nature).
Source: Milk, water, food, soil, insects, hands, and
equipment.
Salmonella bacteria cause typhoid fever.
Source: Human intestine, hands of infected
individuals, and contaminated food.
Salmonella Schottmuelleri bacteria cause
gastroenteritis.
Source: Humans.
Salmonella Derby bacteria cause food poisoning and
meningitis.
Source: Eggs, pigs and turkeys.
Salmonella Pullorum bacteria may cause
gastroenteritis in humans (generally nonpathogenic).
It does cause white diarrhea in chicks, bird ovary and
egg infections.
Shigella Dysenteriae bacteria cause gastroenteritis
and bacillary dysentery infections.
Source: Intestines of carriers and dysentery cases.
GRAM-POSITIVE BACTERIA - Bacteria are
separated into two groups when stained with crystal
violet dye. Those which retain the crystal violet are
gram positive. Resistance to certain antibiotics such
as penicillin is a difference as compared to gram
negative. Bacillus anthracis, clostridium butyricum,
clostridium tetani, clostridium welchii, corynebacterium diphtheriae, diplococcus pneumonia,
myco-bacterium tuberculosis, staphylococcus aureus,
and streptococcus hemolyticus are examples. Gram
positive bacteria will retain the gram-stain and
become coloured.
GRAM-POSITIVE / AEROBIC NON-SPORING
- Staphyloccoccus Aureus bacteria cause boils,
carbuncles (severely infected boils), wound infection,
blood poisoning, most types of food poisoning, and
bone marrow infection
Source: Nasal mucous membrane, hair follicles,
contaminated food, air, and dust.
Streptococcus Pyogenes or Group "A"
Streptococci bacteria cause abscesses, wound
inflammation and infection, and blood poisoning.
Source: Wound discharges, human mouth, throat and
respiratory tract, air, and dust.
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Diplococcus or Pheumococcus Pneumonia bacteria
cause pneumococcal pneumonia.
Source: Respiratory tract secretions (i.e. saliva), spit,
perspiration and blood in pneumonia cases, air and
dust.
GYPSUM - A calcium containing mineral used in
making plaster. Gypsum boards and backing for
certain chalkboards.
H
Corynebacterium Diphtheria bacteria cause
diphtheria.
HCN (Liquid) - A powerful hydrogen cyanide
fumigant used to control insects and other pests in
sealed enclosures.
Source: Nose and throat of seemingly healthy
carriers, human mouth, throat and respiratory tract in
diseased individuals.
HALIDE - A compound of a halogen with another
element or radical.
Streptococcus Viridans bacteria cause inflammation
or infection of the heart membrane.
Source: Human mouth and intestine, cow mouth and
intestine, horse intestine, milk, and milk products.
GRAM-POSITIVE / UNREPAID - Clostridium
Perfringens bacteria cause gas gangrene, bacteremias
and wound infections.
Source: Milk, soil, sewage, and feces.
GRAM STAIN - A differential stain by which
bacteria are classed as gram-negative or grampositive, depending upon whether they retain or lose
the primary (stain) (crystal violet) when subjected to
treatment with a decolourizing agent.
GRANITE - A hard crystalline rock containing
mineral crystals such as quartz and feldspar. It is used
in building construction for walls, pillars and floors.
It can be polished.
GRANULAR - Consisting of grains or granules.
Granule - a small discrete particle found in some
cleaning agents such as powders and crystals. A
granular surface is often referred to as grainy or
gritty.
GROUND WATER - Underground water present in
the saturated soil below the “water table” and a
source of supply for wells.
GROUT - Matrix between ceramic tile on walls and
floors. Concrete with small aggregates and heavy
liquid consistency, capable of being poured to fill
small interstices.
GROUTING - A concrete binder used to install
ceramic tile, bricks, etc., refers to space filled with
grout.
GUNNY - Burlap. A course jute material, used in the
making of sacks and underlays of certain flooring.
Often used as a backing material.
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HALITE - Mineral sodium chloride.
HALOGENS - Any of five chemical elements,
chlorine bromine, fluorine, iodine, astatine. Used in
the formation of iodophors which are a type of
germicidal detergent.
HAND CLEANSER - A cleaner designed to clean
hands with an emphasis on removing oils, grease and
other occupational soils.
HAND WORK - Work performed in hard to reach
areas, or that work a machine is unable to reach or
perform. Examples: wiping ashtrays, dusting
handrails.
HAND SCRUBBER - A small coarse bristled brush,
used in hand scrubbing operations.
HAND SCRUBBING - To remove soil or finish
from the floor by scrubbing with a hand brush.
HARD DETERGENT - One that is not readily
decomposed by bacteria, causing foam and waste
problems in sewage disposal areas.
HARD FINISH - Usually refers to a synthetic floor
finish. Example: Acrylic, or a floor finish or wax that
has been buffed to a hard finish.
HARD FLOORS - Refers to the type of floor such as
stone, terrazzo, ceramic tile, concrete, etc.
HARD WATER - Water containing dissolved
calcium and magnesium salts tending to make soap
insoluble. It interferes with the cleaning and rinsing
action of some cleaners. Becoming more alkaline.
HARD WATER TOLERANCE - Only applicable
as a measurement of speed of kill by quaternary
germicides in the presence of calcium and magnesium
carbonate hardness. Relates only to quaternaries used
on food handling utensils in the restaurant and dairy
fields.
HARDNESS - This pertains to inorganic salt content
in water which prevents effective cleaning and
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germicidal action. It is measured in ppm (parts-permillion).
satisfactory for both the marble chips and the
concrete matrix.
HARDWOOD - Most wooden flooring is composed
of hardwood, usually oak or maple.
HEXACHLOROPHENE - At one time was one of
the common synthetic phenol compounds used in
prescription antiseptic soaps. Banned in 1976 for
general use.
HARMFUL EFFECTS - The use of incorrect
cleaning agents, improper and indiscriminate mixing
of chemicals, misuse of supplies and equipment, and
the application of wrong cleaning procedures, can
produce harmful effects both to the area being
cleaned, and to the cleaning operator.
HARSH CLEANERS - Severe cleaning agents such
as abrasive powders, abrading pads and extremely
strong stripping agents with a high pH.
HAZARD - A risky venture. A danger present if a
hazardous cleaning procedure is adopted.
HAZARDOUS MATERIAL - Any substance
having the properties capable of producing adverse
effects on the health or safety of people.
HAZE - Fine dust, vapours or smoke in the
atmosphere, affecting inside building maintenance
unless air-conditioned. Hazy - surfaces that are
clouded or partially obscured. Example: improperly
rinsed floors.
HEADINGS - Tops of partitions, walls, cases and
perimeter walls.
HEAVILY OBSTRUCTED - The O of obstruction
to cleaning operations when 50% or more of the gross
floor area is occupied by furniture or equipment.
HEAVY SOIL - Heavily soiled. Areas that need
vigorous cleaning with heavy-duty cleaners. Example:
sweeping with compounds, stripping and refinishing
with heavy-duty waxes and finishes to stand up to
heavily traffic areas.
HEEL MARKS - Certain areas are subjected to
heavy heel marking, usually black rubber or grease
marks. Can be removed by heeling the floor machine.
This is a method of exerting pressure on the machine
pad or brush.
HEELING - Method of exerting pressure on a floor
machine to remove rubber heel marks or heavily
soiled areas.
HEMOLYTIC - The destruction of red blood cells
that liberates the hemoglobin into the surrounding
fluid (blood action).
HETEROGENEOUS - Differing in kind; unlike in
qualities, or dissimilar. For example, terrazzo flooring
is heterogeneous and requires maintenance that is
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HIDING POWER - The power of a coating material
as used to obscure a surface covered with it.
HIGH SPEED FLOOR FINISH - Floor finish
specifically designed to be used with and respond to a
high speed floor machine.
HIGH SPEED FLOOR MACHINE - Any floor
buffing machine that operates at Rpm’s over 200.
HOLD-OUT - Apparent depth and quality of a dried
film of varnish, paint or other coatings.
HOLIDAY - A missing spot in cleaning. Refers to
streaks or areas that were not overlapped.
HOMOGENEOUS - Of the same kind. Made up of
similar materials. For example, vinyl tile is
homogeneous as opposed to vinyl-asbestos.
HORIZONTAL DUSTING - Dusting operation
performed on surfaces which are horizontal or at no
more than 45O from level.
HONE - When hard floors are laid, such as terrazzo,
they are honed to a smooth finish. The use of steel
wool floor pads, is a honing action.
HORSEHAIR - The material used in the
manufacture of good grade brushes. Some brushes
use synthetic fibres or a mixture of both. Also used in
the manufacture of some types of cloth, and as
padding for furniture.
HOSPITAL FUNCTION - The operations required
to perform a task necessary for patient care, medical
services, or hospital administration. It does not
depend on physical location or departmental
organization.
HOSPITAL SEPSIS - A state of sepsis or infection
in a hospital. For example: an outbreak of
staphylococcus that is passed from one patient to
another due to the lack of cleanliness and proper
corrective measures.
HOSPITAL-TYPE DISINFECTANT - Hills most
germs due to a special combination of disinfectant
ingredients. More of a terminology than an actual
fact.
HOST - Any organism that acts as a growth site for
parasitic microorganisms.
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HOT CLEANER - One containing strong cleaning
chemical agents designed to do a fast job. Unless
used with extreme care, may cause harmful effects to
the surface on which it is used.
be seen in a polished floor or other surface. Floor
polishes with good image reflection are usually very
glossy films which dry smoothly and level out
irregularities in the flooring.
HUMECTANT - A material which has the property
of keeping a substance moist.
IMPERVIOUS - Incapable of being penetrated by a
given material.
HUMIDITY - The moisture content of the
atmosphere. Humidify - to make humid. Proper
control is important in the cleaning industry.
IMMISCIBLE - Substances or cleaning agents that
cannot be mixed.
HYDRATE - A compound formed by the union of
water with some other substance.
HYDROCARBON - A chemical compound which
consists of carbon and hydrogen; occurring in natural
gases, or petroleum or their derivative products.
HYDROCHLORIC ACID - (HCL) Hydrogen
Chloride. Also known as muratic acid. - A sharp
smelling corrosive dangerous acid, found in the
formulation of certain toilet bowl cleaners. Used in a
diluted form for etching concrete.
HYDROFLUORIC ACID (HF) - A highly caustic
inorganic acid found in commercial rust removers and
stain removers. Use with extreme caution.
HYDROGEN PEROXIDE - A liquid compound of
hydrogen and oxygen. Used in diluted form as a
bleach and an antiseptic.
HYDROPHILIC - Readily absorbing moisture.
Water-loving.
HYDROPHOBIC - Not readily absorbing water.
Water-hating.
HYDROTOPE - A compound used in some cleaners
to keep materials in solution, that would otherwise
"kick-out" and separate. Also known as a solubilizer
or coupler.
HYGIENE - The science of establishing and
maintaining good health by cleanliness. Hygienic - a
condition established by care and cleanliness.
HYGROSCOPIC - Readily absorbing moisture as
from the air.
IMMUNITY - An organism's resistance to or
protection from a specific disease.
IMPACT RESISTANCE - The ability of a film to
resist sudden forceful blows such as from a hammer.
The impact resistance of a film will show other
properties such as hardness, brittleness, and adhesion.
IMPERVIOUS - Certain materials and surfaces are
impervious to damage by penetration of moisture,
allowing a broader range of cleaning activities.
IMPLEMENT - To put into practice, or adopt a
certain cleaning procedure. More commonly used to
describe a tool or instrument used in the cleaning
industry.
IMPLODE - The opposite or antonym of explode to burst inward, as a neon light tube when broken.
IMPREGNATE - To saturate or fill with another
substance, such as applying a penetrating sealer.
INANIMATE - An object that is not living.
INCIDENCE - The extent or frequency of
occurrence or effect of a disease.
INCOMPATIBLE - Incapable of association, such
as two cleaning solutions unsuitable for use together.
Substances which cause an adverse reaction from
contact with each other. Certain floor finishes not
compatible with some flooring or sealers or the
reverse..
INCUBATION - Maintaining cultures of
microorganisms at a temperature favorable to their
growth.
HYPOCHLORITE - A disinfectant containing
chlorine. . Use with care.
INDENE RESIN - Includes polyethylene, polyvinyl,
and coumarone resins and is derived from
polymerization.
I
polymerization.
ID50 - The dose (number of microorganisms) which
will infect 50% of the experimental animals in a test
series.
INDENTATION - An impression or mark on a
surface caused by an object hitting or resting on the
surface for a time.
IMAGE REFLECTION - The clarity or sharpness
with which an object, such as an overhead light, can
INDIRECT WORK - Work which is performed
rendering services, the cost of which cannot be
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assessed accurately against any output without undue
effort and expense.
INTERFACIAL TENSION - The surface tension at
the face of contact of a liquid with a solid.
INERT - Substance not active in a formula.
INTERIM CLEANING - To clean between
prescheduled or routine cleaning times.
INFECTION - A condition in which microorganisms
have entered the body and produced an adverse
reaction. A pathological condition due to the growth
of micro-organisms in a host. Infect - to contaminate
with a disease producing matter.
INGESTION - Taking a substance into the body by
mouth.
INHALATION - Taking of a substance into the body
by breathing.
INHIBITOR - A chemical or substance used to slow
down or restrain an undesirable reaction such as
corrosion.
INHIBITION - Refers to prevention of growth or
multiplication of microorganisms.
INHIBITORS - Inhibit - to restrain or hold in check.
Inhibitors are substances that restrain chemical action.
In cleaning products, this means that surfaces, (for
example metal), are not attacked, but the soil on the
surface is.
INOCULATE - The artificial introduction of
microorganisms into the body, or into a culture
medium.
INOCULUM - Material (bacteria) introduced into
culture media or living tissues, or the like - usually
for test purposes. Material containing microorganisms
used to inoculate.
INORGANIC - A substance not made of the
combination of carbon and hydrogen. Designating or
composed of matter other than animal or vegetable.
INORGANIC ALKALINE DETERGENT - A
water-soluble in-organic alkaline salt or alkali salt
having detergent properties, but containing no soap or
synthetics.
INSECTICIDE - An agent or preparation for
destroying insects.
INSOLUBLE - A substance that cannot be readily
dissolved in a liquid. Example: oil in water.
INSULATING FILM - When a conductive floor has
a film built up on it that does not conduct electricity It
is said to have an insulating film. Ordinary soaps or
wax will give the floor an insulating film.
INTAKE - An opening, through which liquid or air
passes. Intake - also referred to as the total amount
taken in.
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INTERIOR WINDOWS - Those windows which
are wholly within the inside of a building.
INTERLOCK - To engage, interlace or lock parts or
particles together as in metal interlock floor finishes interlink.
IN-USE TESTING - Laboratory testing; the
evaluation of product performance, procedure, or
equipment under highly controlled conditions.
INVENTORY - An itemized list of physical
property; a list of material goods on hand.
INVENTORY LEVEL - The quantity of any
material or group of materials on hand in the
inventory.
IN VITRO - A test performed on disinfectants in
glass vessels in contrast to one performed within
living animals, tissue and plants.
IN VIVO - A test performed on disinfectants within
living plants, tissues, and animals in contrast to one
performed in a non-living medium. These tests are
performed on white mice, rabbits, eggs, guinea pigs,
etc. Infection-prevention (antiseptics) and toxicity
tests are "in vivo" tests.
IODINE - A disinfectant agent. A nonmetallic
chemical element used in medicine and disinfection.
Iodize, to treat with iodine.
IODOPHOR - A germicide based on the
combination of iodine and surface active ingredients,
complexed with other agents, such as a nonionic
detergent used in antisepsis or disinfection, have a
tendency to discolour and stain the surface they are
being utilized upon.
ION - An electrically charged particle or group of
atoms. Ionized, a particle or group so charged. Ionize
- to convert wholly or partly into ions.
IONIC COMPATIBILITY - Chemical, electrical
charges similar to the north and south poles on a
magnet which indicate, to the chemist, compatibility
of various chemical products. For this reason, caution
should be taken before blending chemicals as their
charges may render these products useless for their
intended purpose. Typically, problems with floor
products as well as disinfectants are particularly
critical and the manufacturer should be consulted
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before any blending or cross use of materials is
attempted.
IRRITANT - That which irritates or causes an
inflammation reaction in the eyes, skin or respiratory
system on immediate, prolonged or repeated contact.
ISOLATION - As wards - to set apart from others, as
persons - with communicable diseases. Special
cleaning techniques are required.
J
JAMES MACHINE - The only approved instrument
to-date for obtaining accurate figures relating to the
static coefficient of friction of a surface (slip test).
JANITOR - Greek name from the god “Janus”
keeper of the house of keys. Common title for the
person employed to have care of the cleaning and
security of the building, office etc.
JASPE - Irregular stripes of two hues, shades or
values of the same colour. A type of linoleum
flooring.
JAVELLE WATER - An aqueous solution of
sodium hypochlorite used as a disinfectant or a
bleaching agent.
JUTE - A natural fibre from India and Pakistan that
is woven and used for backing on carpets to add
strength, weight and stiffness.
K
KAOLIN - A white clay, used in ceramics and as an
absorbent.
KAPOK - The silky fibre from the seeds of a tropical
tree. The "kapok" tree is related to the cotton plant.
Used for stuffing mattresses, cushions and pillows.
Can be brushed. Cushions can be vacuumed, aired,
but never washed.
KAURI-REDUCTION - A laboratory method of
determining "good" varnishes from "poor" varnishes
by adding a known amount of Kauri gum, coating
panels, baking, and testing flexibility or the panels.
High Kauri Reduction is desirable.
KEROSENE - A thin oil produced from petroleum.
It is used as a fuel and as a solvent. It is volatile and
highly flammable. Coal oil; a grease cutter - to be
used carefully and stored correctly.
KICK MARKS - Scuff marks on wax or floor finish,
or along baseboards, bases of walls, furniture legs,
bottoms of doors, etc., necessitating the use of
kickplates or protectors.
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KILL - The destruction of bacteria. Sterilization is
the effective use of germicides, bactericides, etc. Kill
time is the time the disinfectant must be in contact
with microorganisms for a complete kill.
L
LD50 - The dose (number of organisms) that will kill
50 percent of the animals in a test series.
LACQUER - A lacquer is any coating such a varnish
or shellac. Normally, lacquer refers to a nitrocellulose
coating which is cellulose nitrate (or similar material)
dissolved in suitable solvents. Resins and plasticizers
may be added to modify the film. The solvents
necessary to dissolve the nitrocellulose are usually
faster drying than that for varnish and may cause
application problems.
LAMB'S WOOL - Obtained from the first shearing
of a young sheep or lamb. It has a wide range of
application in the cleaning industry. Lamb's wool
applicator - for the even spreading of sealers, waxes
and finishes. Lamb's wool polishing pad - for floors;
lamb's wool duster - a long handled dusting tool;
lamb's skin - a leather or finely textured chamois skin.
LANOLIN - A fatty substance extracted from wool.
It is an excellent emollient, having softening and
protective effect on such surfaces as hands and when
blended with some solvents is an excellent cleaner
conditioner for vinyl.
LATEX - The milky juice of the mikweed plant
group. Used as a paint base, latex foam rubber,
underlays, padding, etc.
LATHER - A foam consisting of very small bubbles
formed when soap or detergent is agitated with or in
water.
LD- Abbreviation for “Lethal Dose“. The amount of
pathogenic microorganisms or chemical agents
required to cause or give death in a given animal.
LEATHER - Dressed animal skins used in furniture
coverings, safety belts, equipment, etc. Needs careful
maintenance. Chamois skin sometimes referred to as
a "leather". Leatherette - an artificial leather used for
furniture covering.
LECITHIN - Any of several waxy, phosphorous
containing substances, common in animals and plants,
that form colloidal solutions in water and have
emulsifying and wetting properties.
LETHAL CONCENTRATION (LC) - The
concentration required to cause death in a given
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species of animal or plant. Measured in milligram per
kilogram of body weight (mg/KG).
turpentine’s, or other solvents; widest use for wood
floors.
LETHAL DOSE (LD) - see L D.
LIQUID WATER EMULSION WAX - Dispersions
of natural and synthetic waxes with small amounts of
resins, leveling agents, and other substances in water;
self-polishing and can be buffed for higher gloss.
LEVELING - The property of a floor polish which
causes it to flow together and form a smooth surface
after it is spread. The applicator marks represent
"hills and valleys" and these should level out or
become uniform in height if the polish levels well.
The term is used to describe how an emulsion, wax,
or finish adheres to a floor surface.
LEVELING AGENT - Substance added to coating
which allows it to flow evenly in application and to
help prevent “puddling”
LIME - An insoluble mineral deposit found in water.
LINOLEUM - Composed of oxidized linseed oil,
resins, powdered cork, wood flour, fillers and
pigments, coated on to a canvas or burlap backing.
The heavy-duty type is called battleship linoleum.
Imitation linoleum. This is simply a printed linoleum,
of asphalt impregnated felt, covered with several
thick layers of paint.
LINSEED OIL - Is derived from seeds of the
common flax plant and is used in oil paints, varnishes
and furniture polish. A valuable drying oil, it is
obtainable as raw or boiled.
LIPOID - Fatty or waxy.
LIQUID EMULSION BUFFABLE FLOOR FINI
SH - Also known as polymeric buffable finish;
contains amounts of buffable ingredients, and
responds well to buffing.
LIQUID EMULSION FLOOR FINISH - Also
known as polymeric polish or polymeric finish, a
blend of polymer emulsions with small amounts of
synthetic wax or resin emulsions and leveling resins
which dry to a hard film with high initial gloss; may
not be noticeably affected by buffing
LIQUID EMULSION FLOOR SEALER - Used
primarily for terrazzo and similar cement type floors;
may be used as a seal coat on porous resilient floors;
not formulated for removal by regular low pH
cleaners.
LIQUID EMULSION SEMIBUFFABLE FLOOR
FINISH - Also known as a semi-buffable polymeric
finish, similar to liquid emulsion finish but contains
more wax, polyethylene, or other ingredients; buffs to
a moderate O.
LIQUID SOLVENT WAX - Dispersions of natural
and synthetic waxes or resins in naphtha’s,
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LITMUS - A colouring matter, derived from lichens.
Litmus paper - a prepared ribbon of paper that turns
red in acid blue in alkali.
LIVERING - The change in a varnish from a fluid to
a gel or sticky liquid.
LOW SUDSING - Cleans without forming foam.
The product has low surface tension in water but
destabilizes air-liquid interfaces and promotes foam
collapse.
LUSTRE - Quality of a surface as to its reflection of
natural or artificial light Lustre - shine or sheen,
especially from reflected light. A brightly polished
floor is said to be lustrous.
LUDOX - Sand- like material added to applied
finishes to increase slip resistance.
M
MAGNESIUM - A light bluish-white metal, used for
trim, furniture, etc. Easily maintained by dusting and
damp wiping.
MACHINE-SCRUB - To scrub surface of floor with
manually operated machine.
MACHINE-SCRUB AUTOMATIC - A floor
cleaning operation using an automatic machine
equipped with either bristle brushes or abrasive pads
to apply friction to the surface where solution has
been deposited, pick up spent solution, soil and
finish, and rinse if necessary.
MAINTENANCE - The routine recurring work
required to keep a facility in such a condition that it
may be continuously utilized, at its original or
designed capacity and efficiency, for its intended
purposes.
MAN-HOUR - A unit of work measurement
equivalent to the productivity of one man, working at
a normal pace for one hour.
MAN (PERSON) MINUTE - A unit of work
measurement equivalent to the productivity of one
person, working at a normal pace for one minute;
man-hour may be converted to man-minutes, so that
total time may be expressed in minutes.
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MAR - Mutilation of a surface reparable by
restoration or treatment.
MARBLE - A crystalline or granular form of
limestone. It can be polished, has great beauty and is
in demand for building construction, floors, walls,
etc.
MASK - A term often related to deodourizing agents
and their ability to mask or cover up odours. To
protect the surroundings from damage and splashes.
Example: masking tape, bumper pads, etc.
MASTIC - Adhesive for resilient flooring or other
applied materials.
MATRIX - A place or an enveloping substance
within which something originates or is held. Thus
concrete is a matrix for marble in some terrazzo
flooring or for the tile in ceramic tile flooring.
MAXIMUM KILLING DILUTION - The weakest
solution capable of killing vegetative bacteria
(excluding spores) under Phenol Coefficient Test
Conditions).
MEASURED OPERATIONAL DATA - Output
that can be obtained by counting, from records, time
studies, etc.
MECHANICAL CLEANING - Removing of soil or
dirt from a surface by manual scrubbing or by use of
abrasives as differentiated from chemical cleaning.
Also use of machines for scrubbing or cleaning.
MECHANIZATION - The act or process of
applying machinery to the performance of specified
operations.
MEDICATED - Treated with a preparation designed
to treat disease.
MEDIAN - The value above which there are as many
observations as there are below it.
MEDICATED - A preparation designed to treat or
prevent disease.
MEDICATED SOAP - A toilet soap containing
antibacterial ingredient to help reduce or inhibit the
growth of bacteria on the skin, which might otherwise
cause infection.
MEDIUM - Substances used to provide nutrients for
the growth and multiplication of microorganisms such
as broth, gelatin, or agar.
MEMBRANE - A thin layer of tissue which covers a
surface or divides a space or surrounds an object.
METAL INTERLOCK - A floor finish with metal
salts in the solution. Claims detergent and water
resistance, removable with ammonia strippers.
METASILICATE - An ingredient in a detergent to
reduce corrosive action.
METHANOL - A volatile, poisonous, flammable
liquid, consisting of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen,
used especially as a solvent.
METHOD - A procedure. A general or established
way or order of doing anything; performing a
procedure ; the means or manner by which it is
presented or taught; also the general term used to
cover a worker’s motion or procedure pattern.
Cleaning methods vary according to circumstances.
New methods are constantly being introduced.
Methodical cleaning is purposeful.
METHODOLOGY - A body of methods, rules, and
postulates employed by a discipline; a particular
procedure or set of procedures.
MICROBE - A minute or microscopic living
organism, especially one which is capable of causing
disease in animals and humans.
MICROBIAL LOAD - The number of
microorganisms that contaminate an object.
MICROBICIDE - An agent that kills microbes.
MICROCOCCUS - Spherical bacterium occurring
as isolated or single cells.
MICROFIBER - is a ultra fine synthetic fiber that is
very strong and lint free. Microfibers are densely
microscopic constructed, polyester and polyamide
(nylon) fibers that are approximately 1/16 the
thickness of a human hair. Each fiber is split during
manufacturing apparently in such a way as to create
microscopic hooks which act as claws that scrape and
hold the dust, soil and grime. This split structure
contributes to the two main characteristics that make
microfiber effective in the cleaning process. The tiny
fibers are allegedly able to penetrate the microscopic
surface pores of most flooring materials.
The
micfofibers have a positive charge that
attracts dust, which has a negative charge.
Therefore dust and soil particles are not only
attracted to the microfiber, but are held tightly
and therefore not easily re-distributed during
cleaning.
The denstiny of the tiny fibers make the material
very absorbent, holding six times its weight in
water. With the fibers ability to hold so much
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solution needed for cleaning, the issue of
dripping is virtually eliminated thereby leaving
the surface merely damp which quickly dries
after cleaning, rather than being left visibly wet.
MICRON - 1/25,000 of an inch. The standard unit
of measurement in the microcosm or subminiature
world. The microbe, a germ, is a microorganism, seen
only through a microscope. One micron equals onemillionth of a meter.
MICRO-ORGANISMS - Plants or animals visible
only with the aid of a microscope.
MILD CLEANER - A cleaner which is mild or nondamaging in its action on the soiled surface.
MILDEW - A fungus. A superficial whitish growth
produced on organic matter and plants by a fungus.
These spores or molds flourish in warm, humid
weather in poorly ventilated or it areas. They create
musty odours
MILK STONE - Calcium deposits on dairy or ice
cream equipment.
MILLED SOAP - Soap processed by an operation in
which soap chips or pellets are squeezed and kneaded
by passing them through a series of heavy, closely set
rollers.
MINERAL - A solid, homogenous, crystalline
substance, not of animal or vegetable origin. Mineral
oil is a paraffin, crude or refined, used as a cleaner
and a base for some furniture polishes. Example:
lemon oil. (not to be used on leather).
MINERAL OIL - Oil derived from crude petroleum.
MINERAL SPIRITS - A solvent or thinner for
coatings which is a turpentine substitute. It is derived
or distilled from petroleum.
MISCIBLE - Capable of being mixed. Example:
Two or more solutions that are soluble in each other.
Mixing - the preparation of mixtures for cleaning
purposes.
MODE - A particular form of manner of cleaning.
Modification - a slight change or alteration of a mode
of cleaning. Modern maintenance - up-to-date
methods of cleaning.
MOLD - A woolly growth, produced by fungus. Any
of a large group of minute parasitic and saprophytic
fungi which cause mold or moldiness; also, the
deposit or growth produced by such fungi. A type of
fungus that may live on dead organic matter.
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MOLECULE - The smallest unit into which a
substance can be divided that retains all of the
chemical identity of that substance; i.e., one molecule
of water.
MONEL METAL - An alloy of nickel and copper. It
has a dull silvery sheen and is often used for trim and
work surfaces.
MONOMER - A molecule or compound usually
containing carbon and of relatively low molecular
weight and simple structure which is capable of
conversion into polymers, plastics or synthetic resins
or elastomers by combination with itself or other
similar molecules or compounds. Styrene is the
monomer from which polystyrene resins are
produced; vinyl chloride and vinyl acetate are the
monomers from which vinylite resins are obtained.
Other common monomers are methyl methacrylate
for Lucite or Plexiglas.
MOPPING DAMP - The use of a mop engulfed in a
solution and well wrung prior to use on a floor
surface.
MOPPING WET - The use of a mop engulfed in a
solution and lightly or not wrung prior to use on a
floor surface. Spent solution may be picked up on a
separate pass and the process may be followed by a
rinse process.
MOP TREATMENT - For dry mops. A type of
chemical that was used prior to the manufacturing of
electrostatic fibres (dry mops). A water soluble or oil
based chemical was used to treat yarn for the
purpose of attracting debris and dust.
MORTAR - A mixture of lime, cement, sand and
water. Used in masonry and plastering. Grouting.
MOSAIC TILE - Glazed and unglazed ceramic type
tiles used on walls and floors. Many colours and
shapes are available. Often used for washroom floors.
MOTILE - Capable of spontaneous movement. For
bacteria, motility is due to the presence and
movement of flagella which are hair-like or whip-like
appendages.
MOUNTAIN WAX - Mineral wax extracted from
lignite or peat (brown coal). It is hard polishing wax.
MURIATIC ACID - Commercial name given to
hydrochloric acid. A powerful cleaning agent. Used
in a dilute form to remove encrusted soils, metal
tarnish and rust stains. Also used for etching.
MUTAGENIC - Causes tissue changes in subsequent
generations.
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MUTATION - A change in form, quality, or some
other characteristic. A random strain, variation, or
characteristic appearing suddenly in a species of a
plant or animal. This change can be natural or caused
by external factors and is inheritable.
MYCOBACTERIUM - A particular group (genus)
of bacteria which are aerobic, non-motile and difficult
to gram-stain. It includes Mycrobacterium
tuberculosis hominis which causes tuberculosis in
man and Mycrobacterium leprae which causes
leprosy.
MYCOLOGY - The detailed study of fungi
N
NAPHTHA - A liquid solvent crystalline substance
derived from petroleum (coal tar) Used in drycleaning, varnish base, and for removing rubber and
grease marks and stains. Highly flammable and
explosive.
Used in making dyes and chemicals and as a moth
deterrent.
organizations, including more than 3,000 fire
departments.
NATURAL WAXES - Distinct from the synthetic
floor finishes. Includes carnuba and various paste and
liquid solvent waxes. They are buffable waxes.
NEMATOCIDE - Any substance or mixture of
substances intended for preventing, destroying,
repelling, or mitigating nematodes.
NEOPRENE - A synthetic rubber, used in flooring
NEUTRAL - A chemical state neither acid nor basic
alkali. Neutral cleaners and neutral soaps that fall in
the neutral zone or range on the pH scale. A neutral
soap contains no free alkali or free fatty acids. They
may be either acid or alkaline to a small O. Term
applied to cleaners that are neither alkali nor acid.
Neutral colour - green,: pH scale 7.0.
NEUTRAL CLEANER - Non-alkaline, non-acid
cleaner . generally a solution with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5
however the pH can be a high as 10 and not contain
harsh alkalis.
NATIONAL BOARD OF FIRE UNDERWRITER
(NBFU) - An organization of capital stock (money
making) fire insurance companies which inspect U.S.
cities of over 30,000 population for insurance grading
purposes and performs certain other public service
functions.
NEUTRAL DETERGENT - A concentrated
detergent with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5.
NATIONAL ELECTRIC CODE - A code prepared
by the NFPA National Electrical Code Committee for
the purpose of safeguarding persons and buildings
and their contents from hazards resulting from the use
of electricity for light, heat, power, radio, signaling,
and other purposes. The code contains basic
minimum provisions considered necessary for safety.
It is not a design specification nor an instruction
manual for untrained persons.
NEUTRALIZE - To destroy the peculiar properties
or effect of; as, to neutralize an acid with a base.
Also, to restore a surface, as a floor, to a neutral state
such as counteracting an alkaline condition with an
acid rinse to produce a neutral state.
NATIONAL FIRE CODES - A series of volumes
published annually by NFPA containing all of the
current technical standards prepared by various
committees as adopted by the Association. The codes
are grouped in volumes under general heading
covering; Electrical, Transportation; Combustible
Solids etc.
NONIONIC - A material in which the effective
portion does not ionize to any extent and carries a
very slight charge if any charge at all.
NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATIO
N (NFPA) - A non-profit educational and technical
association formed in 1896 with headquarters in
Boston Massachusetts, devoted to the protection of
life and property from fire through development of
fire protection standards and public education; it has
international membership of individuals and
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NEUTRAL SOAP - One not superfatted nor
containing excess alkali. Its pH in water will be about
9.5 to 10.0. The term "neutral" is used because an
alcohol solution of the soap has a pH of 7.0.
NEUTRALIZER - Chemical to change the pH of a
surface so that residues will not interfere with floor
coating adhesion.
NONIONIC DETERGENT - A detergent that
produces electrically neutral colloidal particles in
solution. The nonionics have the unique property of
being unaffected by the anionics and cationics. The
nonionic particle is large and remains in one piece
and it has no charge in use solution. Such a detergent
usually does not foam as anionics do and, by
themselves, are not as effective in removing solid
soils but they are superior for removing oils, grease,
and waxes. When combined with builders in some
finished detergents, they are effective in removal of
solid soils as well. They are effective cleaners in acid
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solutions as well as alkaline and are unaffected by
hard water. The nonionics are the newest of the
synthetics and are fast becoming as widely used in
surface cleaning.
NON-CHLORINE BLEACH - A laundry
environmental choice over chlorine bleach. Product
containing peroxygen compounds which release
active oxygen in wash water.
NON-PATIENT AREAS - Those areas of a hospital
which are used by visitors, administrative personnel,
departments which are not involved with direct
patient care, and those departments which have brief
or sporadic contacts with a patient.
NON-PATHOGENIC - Non-disease causing
bacteria.
NON-SPECIFIC - To have no limitation of
germicidal activity.
NORMAL BACTERIA FLORA - The top layer of
bacterial flora superficially attached to the skin of a
person. Such flora are acquired casually and removed
easily. Resident bacteria flora are underneath and
deep flora are still buried further in the skin layers.
NORMAL TIME - Time required by a qualified
worker, working at an ordinary pace when capably
supervised, to complete an element, or cycle, or
operation when following prescribed method. The
time required by an average worker to perform a task,
under average working conditions at a normal pace.
Allowances are not included.
NOSOCOMIAL - Hospital-acquired, as an infection.
NUCLEUS - A spheroid body of dense structure
within a cell, composed of protoplasm and containing
the chromosomes.
NUTRIENT - A material or substance that can be
used as a food.
O
OSHA - Occupational Safety and Health Agency
which establishes and enforces laws relating to
workers safety.
OAK - A tough, durable, open grained hardwood,
used for furniture, paneling and floors.
OAKUM - A loosely twisted hemp or jute fibre.
OBSCURE - Glass, darkened or dimmed glass.
Nontransparent. Many uses, especially in washrooms.
OBSTRUCTED - A condition resulting when 10 to
50 percent of the gross floor area is occupied by
furniture or equipment.
ODOUR CONTROL DEODOURIZERS Products used for masking, or modifying foul
unpleasant odours.
ODOUR COUNTERACTANT - An agent which
neutralizes the intensity of odour by introducing
specific chemical substances, or combinations, into
the odourous environment without creating a new
odour sensation of equal or higher intensity. Briefly an agent which neutralizes or reduces mal odour
intensity.
OHM - A unit of electrical resistance.
OHM-METER - an instrument used to test the
"conductivity" of a floor. Example: operating
theaters, O/Rs.
OIL STAINS - Stains and spots caused by oil
spillage require oil removers or degreasers for
removal and solvents or strong alkalis, as saponifiers.
ONCOGENIC - Produces or induces tumor
formations in living animals.
OPACIFIER - Substance which does not permit the
transmission of light; a cloudy agent. It is used to
reduce a soap’s translucence or to make a bar of soap
white or a desired colour.
OPACITY - The O of obstruction to the transmission
of visible light.
OPAQUE GLASS - Falls between obscure and
transparent, being translucent. It has many uses.
Example: doors.
OPERATION - A primary sub-division of a
function. It may be further subdivided into activities,
tasks and elements.
OPTICAL BLEACH - A chemical that absorbs
ultra-violet light and radiates this energy in the visible
spectrum. Thus, an optical bleach can be used to
brighten the appearance of an article by increasing
the total reflectance and to change the colour
somewhat by controlling the wave length of he energy
re-radiated. Many laundry detergents contain optical
bleaches.
ORANGE PEEL - A slight pitting of a surface of a
finish which resembles the skin of an orange; usually
obtained from certain sprays and considered a defect.
ORGANIC - Relating to or designating those types
of chemicals which are composed of carbon.
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Generally they are derived from living matter such as
petroleum and vegetable oils.
ORGANIC MATTER - Pertaining to substances
derived from living organisms.
ORGANISM - The term used to describe either a
living human or bacterial entity.
OSMOSIS - The passage of one fluid into another
through a membrane between them, resulting in a
mixture of the two fluids.
OUTPUT - The end result of a physical or mental
procedure or process, or the amount of production
from the application of work.
OVEN CLEANER - Usually a product that is
formulated thick or foamy to cling to vertical
surfaces. Usually requires the use of goggles and
gloves, highly corrosive.
OVERCLEAN - A condition to be avoided. It is
caused by a too vigorous cleaning action, such as
overbuffing, using too harsh an abrasive or steel wool
under foot leaving flash marks, or by the use of too
strong a solution. Overload - using a machine of
insufficient h.p. or too many machines on one power
line. Overlook - areas being missed by not following
the schedule. Example: high dusting.
OPTICAL BLEACH - A chemical that absorbs
ultra-violet light and radiates this energy in the visible
spectrum. Thus, an optical bleach can be used to
brighten the appearance of an article by increasing the
total reflectance and to change the colour somewhat
by controlling the wave length of the energy reradiated. Many laundry detergents contain optical
bleaches.
OXALIC ACID - A bleach used with caution for
certain types of stain removal when normal detergents
are ineffective.
OXIDE - A compound of oxygen with an element.
Oxidize - to combine with oxygen. Iron rusts when
exposed to air, causing oxidation.
OXIDATION - To combine with oxygen. Slow
oxidation is typified by the rusting of a metal.
OXIDIZED - Bleached.
OXYCHLORIDE - Applied to a type of flooring.
The term designates a floor made from magnesium
chloride and a magnesium oxide mixture. It is similar
in appearance and maintenance to terrazzo.
P
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P.B.I. TEST - Abbreviation for protein-bound iodine
test. When this test is in process, iodine base
detergents must not be used for cleaning in the
general area.
P.F.D. ALLOWANCE - Factors applied to the
normal time to provide for personal needs, fatigue,
and minor unavoidable delays. Application of the P,
F, D allowance converts the normal time to standard
time.
P.P.B. - Parts per billion. One part per billion equals
1 pound in 500,000 tons. PPM - Parts per million.
One part per million equals 1 pound in 500 tons.
P.P.M. - Parts per million. Used as a measurement to
determine the amount of any substance present in
proportion to the amount of water or other substance
in which it is found. So many parts in a million parts.
P.P.M. Hardness - Water hardness is expressed in
parts per million (ppm) of calcium carbonate or in
grains of calcium carbonate (CaCO3).
P.S.I. - Pounds per square inch. Denotes the load
limit a floor will take with furniture or other objects
before the surface breaks or the tile is damaged.
Asphalt tile 25 P.S.I., rubber tile 200 P.S.I.
PANNING - Denotes use of a dust pan and small
broom for collecting light litter.
PARADICHLOROBENZENE - A slow-acting
fumigant which used to be commonly available as
“moth crystals”.
PARAFFIN OIL - Made from the solid, waxy
substance obtained from petroleum. Often called
mineral oil. It is colourless, odourless, tasteless and
translucent, and used in some furniture polishes. It
will remove some stains but must not be used on
leather.
PARASITE - A living organism deriving its nutrition
at the expense of another living organism and giving
nothing in return. A parasite may live upon or within
the host.
PARQUET - A wood flooring, inlaid in patterns. It is
usually made from wooden blocks 7 to 11 inches
square. It is a fine, handsome type of floor, but is not
used in industrial areas.
PASTE EMULSION WAX OR
PASTE EMULSION
FINISH - Blends of waxes, resins, latex polymers,
and other substances in paste form; may or may not
contain solvents.
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PASTE WAX - Wax in a thick form. Made from
natural (base - not man made) products.
PATCHING - Used with reference to plugging up a
hole in the wall or floor, or after a stain has been
removed from a finished surface and a fresh coat of
floor finish is required. A lot of floor finishes do not
have the ability to professionally patch.
PATHOGEN - Any micro-organism or material that
can cause diseases.
PATHOGENIC - Capable of producing diseases.
PATHOGENIC FUNGI - Trichophyton
Interdigitale and Trichophyton Mentagrophytes
bacteria cause superficial skin, nail and hair wounds
(i.e. athletes foot). May also infect deeper organs and
tissues.
material. Germicidal cleaners have penetrating power
to enter into a soil and aid the removal of it. A
germicide cannot penetrate most soils and therefore is
only effectively used after cleaning.
PENETRATING AGENT - A material that
increases the penetration of a liquid medium into a
porous material. Penetrating seal material may be
applied so as to fill pores while providing some
surface protection.
PENETRATION - The ability of a detergent to force
its way between particles of soil and between the soil
and the surface to which it adheres. This action
depends upon surface tension and interfacial tension.
A liquid entering porous substances through cracks,
crevices, and holes.
Source: Infected animals and human; contact with
inanimate contaminated objects.
PEPTIZING - Putting an electrical charge on soil
particles and facilitating their suspension or removal.
The term is applied to cleaners.
Epidermophyton Floccosum bacteria cause
perineal, groin and foot infections.
PERFUMES - Added to some soaps and detergents
to give a desirable aroma.
Source: Human skin and nails of infected individuals;
contact with inanimate contaminated objects.
PERIODIC CLEANING - Usually cleaning of a
major nature such as wall washing, light cleaning,
carpet shampooing etc., that occurs at regular
intervals or periods.
Candida Ablating bacteria cause occasional
meningitis, lung and intestinal infection; skin, nail
and mouth infection.
Nocardia Asteriodes bacteria cause sinus swelling,
abscess formation and infection, brain abscess, and
occasional meningitis.
Mycobacterium Tuberculosis bacteria cause
tuberculosis.
Source: Tubercular lesion in humans.
PATIENT AREAS - Those areas of the hospital
used by the patients, the nursing and medical staff in
the care of the patient.
PEELING - A phenomenon of coating manifest by
the pulling away, or falling away, of larger pieces
from the surface to which they were applied, without
becoming wholly detached from the main body of the
coating in the initial stage of the failure.
PENCIL HARDNESS - A measure of the hardness
of a floor finish by means of graded pencils. The
sharpened pencils are pushed across the finish,
starting with the softest, until one is found that will
scratch through the film. This is the pencil hardness.
It may vary from 3H to 5H for some finishes.
PENETRANT - Any compound used to increase the
speed and ease with which a liquid permeates a
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PERMANENT - Descriptive of certain sealers which
cannot be or are not to be removed. Lighting fixtures
which are not to be taken down when cleaning.
Permanent odours - usually due to improper
maintenance or blocked drains.
PERMANENT HARDNESS - The total water
hardness that does not precipitate (separate from the
liquid) when heated.
PERMEABLE - A surface that is porous allowing
liquids or gases to seep through or permeate.
PEROXIDE - An oxide containing a large
proportion of oxygen such as hydrogen peroxide.
PEST - A plant, animal, or insect especially
detrimental to mankind, necessitating pest control by
use of pesticides.
PESTICIDE - Agent which prevents, repels, destroys
or mitigates pests including insecticides,
disinfectants, and sanitizers, rodenticides and
herbicides.
PESTICIDAL TERMS:
Aerosols - Suspensions of liquids or solids
in air. The insecticide is mixed with a low vapour
pressure liquid which is placed under pressure. As
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this pressure is released, the volatile liquid disperses
small particles of the chemical into the air.
Attractants - Substances added to pesticides
to make the preparation more attractive to pests.
They help to increase the percentage of kill and
hasten control.
Carrier - A substance, usually inert, which is
blended with a pesticide. For example, talc is
formulated with DDT in a tracking compound.
Compatible - Chemicals are compatible
when they can be mixed together without affecting
the properties or decreasing the effectiveness of
either.
Contact Poisons - Pesticides which kill pests
by direct contact rather than by stomach poisoning
after being eaten.
Dilutent - Any substance used to dilute a
chemical or used as a carrier for a chemical, e.g.
water, talc, corn meal, etc.
Emulsifiable Concentrate - A preparation
containing a fairly high amount of pesticide, together
with an emulsifying agent. Such mixtures are diluted
with water to the desired strength before being
applied.
Emulsifying Agent - A substance used to
make one liquid suspend in another; for example, an
emulsifying agent is added to an oil-based pesticide
concentrate so that when it is mixed with water, the
concentrate will be suspended in minute globules in
the water.
Fumigate - A chemical in volatile liquid or
gas form and used in such a manner that the fumes or
gas kill pests in a confined space.
Granules - Preparations in which the active
substance is impregnated upon granules of an inert
carrier.
Instar - The form between successive molts
of an insect. An insect's skeleton is external;
therefore, as the insect grows it must shed, or molt,
the skeleton to permit an increase in size. The first
instar is the period before it starts molting. The
second instar is the stage between the first and second
molts, etc.
Larva - The immature stage of an insect.
Larvae of different insects are often described as
maggots, grubs, caterpillars, etc. Larvae do not
resemble their adults.
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LD50 - A term used to express the toxicity
of a compound. It is the amount of actual chemical
necessary to kill 50% of the test population. The
smaller the LD50, the more toxic is the chemical.
Nymph - The immature stage of insects
having only three stages in their development, (egg,
nymph, and adult). Nymphs resemble their parents
except they do not have wings.
Repellent - A chemical used to repel pests
rather than to kill them.
Residual Action - The continuing
effectiveness of a chemical remaining upon a surface.
For example, DDT, a pesticide with long residual
action, will continue to kill pests for a relatively long
time after being applied to a surface, provided it is
not removed by cleaning or insulated by soil.
Resistance - An ability acquired by certain
pests to withstand the lethal effects of certain
chemicals formerly used in the control of these
species. An example is the resistance of German
cockroaches to the chlorinated hydrocarbons.
Synergist - A chemical which enhances the
toxicity or other action of a pesticide. It may or may
not have pesticidal action itself.
Systemic Poisons - Pesticides which are
absorbed by, and translocated throughout the bodies
of insects.
Wettable Powder - A powder formulation to
which a wetting agent has been added so that the
powder will be able to form a suspension in water.
PETRI DISH - A double glass dish used in
cultivating microorganisms.
PETROLEUM - A dark oily liquid found in the
earth's upper crust, the derivatives of which form the
base for innumerable cleaning agents.
PETROLEUM-SOLUBLE SOILS - These soils
include grease, salad oils, tars, asphalt, various
polishes, and waxes. They may originate from
spillage, an excess of oil-laden dust in the air, or may
simply be tracked in from the street. These soils
adhere even more stubbornly to carpet fibres and are
best removed with petroleum-soluble chemicals, such
as synthetic detergents and degreasing agent,
combined with water.
PETROLEUM SOLVENTS - Those types of
solvents or thinners which are derived from
petroleum by fractional distillation.
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pH - A chemical means of determining the strength of
an acid or alkali substance (see acid and alkali),
measured on a scale from 0 to 14. Zero being the
strongest possible acid, seven being neutral; i.e.,
neither acid or alkali, and fourteen being the strongest
possible alkali. This is an unequal scale with units
divided by powers of ten, so that an acid with a pH of
5 is ten times stronger than an acid with a pH of 6.
PHAGE - Literally - eater of bacteria. An ultramicroscopic agent which parasitizes or infests a
bacterium or produces a transmissible dissolution of
specific bacterial cells. Cells parasitized by phage
seem to swell, burst, and disintegrate, liberating large
numbers of phage particles.
PHAGE TYPES - Method of classifying an
antibiotic resistant organisms by exposing them to
various antibiotics and observing growth or kill.
PHOSPHORIC ACID - The most common acid
based on phosphorus sometimes called
orthophosphoric acid. Used as a mild bowl acid
cleaner and in the formulation of some light duty
detergents.
PHYSICAL STATE - The condition of a product as
to whether it is a gas, liquid, or solid at room
temperature.
PIGMENT - A colouring matter. Any powdered
substance mixed with a suitable liquid, in which it is
relatively insoluble, to give colour to paints, enamels
etc.
PITTED - As some floors. Example: terrazzo. It may
be caused by poor maintenance. Pitting - also caused
by erosion and corrosion on metals. Example:
aluminum.
PHENOL - A caustic poisonous acidic compound
found in tar which is used as a disinfectant - carbolic
acid.
PITTING - Small craters on the surface of concrete
and terrazzo floors which will grow in size with
traffic and chemical exposure, unless coated with a
protective floor finish.
PHENOL COEFFICIENT - The gauge of phenolic
germicidals germ killing power compared to pure
carbolic acid which equals 20. Therefore a product
with a phenol coefficient of 2 can be diluted in 40
parts of water. Some say an obsolete comparison.
PINE OIL - An oil processed from the gum of pine
trees. Distinguished by its pine aroma. Found in some
hard surface cleaners. Inadequate as a disinfectant as
it is inactive against staphylococci.
PHENOL COEFFICIENT TEST - A.O.A.C. official basic test procedure by which the dilution of a
germicide that will kill test organisms within 10
minutes at 20OC under the conditions prescribed by
the test procedure. When products are rated, the
product itself, not just the germicidal ingredients must
be tested. Some germicidals are tested under these
same guidelines and show much less that the 10
minute kill time however the 10 minute is a basic
universal minimum requirement.
PHENOLIC GERMICIDE - A germicide that is
phenolic in nature or chemically related to phenol.
Generally no odour counteractancy, not effective
against the TB spore, known to cause deterioration of
surfaces ,dermatitis from over exposure of
unprotected hands. Claims kill of TB bacillus
however as TB is generally airborne claim generally
not relative to cleaning function.
PHOSPHATE - A chemical salt obtained from rocks
and fossilized bones. It is used widely in fertilizers
and in the manufacture of detergents. Now deleted
due to water pollution problems. Once a widely used
water softener, builder and sequestering agent in
detergents.
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PLANNING - Advanced organizing of projects,
projecting schedules, and coordinating operations.
PLASTER - A mortar coating applied to inside walls
and ceilings. It may be rough or finished. Sometimes
used as or referred to as grouting.
PLASTICS - Organic materials that can be molded
or shaped by mechanical means to give tough, noncrystalline substances that are solid at ordinary
temperature. Plastics can be resins or polymers. To
make them usable in floor finishes, some are
dissolved by solvents and some are emulsified.
PLASTIC FINISH - A coating made from one or
more of the plastics.
PLASTICIZER - A substance added to paint,
varnish, lacquer, wax or polymer to impart flexibility.
A plasticizer also can add toughness as opposed to
brittleness to a coating.
PNEUMATIC - Moved or worked by pressure of air.
POLICIES - A guide for those in an organization
who are expected to use discretionary judgment.
POLICING - The act of making clean and putting in
order, i.e., picking up debris and litter from floors,
furniture, and grounds.
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POLISH - To make smooth and glossy or impart a
lustre to. It also refers to the products used in
polishing such as floor polish, furniture polish, etc.
Polisher or polishing machine - to buff.
POLLUTE - To pollute or contaminate such as poor
mixing of solutions, improper cleaning or clean ups.
Pollution - the contamination of substances making
them unfit for their intended use.
POLY - A prefix signifying many - for example, a
polymer is an aggregate formed by a combination of a
number of single molecules.
POLYETHYLENE - One of the main members of
the plastic family. It may be rigid, semirigid, a film or
a coating. It is found in floor polishes with a long
wearing life.
POLYMER - A substance (often synthetic)
composed of giant molecules that have been formed
by the union of a considerable number of simple
molecules with one another. The number of simple
molecules that unite to form a polymer molecule
varies from two to hundreds or thousands. The simple
molecules that will undergo such a change are known
as monomers and their union is called polymerization.
The monomer molecules may be all alike or there
may be two or more varieties of monomer involved in
the formation of a particular polymer. Thus, ethylene
molecules can be united with themselves to form
polyethylene plastic which is a polymer; synthetic
floor finishes are replacing, in many instances, the
wax finishes formerly used. A polymer or co-polymer
is a clear synthetic plastic material. It has been
chemically treated so that it may be emulsified and
dispersed in water, and, when spread out thin and
allowed to dry, it forms a transparent plastic film on
the surface.
POLYMER EMULSIONS - Polymer materials that
are chemically emulsified into a water base. When
these formulations are applied to surfaces they form a
smooth, continuous finish.
POLYSTYRENE - A rigid plastic which has a clear,
colourless transparent form. It is light in weight and
unaffected by temperature change. Used in floor
polishes.
PORCELAIN - Originally the name pertained to the
finest type ceramic ware or china. Today however the
term porcelain is applied loosely to less glamorous
wares. Example: bathroom fixtures. Porcelain enamel
is a clay mixture, molded in casts and baked.
Chalkboards are now called porcelain or porcelain
enamel boards due to the paint or finish they are
coated with.
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POROUS - A surface composed of tiny holes or
pores permeable to fluids and absorptive such as
cork, cement.
PORTABLE - Capable of being carried by hand, or
moved, or set up in different locations for cleaning.
Portable vacuum, ladders, scaffolding, etc.
POTASH - A potassium salt, derived in part from
wood ashes and used in soap making. It is also a
compound of the silver white, metallic element
potassium.
POTASSIUM CYANIDE - A fumigant used for the
control of structural pests.
POULTICE - A combination of a powder and liquid
in a paste like form applied to a surface to remove
soil and stains.
POUR POINT - The lowest temperature at which a
liquid will flow when a test container is inverted. A
below 0O C pour point means the product will pour
even below the freezing point of water.
POWDERING - That undesirable property of a floor
finish in which it breaks up into dust or powder to soil
trousers and other objects; also the development of a
fine white flaky deposit resulting from abrasion of the
surface by buffing or heavy traffic.
POWDERS - Compounds, finely ground and
thoroughly blended. Many cleaning agents are in such
a form, example, soap powder, abrasive powder.
POWER SCRUBBER - A power-driven machine
equipped with scrub brushes, solution and rinse tanks,
a squeegee, and a vacuum system, and used to scrub
and rinse floors in one operation.
PRECAUTIONS - Measures taken beforehand to
prevent harm or damage when cleaning. Must always
be observed. Example: test floor condition after
scrubbing, as alkalinity.
PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENT - Warning on
product labels to alert users to potential harmful
hazards associated with using the product.
PRECIPITATE - Material settled out of solution.
Solid matter being formed and separating from a
liquid such as hard water causing precipitation with
soap, leaving a scum.
PRECIPITATION - The formation of solid particles
in a solution, or the settling out or rising up of small
particles in a liquid medium.
PRECOATING/UNDERCOATING - The
application of a seal to a freshly scrubbed surface,
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free of floor finish, applied to close the pores of the
floor prior to the finishing coat.
a germicidal which requires accurate measure for best
results.
PRESERVE - In a sense, maintaining a well
preserved area reflects good maintenance. To
preserve supplies by storing detergents and finishes,
etc. in a cool, dry area and keeping well sealed.
PROPRIETARY - A product made and marketed by
a person or firm having the exclusive right to
manufacture and sell it.
PRESERVATIVE - A chemical agent that inhibits
aging such as decay, discolouration, oxidation and
microbial growth.
PRETREATED - Refers to dust mops or similar
items that are treated prior to use.
PRESOAK - A soaking operation, to remove stains,
that precedes the regular laundering process.
PRE-SPOT - removal of stains before more
extensive carpet cleaning.
PREVALENCE - Widespread existence, practice, or
acceptance.
PREVENT - To provide beforehand against an
occurrence. Taking preventative action is observing
due precautions.
PRORATED - Divided, distributed or assessed
proportionately.
PROTEIN - Any of a group of complex organic
nitrogenous compounds of high molecular weight
found associated with living matter (plant or animal).
They comprise the principal part of the cell
protoplasm. They are essentially combinations of
amino acids and their derivatives.
PROTOPLASM - The only known form of matter in
which life is manifested. It is composed of protein,
lipids, carbohydrates and inorganic salts.
PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA - Very common
bacteria which, like staphylococcus aureus, has
become a problem in cross infections. Causes cystitis,
mastoiditis and enteritis. A pathogenic bacteria used
to assess hospital-strength activity of a disinfectant.
PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE - The
performance of anticipative maintenance procedures
and techniques to reduce or eliminate maintenance
problems.
PUMICE - An abrasive powder used for smoothing
surfaces.
PRIME - To ready an area for further operations. To
lay a preparatory coat of material on a surface.
QUALITY - Excellence of product or work. Good
quality work, as opposed to quantity, with the use of
quality products is the aim of the cleaning industry.
PRIME WAX - Signifies the best grade of carnauba,
not extended and not blended with other waxes.
PROCEDURE - A manner of proceeding or acting;
also an act or a special course of action. A system to
be followed.
PROCESS - An orderly group of work activities or
elements which attain a specific end result.
PROGRAM - A systematic procedure to be
followed. A schedule listing project, method, time
and locality.
PROJECT CLEANING - Project cleaning consists
of cleaning tasks which require special control
because of varying frequency.
PROJECTION - An estimate of future probabilities
based on current trends.
PROPELLANT - An agent used to expel contents
from an aerosol under pressure.
PROPORTIONER - A device which measures
automatically a specific amount of a material such as
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Q
QUALITY CONTROL - The result of a total of
factors which include proper: selection of materials
and products; use; careful handling; adequate
systems; and effective, consistent procedures and
record keeping.
QUANTITY - The number or amount of. May apply
to work or product being used. Quality should not be
sacrificed for quantity.
QUARTZ - A common sometimes transparent
crystalline form of silica. Used in the preparation of
certain cleaners such as abrasives, and as a slip
retardant.
QUATERNARIES - Commonly called quats. A type
of organic nitrogen compound quaternary germicide,
that has both excellent germicidal and cleaning
properties. Preference is for those which also have
excellent odour counteractants built in. Quaternary
Ammonium Compounds, a class of chemicals widely
used throughout all industries as their class of
chemicals providing germicidal /disinfectant/
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sanitizing service protection. Like Phenolics not
generally effective against spore formed bacillus.
QUATERNARY CLEANER - A Sanitizing cleaner
, the active ingredient of which is a quaternary
ammonium compound. The “active ingredient” is
cationic.
QUATERNARY GERMICIDE - A type of organic
nitrogen compound (ammonia) that exhibits excellent
germicidal and cleaning properties.
R
RADIATOR BRUSH - A single row of horsehair
tufts attached to a flat wood handle, used for
sweeping out dust from radiators and other hard to
reach areas.
RATIO - The relationship in quantity, amount or size
between two or more things.
RECOATABILITY - The application characteristics
of a surface coating and its appearance after
successive applications.
RECOGNITION - Usually denotes the art of
recognizing the types of flooring or carpeting that is
to be cleaned.
RECOMMENDED USE-DILUTION - The
minimum recommended use-dilution for a phenolic
germicide is calculated from the phenol coefficient
value for the germicide as follows: Recommended
Use-Dilution equals 1; (phenol coefficient x 20). If a
phenolic germicide has a phenol coefficient of 9 its
use-dilution should be 1:9 x 20 or 1:180 - this must
be "confirmed" however, in the use-dilution
confirmation test. For quats reference is simply the
use-dilution-confirmation test.
REDEPOSITION - A condition of soil settling back
on a surface being cleaned. Common among those
detergents with little or no soil suspension.
REDUCTION - Synonymous (same as) with
dilution.
RE-EMULSIFICATION - A chemical process that
occurs when a film of floor finish has not completely
dried and is re-liquified by a subsequent application
of finish. It does not appear until the floor has dried
and then appears streaked or dull.
REFINISHING - (Slang term is waxing) - To put a
new coat of finish on a floor.
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REFLECT - Clean, buffed, or highly polished floors
will have good reflection. Denotes a self-polishing
floor finish, non-buffable.
REFLECTANCE - The numerical reading of the
Photo-electric Reflection Meter used in the
detergency test.
REFURBISH - Restore appearance of a surface,
generally by polishing. Renovate.
REGULAR CLEANING - Indicates correct
maintenance, orderly and methodical and typical of
nightly general cleaning.
RELATIVE HUMIDITY - The ratio of the quantity
of vapour actually present in the air to the greatest
amount possible at a given temperature. Saturation is
100%.
REMOVABILITY - The ability of a finish to be
removed from a panel by a standard stripping
solution. If finish is not completely removed, the
finish is reported as failing the removability test.
Passing means the finish can easily be removed from
a floor by the usual removal procedures with products
which are not potentially harmful to the flooring.
REPAIRABILITY - The property of being able to
add more wax or finish to a spot which is damaged,
and to then buff or use other methods to bring both
the repaired spot and the surrounding areas up to the
same appearance.
RESIDENT BACTERIAL FLORA - A middle
layer of bacterial flora that are persistent and live and
multiply on the skin of a person. It is underneath the
normal skin flora and above the deep flora.
RESIDUE - Cleaning chemicals or soil left on a
surface after a cleaning process.
RESIDUAL - Remaining after or long lasting. When
a germicide or insecticide is used and the effect
remains for several days or longer they are said to be
residual. Some insecticides retain residual properties
as long as 30 days.
RESIDUAL ACTIVITY - The ability of a
disinfectant or insecticide to continue its antimicrobial or pesticidal activities after it has been
applied to a surface.
RESILIENCE - Ability of a material to return to its
original shape or thickness after being crushed or
walked upon.
RESILIENT - Soft, springy or flexible. It refers to a
particular type of flooring. Examples: cork or rubber,
as opposed to hard surface flooring. Example: marble
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or wood. Floor surfaces capable of withstanding
shock without permanent damage, deformation, or
rupture have resiliency.
RESILIENT TILE - Tile that will withstand shock
without permanent damage; includes rubber, cork,
asphalt, linoleum, and vinyl.
RESINS - Hard, fusible, more or less brittle materials
that are solids at ordinary temperatures, insoluble in
water, but may be dissolved in solvents, or in oils and
waxes. They are one of the two main ingredients of
gym floor seals. They also aid in the leveling or in the
removability of floor finishes and some act as binders
in floor coverings. There are natural or true resins and
synthetic resins. Resins are used in lacquers,
varnishes, plastics, coatings, coverings, etc. True
resins are derived from living or dead trees or plants.
Synthetic resins are polymerized from simple
compounds to very large molecules. Manila gum and
mastic gum are examples of true resins and alkyd,
urea-formaldehyde, and vinyl are examples of
synthetic resins.
RESINS (SYNTHETIC) - Amorphous, organic,
semi-solid or solid materials produced by union
(polymerization or condensation) of a large number
of molecules one, two or less, frequently three,
relatively simple compounds. The term "synthetic
resin" is also sometimes applied to chemically
modified natural resins. Resins derived from natural
polymers are: Rubber, Chlorinated; Rubber,
Hydrochloride. Resins derived from polymerization:
Polyethylene, Polyvinyl Resins and CoumaroneIndene Resins. Also included are Silicones,
Polyurethane Resins, Epoxy Resins.
RETENTION - Retain or keep the original
condition. How long the finish retains the ability to be
scrubbed and buffed to return it to its original
condition after waxing, is a measure of the life of the
polish.
RESUBCULTURE - In the “Use Dilution Test“ for
a germicide, bacteria are transferred by ring carriers
to tubes containing concentrations of a germicide.
These tubes then contain the subcultures. After a
specific time these rings are transferred into the same
medium so that these tubes now contain the
resubcultures.
RESURFACING - The application of an epoxy,
cement mixture or other similar material directly on
an old or deteriorated floor.
REVERSE BARRIER - A protective procedure
applied to a hospital employee working in an area of
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contagion wherein the patient is the one who is
sensitive to normal bacteria for e.g. burn cases.
RINSE - One of the most important functions of
building cleaning. To cleanse with clear water. To
wash lightly with clear water.
RINSE AGENT - A wetting agent used in the last
rinse during dishwashing to improve the draining of
the water from dishes and utensils.
RINSE AIDS - Surfactants which aid in the rinsing
property of water by lowering its surface tension.
RINSE WATER - A scrubbing away of cleaning
solution with clear water. This is an important
monthly procedure if using a phenolic germicide to
avoid discolouration and buildup.
RODAC PLATE - Container for holding nutrient
medium in sampling procedures. The method used to
count bacterial cells on a surface.
ROSIN - A hard brittle resin obtained mainly from
pine trees and used in varnishes, etc.
ROUTINE - A regular course of procedure. Routine
cleaning is work performed on a regular basis.
Developing a work routine.
ROUTINE CLEANING - Daily cleaning.
RUBBER BURN - When a rubber heel or shoe
makes a black mark on a floor coating, the film may
or may not be penetrated or damaged. That part of the
mark which burns into or completely through the film
is a "rubber burn". The black mark may be removed
but the indentation cannot be corrected, so that a
good floor coating, especially for gyms, should be
rubber burn-resistant.
RUST INHIBITOR - An ingredient, usually a
sodium silicate, used in detergents to minimize the
corrosive effects of water.
S
SAFETY - Is of paramount importance in the
cleaning industry both to cleaning personnel and
property. Safety precautions must be observed and
proper safeguards adopted.
SALMONELLA - Any of a genus of aerobic, rodshaped, motile bacteria that are pathogenic for man
and other warm blooded animals; causes food
poisoning, gastro-intestinal inflammation, or diseases
of the genital tract (salmonellosis). The genus
includes Eberthella typhosis, paratyphi, choleraesuis,,
and some 1200 other strains.
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SALMONELLA TYPHOSA - The organism
responsible for typhoid fever.
methods. Example: dry foam shampooing of
carpeting.
SALT - A white crystalline substance consisting of
sodium and chlorine. The reaction product of an acid
and a base. Most salts encountered in the cleaning
industry are alkaline. Example: Sodium carbonate.
Acid salts are also used for certain jobs.
SCALE - Calcium or mineral deposits in steam
boilers and in steam and water pipes.
SAND - An earth material consisting of loose grains
of rocks or minerals. Used in making concrete.
Sandstone - rock made of sand held together by
natural cement. To sand a surface is to scour, smooth
or polish it with sandpaper or other abrasives.
SANITARY - Free from filth or ineffective matter. In
a clean condition. Sanitizers are used in sanitizing
surfaces and areas, not necessarily killing all bacteria,
but controlling them.
SANITATION - Science of or use of sanitary
measures. Sanitation is the objective in the work
place, home and community of securing health, safety
and comfort for all occupants of the environment.
SANITIZATION - Reduced germ count to a safe or
sanitary level, usually meaning 50% reduction in the
germ count on a given surface.
SANITIZER - An agent limited in scope but more
effective than a bacteriastat; a sanitizing agent will
reduce the majority of germ and bacteria forms to a
safe levels judged by public health requirements
usually in food services. It is safe where it is not
necessary to totally destroy all bacteria.
SANITIZERS - A special class of disinfectants
designed for use on food processing equipment.
Sanitizers must reduce bacterial counts to safe levels,
as may be judged by health requirements.
SAPONIFICATION - The process of making soap
by mixing an alkali with an animal or vegetable fat,
also the process used by some cleaners to remove
grease and oil.
SAPONIFICATION VALUE - The number of
milligrams of potassium hydroxide required to
saponify one gram of fat. Fats with high molecular
weight have low saponification value and with low
and high saponification.
SAPROPHYTE - An organism that lives on
decaying organic matter (e.g. certain types of bacteria
and fungi).
SATURATE - The point where no more moisture
can be absorbed or retained. Saturation should be
avoided by cleaning personnel, by the use of other
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SCHEDULE - A list of details on a timetable. The
pre-arrangement of duties and frequencies.
SCORCH - To burn or sear. Too heavy buffing or
overbrading can result in scorching a surface. It can
also score the flooring or surface by marking it with
lines, grooves and scratches.
SCOUR - To rub, as with a gritty substance in order
to clean. Scouring powders are abrasives and
generally harmful to surfaces, differing widely in their
O
of harshness. Some contain strong alkalies.
Example: washing soda; T.S.P.
SCOURING PAD - A hand-sized pad that used to be
used to supply the cleaning action of an abrasive. Too
abrasive, harmful to surfaces.
SCRATCH - To mar a surface with grooves or lines
by dragging furniture. In a floor finish the edges of
scratches being brittle, tend to crack and break away.
SCRIM - A light loosely woven cotton or linen cloth
such as cheesecloth, used by window cleaners to
polish and remove smudges, finger marks, etc.
SCRUB - To thoroughly clean without removing all
the wax, floor finish or protective coatings on
surfaces, using scrubbing techniques and scrubbing
equipment. Scrubable - a surface which can be
scrubbed.
SCUFF - Such marks or scuffing, are
nondiscolouring traffic marks in which the film is
dulled or smeared. No permanent mark is left. Caused
also by scuffling or shuffling the feet.
SCUM - A film, usually of waste matter such as soap
scum, deposited on a surface, necessitating a
thorough rinsing.
SEAL - To apply a protective coat or sealer to a
surface. Certain surfaces need sealing, also certain
waxes or finishes need a sealer applied to a surface
before use. A substance to penetrate the floor material
and fill pores rather than to produce a surface finish.
A seal for concrete eliminates dusting and blooming
and can be a finish also.
SEALER - A liquid composition to prevent excessive
absorption of finish coats into porous surfaces; also a
composition to prevent bleeding. Sealers can be
permanent, temporary, penetrating or surface.
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SEAM - The junction of two edges. In flooring care
must be exercised in the application of solutions so as
not to saturate and seep through the seams, hence the
introduction of seamless flooring, especially in
hospitals. Furniture seams need careful maintenance.
SECONDARY FILTER - On a two-motor upright
carpet sweeper, that filter which covers and protects
the working air motor from loose dirt particles which
may escape from the primary filter bag.
SEDIMENT - Finely divided soil particles in a
liquid. With time, the larger of these will settle to the
bottom of the container.
SENSITIZING - To render sensitive to, or usually
susceptible to, the action of a specific material on the
skin.
SEPSIS - A state of infection. Poisoning or a
poisoned state due to absorption of pathogenic
bacteria and their products into the blood stream.
SEPTIC - Infected. A condition resulting from
anaerobic bacterial digestion of organic matter.
SEQUESTERING - Holding unwanted ions, such as
calcium and magnesium in solution, so that they
cannot precipitate or interfere with good cleaning and
rinsing. Sequestering agents are complexing agents
that improve and facilitate cleaning. Example: trisodium phosphate is such an agent.
SEQUESTERING AGENTS - Certain chemicals the
first of them phosphate which react with calcium
magnesium, and iron compounds that make water
“hard”. They form stable soluble compounds so that
soap does not react with these hardness compounds
and make soap curd. Chemicals that tie up the water
hardness and prevent the precipitation of hard water
salts. This action causes clarity in liquid soap. Newer
sequestering agents will dissolve the insoluble soap
curd already formed.
SERUM - Any watery animal fluid, especially blood
serum; the clear, yellowish fluid which separates from
the clot when blood coagulates.
SERVICE LIFE - The period of time under use
conditions required to change the appearance of a
floor finished surface sufficiently to require
refinishing.
SET - To allow a finish or coating enough time to sit
on the surface, or set, before being put into use.
SET-UP TIME - The time required to assemble and
arrange tools, supplies, equipment etc. for the
performance or a given task.
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SHALE - Rock formed of densely packed clay, mud
or silt, that splits easily into layers. Used in
construction, as slate.
SHAMPOO - To wash or clean, with a cleaning
preparation - wet shampooing, dry shampooing, etc.
SHAVING - To shave a surface or finish is to cut or
pare off with sliding movement. To skim over a
surface as with steel wool pads.
SHEEN - The subdued lustre or gloss of a floor
polish or highly finished flooring or surface.
SHEEPSKIN - The leather or chamois, sometimes
referred to as a sheepskin.
SHELF LIFE - The period of time between
manufacturing and the time that a product or material
becomes spoiled, unusable or ineffective because of
age.
SHELLAC - A purified resin used in varnishes,
sealers and some floor coatings.
SHINE - To polish or buff a floor or surface giving it
brightness, radiance, sheen and lustre.
SHRINK - To contract or decrease in size. Certain
materials have this tendency when over wet, such as
fabrics, carpets, etc.
SILICA - Mineral consisting of silicon and oxygen
found in quartz and opal. About 60% of the earth's
crust is silica.
SILICONE - A name given to a large group of manmade materials which come in solid, liquid and
gaseous forms. Their main material is silicon and they
are a cross between organic and inorganic materials.
Silicone fluids are found in polishing fluids,
varnishes, greases, rubber, paints, etc. They resist
water, electricity, oxidation, chemicals and
weathering.
SIMONIZE - To polish with a wax.
SISAL - A strong cordage fibre obtained from the
spiny leafed plant Agave, used in backing, matting,
etc.
SIZE - To cover, fill, stiffen or glaze with a gluey
material. Sizing - filling pores in a surface, etc.
SKINNING - A drying of the volatile materials on
the surface of a coating so that a layer of solid matter
is formed. Anti-skin additives are usually necessary
for a floor seal or varnish to prevent this occurring
before the container is opened. After opening and
using a portion, transfer of the remainder to a smaller
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container which can be completely filled is
recommended.
SLACK TIME - Man-time available but not used
productively.
SLIMICIDE - Prevents or inhibits the growth of
biological slimes which contain combinations of
algae, bacteria or fungi.
SLIP COEFFICIENT - A number expressing the
ratio between the force required to move one surface
along another; this number, usually expressed in
pounds, measures pounds of push or pull to move a
specified weight over a finish or unfinished floor
surface. A measurement of the angle of the point at
which a person’s foot begins to slip on the James
machine (an instrument that is sometimes used to test
the static coefficient of friction of a surface). U.L.
considers 0.5 or above to be a safe limit.
SODA ASH - Sodium carbonate.
SODIUM BICARBONATE - Baking Soda
SODIUM - A soft, waxy, silver-white, metallic
chemical element, occurring in combined forms as
salt.
SODIUM CARBONATE - Washing soda or salsoda. It is used to clean drains and traps and certain
types of flooring. It is a grease remover and an
excellent water softener. Purified as soda ash.
SODIUM CHLORIDE - Common table salt.
SODIUM HYDRATE - Caustic soda. Sold as lye.
SODIUM HYDROSULFITE - A dye stripper,
colour remover, bleaching agent and stain remover.
SODIUM HYDROXIDE - (caustic soda) A white,
brittle caustic substance, used in making soap, rayon
and in bleaching.
SLIP RESISTANCE - The drag encountered when
walking on a floor. The higher the coefficient of
friction, the greater will be the slip resistance.
SODIUM HYPOCHLORITE - A household bleach
or chlorine bleach called Javelle water. Made from
washing soda and chloride of lime.
SLURRY - A temporary suspension of insoluble
solid or immiscible liquids in a carrier base. Usually
referring to the suspension of dirt in a cleaner stable
long enough for adequate rinsing. May also refer to
the thick gray, soapy mixture created when stripping a
floor.
SODIUM LIGNIN SULPHONATE - An ingredient
in a detergent to increase its soil-holding
characteristics.
SMEARING - Nondiscolouring traffic marks on a
floor wherein the film smudges under traffic, much as
scuff marks. Usually associated with soft waxy films.
Easily buffed out. Also smudging.
SODIUM THIOSULFATE - In crystal form it is
useful for removing chlorine and iodine stains. It is
safe on all fibres and harmless to colours.
SOAP - A cleansing agent usually produced by the
action of alkali on fat or fatty acids, such as olive oil,
palm oil or corn oil, etc. There are two general
classifications of soap; toilet soaps - pure soaps which
contain no added alkaline builders; and laundry or
built soaps - mixtures of soap with extra alkaline salts
and other chemicals to increase washing efficiency.
SOAP CURDS - Insoluble soaps formed by calcium
and magnesium salts reacting with the fatty acid in
soap.
SOAP POWDER - A mixture in powdered form or
soap and one or more alkaline detergents, but
composed principally of the latter.
SOAPSTONE - A soft stone with a soapy feel,
containing talc.
SODA - A powdery salt like substance used for
washing. Sodium bicarbonate.
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SODIUM PERBORATE - A safe bleach for all
types of fabrics. Used and recommended by the
"Upholstery Cleaners Association".
SOFT DETERGENTS - These are products which
break down readily in adequate sewage treatment and
minimizes foam build-up. They are based on LAS or
similar types of surfactants which are highly
biodegradable.
SOFTENING POINT - The temperature at which
the non-volatile material of a compound becomes
fluid, being approximately 82OC. A finish with lower
temperature reading may be softer than desirable for a
floor coating.
SOIL - The name loosely applied to the dirt and dust
that accumulates on objects and materials
necessitating cleaning. To soil an area - to mess up or
stain. Smirch - allow waste to gather.
SOIL BARRIER - Chemical treatment of carpet,
after shampooing, that retards spotting and resoiling.
Reduces the frequency of wet carpet cleaning and
improves vacuuming efficiency.
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TERMINOLOGY - CLEANING
SOIL-REDEPOSITION - Deposits of removed soil
on a surface during a cleaning process.
SOIL RESISTANCE - A condition of the floor that
occurs due to the application of protective coatings. A
finished floor will remain cleaner that an unfinished
floor exposed to the same traffic and soil. Finishes are
applied to be resistant to dirt, oil, grease, alkalis,
acids, bleaches, solvents, and boiling water.
SOIL RETARDANT - The ability of a surface to
resist soiling; this may be aided by treating with a
soil-retardant chemical.
SOIL RETENTION - The property of holding
foreign matter in or on a surface; visible foreign
matter remaining in the surface film after a cleaning
operation.
SOLID - The amount of wax or synthetics present as
a solid content in waxes; liquid or floor finishes.
SOLID CONTENT - The amount of ingredients in a
floor finish that do not evapourate or volatilize at
105OC.
SOLIDIFY - The setting of a coating after the
moisture content has evapourated.
SOLIDS - The residue or percentage weight of
material that is left after the volatile materials have
been evapourated. Not a measure of concentration,
since some materials can be completely driven off
with heat, even though they are 100% pure chemicals.
All materials in a product that do not evapourate or
volatilize at 105o C. Sometimes the term "nonvolatile" is used.
SOLUBLE - Capable of being dissolved in a liquid,
producing a solution such as a cleaning agent.
SOLUBILITY - The tendency of a material to
dissolve in another material.
SOLUBILIZING - Dissolving a product in a fluid,
or making it soluble by means of an additive.
SOLUTION - A uniformly dispersed mixture of two
or more fluids.
SOLVENT - That component, usually liquid, or a
solution in which a substance is dissolved. Thus water
is the solvent of the solid soap in a liquid soap
product. However, a solvent usually refers to solvents
for resins, etc., such as naphtha, benzene, kerosene,
turpentine, alcohol, xylol, methylene chloride, etc.
SOLVENT CLEANERS - Sometimes called
emulsion cleaners, these materials are manufactured
from hydrocarbons, emulsifiers and wetting agents.
They include many stronger basic solvent chemicals
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such as carbon tetrachloride, trichloroethane,
trichlorethylene, methylene chloride and kerosene.
Solvent cleaners may be used both for general
degreasing and a number of specific purposes, such as
cleaning commercial garage floors and airport ramps
stained by lubricants.
SOLVENT FINISH - Finish in which the solid
content is borne in solvent, rather than water.
Recommended for wood floors as opposed to water
emulsion type finishes. Paste or liquid must not be
used on asphalt or rubber tile.
SOLVENTS - Substances used to solubilize other
materials.
SPALLING - The cracking, breaking or splintering
of materials into dust and pieces, usually at the
surface of concrete or terrazzo.
SPAR VARNISH - General term for a water-proof,
weather-resistant varnish, usually pale in colour, and
often containing tung oil, Chinawood oil, ester gums,
phenolic resins, but a great variety of other materials
have been used.
SPECIALIZED CLEANERS - Products
manufactured for specific purposes in the cleaning
industry. They include: rug shampoos, sanitizing and
germicidal cleaners, lemon oil washes for metals such
as bronze and stainless steel, buffered phosphoric
acid washes for aluminum, fungicides, insecticides,
rodenticides, etc.
SPECIFIC GRAVITY - The ratio of the mass of a
body to that of an equal volume of some standard
substance, water in case of solids and liquids, and air
or hydrogen in the case of gases; common testing is
by means of a hydrometer.
SPECIFICATIONS - Written performance
requirements or quality criteria which may be applied
to evaluate or measure goods, materials, and services.
SPIRALS - Winding about a centre like a coil or the
thread of a screw. Specifically, bacteria in this shape.
SPIRILLUM - A spiral filamentous bacterium such
as spirochete.
SPIRIT WAX - A wax containing oils and solvents.
SPLASH - To sprinkle or spatter liquid about,
creating the necessity for splash boards or
baseboards. Splashing should be kept to a minimum
during cleaning operations and cleaned up
immediately if it occurs.
SPONGE - Natural sea-sponges and synthetic
cellulose sponges are invaluable in the cleaning
Module 9 Unit 9.1
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TERMINOLOGY - CLEANING
industry. They are used for window cleaning, wall
washing, light washing or sponging. Sponge mops.
SPONGE RUBBER - May be manufactured from
either latex or dry rubber by adding certain chemicals
which turn to gas during the vulcanization process,
thus forming tiny air bubbles which are trapped in
when the rubber sets. It has a variety of uses,
especially as a backing or padding material.
SPORE - A resistant body formed by some microorganisms. May survive exposure to heat and to most
chemical agents. Also, a tough-walled cell produced
by some bacteria molds, etc., which enables them to
survive unfavorable conditions. General use
disinfectants are not required to kill spores. Can only
be destroyed by sterilization.
SPORE FORMING - A bacillus in its original
active, growing state is referred to as the vegetative
form of the organism. A bacillus in the process of
developing it’s spore is said to be in the sporulating
form. Forming a spore.
SPORICIDE - Substance effective against spores.
SPORICIDAL - Denotes the ability of a chemical
substance to destroy spores.
SPORULATING - Forming spores.
SPOT CLEANING - Removal of soil from limited
areas of walls, carpet or flooring, rather than cleaning
the entire area; selective cleaning of small areas.
SPOT-TOUCH-UP POLISHES - Emulsion
products which respond to buffing; used as spray-on
solutions to spot clean and polish specific surfaces in
one operation.
SPOTTING - Removal of light soil and finger marks
from doors, walls, glass, etc. Identifying soil on a
surface and removing it by spot cleaning.
SPRAY BUFFING - A old method of floor
maintenance, prolonging the life and appearance of
waxes and finishes. Used with spray attachment and
special spray pads for removing marks, spots and
scuffs from floors.
SPRAY CLEANING - A not very effective process
of cleaning by use of a fine mist using a hand sprayer,
spray gun, atomizer or fogging machine. Spreading
cleaning solutions over an area to be cleaned.
SPRAYING - A method of applying a chemical to a
surface by means of a spray apparatus, with a spray
bottle or specially designed dispensing nozzle,
designed to emit a fine mist.
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SPREADABILITY - The desirable trait in a floor
finish that enables it to cover a floor easily without
excessive mopping, streaking, puddling, foaming, etc.
SPREADING - The action of a finish flowing out
over a surface during application, sometimes referred
to as leveling.
STABLE - A cleaner or finish, that is durable,
constant, enduring and resistant to chemical change.
Has stability.
STABILITY - The O that a mixed product will
remain stable without separation or ingredients (see
Shelf-Life).
STAIN - Discolouration, blotch, spot, visible
discolouration etc., needing careful and prompt
attention. Stain removers, spot and stain removal kit,
stain removal chart, etc.
STAIN REMOVAL - A procedure used after a stain
has been properly identified, and a suitable chemical
or cleaning process applied.
STAINLESS STEEL - A steel alloyed with
chromium and other metals that is highly resistant to
rust, stain, and corrosion. Effective stainless steel
cleaners are those soft pastes which are able to
release the soil from between the grain of the surface.
Stainless polishes simply coat over the soil and trap
it. To test for stainless cleaning in a sink, run hot
water, water will not cling to a clean stainless surface.
STANDARD - Something set up by authority as a
rule for the measure of quantity, quality, weight,
extent, value, or performance.
STANDARD DATA - A compilation of all the
elements that are used for performing a given class of
work with normal elemental time values for each
element.
STANDARD PRECAUTIONS (formerly
Universal Precautions) The steps that should be
initiated to protect oneself when coming into contact
with the blood or body fluids of other people.
Universal precautions are intended to stop the spread
of germs to others.
STANDARD TIME - The observed time for
performance of a task, adjusted to the normal pace
with allowances added for personal needs, fatigue and
unavoidable delays.
STAPHYLOCOCCI - (Abr.-Staph) Spherical
bacteria that divides in such a way as to form
grapelike clustres.
Module 9 Unit 9.1
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STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS - Bacteria which
are the common cause of boils, abscesses, carbuncles
and skin infections, occurring in irregular, grape like
clustres.
STAPHYLOCOCCUS (staph) - Highly resistant
Gram + (positive) organism used in the evaluation of
disinfectants. Is pathogenic.
STAT - Inhibitor.
STATIC - Relating to the stationary charges of
electricity, generated by friction. Can be controlled
by anti-stats, increased humidity, etc.
STEAM CLEANERS - Misused word for Hot water
extraction process in carpet Cleaning. Cleaners
designed to be used with steam.
STEEL WOOL - An abrasive material made from
long strand like steel fibres, used especially for
scouring and burnishing. It has many uses in the
cleaning industry in floor pads, of graded sizes, utility
pads, stainless steel pads, etc. Steel cleaners and
finishes are also available. The cutting or honing
action of steel wool floor pads is a must in floor
maintenance.
STERILE - (Sterility) Free of living organisms.
Sterilization - the absolute absence of all living cells
such as bacteria, spores, fungus, virus, yeast, etc.
STERILIZATION - The killing of all living cells on
a surface or in a space, by heat, chemicals, radiation,
or other means. No living bacteria, spores, fungus,
virus, yeast or living matter can be detected in or on a
sterile object or space. There is no relativity attached
to this term - it is absolute absence of life in any form
- dormant or active.
STONE FLOORS - The term indicates hard floors
such as marble, terrazzo, concrete, quarry tile, slate,
etc.
STREAKING - Signs of improper application of
floor finish. Generally lines or ridges in rows of
uneven floor finish.
STREPTOCOCCUS (strep) - Any of various
spherical bacteria that grow in chains. The cause of
serious diseases.
STRIPPER - A chemical which removes, peels,
loosens or blisters paint, varnish, seals, or other
coating.
STRIPPER-FLOOR - Specially formulated
detergent which breaks the bond of floor finish when
used as directed without damaging the flooring
material.
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STRIPPING - To strip or completely remove all
waxes or finishes, buildup, etc. from a floor, by
special methods, usually vigorous, with the aid of
strippers or stripping agents prior to reapplying a
floor sealer or finish.
SUBCULTURE - In the "Use Dilution Test" for a
germicide, bacteria grown in a culture media are
transferred by ring carriers to tubes containing
concentrations of germicide. These tubes then contain
the subculture.
SUBSTANDARD - Poor quality. Describing poor
maintenance and housekeeping, also certain products
and equipment falling short of a norm or standard.
SUBSTRATE - That which is laid or spread under.
Wood flooring or tiling such as asphalt or ceramic are
considered substrates for seals and floor finishes.
SUDS - The amount of froth on a cleaning solution.
Low sudsing cleaning agents are obtainable,
especially for automatic scrubbers.
SULPHURIC ACID - A heavy, extremely corrosive
oily liquid used in the manufacture of certain
cleaners/treatments It should be used sparingly with
great caution and only after special training
SURFACE-ACTIVE AGENT - (Contr.-Surfactant)
A material that, when added to a liquid medium,
modifies the properties of the medium at a surface or
interface. A general term which includes soluble
detergents in liquid medium, dispersing agents,
emulsifying agents, foaming agents, penetrating
agents, and wetting agents. Also a class of materials
which acts to lower the surface tension of water and
improve its penetration. As used in detergents, it acts
to loosen soil from fabrics and other surfaces.
SURFACE FINISHES - A term describing the
appearance and texture of the surface of fabricated
marble. The usual surface finishes are: polished,
honed, sand and abrasive.
SURFACE SEAL - A seal used as a base coat for
tile floors and for dust control on concrete floors.
SURFACE STRIPPING /
SURFACE SCRUBBING - Partial removal of floor
finish or wax prior to application of fresh floor finish.
SURFACE TENSION - A natural force that makes
the surface of a liquid act like an elastic film by
attracting the molecules of the liquid together. The
beading of water on a waxed surface. The use of
surfactants reduces this tension and allows for the
even spreading of a solution.
Module 9 Unit 9.1
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SURFACTANT - A contraction of “surface active
agents“ which increase the emulsifying, foaming,
dispersing, spreading and wetting properties of a
product.
SURVEILLANCE OF DISEASE - The continuing
study and research of disease occurrence and spread
relative to effective control. Included are:
mobidity/mortality reports, field investigations,
bacterial and immue globulin identification, immunity
populationlevels, and substance control.
SUSPENSION - The [process of a cleaning agent
holding insoluble dirt particles in the cleaning
solution and keeping them from redepositing on the
surface. A liquid medium having small solid particles
more or less uniformly dispersed through it. If the
particles are small enough to pass through ordinary
filters and do not settle out on standing, the
suspension is called a colloidal suspension or colloid.
Also refers to the ability of a detergent to retain
loosened soil in suspension and prevent its redepositing on the surface.
SWEEP - The action of removing soil with a brush
or sweeping motion, sweeping tools, sweepers,
sweeping machines, sweeping compounds, etc.
SWEEPING COMPOUND - Usually composed of
sawdust, treated with a wax or emulsion for dust
retention.
SWIRL MARKS - The marks left on a waxed
surface by the buffing brush during the buffing
operation.
SWORD HARDNESS - The hardness of a finish
determined by means of a Sword Rocker test. The
harder the film the longer the rocking and the higher
the reading.
SYNDET - A contraction for the term used for
synthetic detergent. Used loosely to signify synthetic
detergents or compositions containing synthetic
detergents.
SYNERGISM - The interaction of various materials
to produce a greater total effect than the effect of the
individual materials taken separately.
SYNERGIST - A compound whose total effect is
greater than the sum of the independent effects of the
components taken separately.
SYNERGISTIC - Chemicals that when combined
have a greater effect than the sum of the two
independently.
elements. Thus synthetic (soapless) detergents,
synthetic waxes, plastics and polymers are all
synthetic..
SYNTHETIC COATINGS - Man-made protective
floor primers, polishes and waxes.
SYNTHETIC DETERGENT - A washing or
cleaning detergent that utilizes synthetic surfactants
rather than traditional soaps. Produced by chemical
synthesis and comprised of an organic composition
other than soap.
SYNTHETIC RESIN - A natural resin modified by
chemicals.
SYNTHETICS - In recent years man-made brush
filling materials of several types have been
developed. Some are made from chemical compounds
and are known as synthetic filaments. Many are
identified by trade names such as Tynex Nylon,
Perlon, Bistrand, Saran, Shalon, Porstran, etc., and
are available in many colours and diameters, in
straight or crimped strands. Synthetics offer excellent
wearing qualities, water resistance, good snap and
throw and colour availability.
SYSTEM - A definite scheme or regular method of
procedure - orderliness. Essential in the cleaning
industry for systematic cleaning.
SYSTEMIC - Affecting the body of an organism
generally.
T
TABER ABRASION TEST - A laboratory test for
coatings in which the number of cycles of a standard
abrasive wheel at standard pressure are determined at
the point of failure.
TACKINESS - Property of being a sticky or
adhesive condition that is a property of applied floor
finishes when not completely dry. A floor coating
may be tacky for a few hours or remain permanently
tacky.
TACK RAG - A cloth moistened with water to
remove dust and lint from a surface before a sealer or
finish is applied.
TAINT - To contaminate a product. Pouring used
wax back into the original container will make it sour
and tainted.
TALC - A soft mineral, with a soapy feel, of hydrous
silicate of magnesium. Used as powder and as an
absorbent for removing certain stains.
SYNTHETIC - A raw material that has been made or
built up by the union or simpler compounds of its
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TALLOW - A hard, white animal fat, used in soap
making and lubricants.
TAMPICO - Durable fibre bristles on floor machines
and automatic machine brushes, usually polishing
brushes.
TAR - A thick, dark, sticky liquid, distilled from
organic material such as wood, coal or peat. It causes
many problems in the cleaning industry as it is
tracked indoors, especially during the summer. It
needs prompt attention with tar removers, such as
solvents and degreasers.
TARNISH - To dull, dim or discolour. Certain
metals are especially prone to tarnishing.
TESTING - Testing and record keeping of products,
supplies and equipment is essential to all cleaning
operations.
TETANUS - An acute infectious disease, often fatal,
caused by the toxins of a specific bacillus which
usually enters the body through wounds.
THERMAL DEATH POINT - The temperature at
which a specific bacterial strain is killed in a ten
minute exposure or treatment period.
THERMODURIC - Capable of surviving exposure
to high temperatures.
TASK - An assigned work item.
THERMOPLASTIC - Synthetic and natural resins
that may be softened by heat, and then regain their
original properties upon cooling.
TELESCOPIC HANDLE - An adjustable length
pole that extends by pulling tubes out, one inside the
other.
THERMOPLASTIC RESIN - Coating used on
aluminum or other surfaces to prevent corrosion and
improve soil removal.
TEACHING - The impartation of knowledge by
giving instruction; to train by practice or exercise.
THERMOSETTING - Term applied to synthetic
resins which solidify or set on heating and cannot be
remelted.
TEMPERATURE - Of extreme importance for
cleaning solutions. Hot water should be used only in
special circumstances. Some cleaning machines such
as steam cleaners have automatic temperature
controls.
TENDENCY - Many solutions, fabrics and surfaces
display a readiness or are prone to react in certain
ways unless carefully watched. Such bents or
propensities should be taken into consideration in
preplanning.
TERMINAL - Terminal cleaning is the application
of a germicidal detergent to all surfaces of an area
touched and vacated by patients, especially those who
had contagious diseases.
TERMITE - A pale, soft-bodied insect that feeds on
wood. Often found in older buildings. Insecticides
and pest controls are available, but if infestation is
serious call in professional help.
TERRA-COTTA - A reddish brown, baked mud and
earth tile, used as flooring - stone floors.
TERRAZZO - A stone type floor of varying
thickness composed of 70% marble chips and 30%
grouting, usually Portland cement. It is durable, but
needs careful maintenance. Acids, harsh alkalies and
solvents must be avoided.
TERRY CLOTH - An absorbent white, cotton cloth
toweling used extensively for washing, drying, etc.
Special double thickness cloths are used on wall
washing machines.
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THINNER - A liquid used to thin surface coatings
such as paint or varnish.
THIXOTROPIC - Exhibiting the property of being
stiff and jelly-like when at rest but becoming fluid or
free flowing when shaken.
TIGHT MOP - A wet floor mop squeezed extremely
tight so that there is little water remaining.
TILE - A thin piece of fired clay, stone, etc., such as
mosaic or ceramic tile, also thin layers of rubber,
cork, vinyl, etc., used in tile sizes for resilient
flooring. To tile, is to lay a tile wall or floor.
TIME AND MOTION STUDY - The observation
and recording of the performance of a task or
operation as to time and economy of motion or effort
- for the purpose of arriving at more efficient
performance.
TIME STUDY - Usually the stop watch analysis of
an operation to determine the elements of work
required to perform it, the order in which they must
occur, and the times which are required to perform
them efficiently.
TIN - A soft bluish white, crystalline, metallic
chemical element. It is easily worked and can hold a
high polish. It resists oxidation but is corroded by
acid and will corrode if not dried thoroughly.
Referred to as cans and containers. Tinfoil, used for
furniture rest protectors, especially on carpeting after
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cleaning, is a thin metal sheet aluminum or tin lead
alloy - aluminum foil.
TINCTURE - A slight colouring, trace, tinge, tint, or
hue. Careful selection of cleaning compounds and
methods are necessary for cleaning painted surfaces
to preserve these tints and not tinge the finish. Fabrics
should always be tested for colour fastness.
TISSUE CULTURE - Growing animal or human
cells in a layer of single-cell thickness within a Petri
dish or culture plate to create a living substrate for the
culturing of certain viruses.
TITER - The solidification point of a fatty acid.
TITRATION - A method for determining
volumetrically the concentration of a desired
substance in solution by adding a standard solution of
known volume and strength until the reaction is
completed.
TOILET - Bathrooms, rest rooms and washrooms
usually refer to toilets, toilet fixtures, toilet cleaning
and cleaners, toilet supplies, are all a major part of
building cleaning.
TOILET BOWL CLEANERS - Special chemical
formulations designed to remove hard water film,
iron-based stains, organic matter, and germs from
vitreous china toilet bowls. Granular products may
contain sodium bisulfate which dissolves in water to
form acid, the material necessary to remove hard
water film and iron stains; sodium carbonate for
bubbling and dissolving action; detergent; inert
fillers; and a deodourant. Liquid products may
contain phosphoric acid, oxalic acid, germicide,
colouring agent, deodourant, detergent and water.
TOILET SWAB - A cleaning tool consisting of a
long plastic handle to which is attached acid-resistant
fibres used in the cleaning of stools and urinals.
TOTAL SOLIDS - The percentage of non-volatile
residue obtained by the applicable ASTM method of
test.
TOUCH-UP - To improve, as in a picture, by
touches of a brush or other applicator; refers also to
small applications of wax in spots within a larger
waxed surface; to repair worn spots.
TOXIC - Pertaining to, due to, or of the nature of, a
poison. Any substance which has the capacity to
produce bodily injury through injection, inhalation, or
absorption through the skin.
TOXICANT - A poisonous agent.
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TOXICITY - The quality of being poisonous,
especially the O of virulence of a toxic microbe or of a
chemical that is poisonous. It is expressed by a
fraction indicating the ratio between the smallest
amount that will cause an animal's death and the
weight of that animal. See also LD50.
TOXIN - A poisonous substance. Toxic, produced by
certain organisms. Example: bacterial toxins.
TRAFFIC LANE - High traffic areas that show worn
or soiled “lanes”. Easily identified/ referred to as
inadequate of cleaning frequency.
TRAINEE - A person in the process of being
instructed in the performance of one or more tasks or
routines; one who undergoes training.
TRAINING - The impartation of knowledge with the
specific purpose of developing certain skills and the
ability to perform certain functions or tasks.
TRANSIENT BACTERIAL FLORA - Bacterial
flora that has moved in or on a person from some
external sources. Not resident.
TRANSLUCENT - Describing a type of glass
through which objects cannot be clearly discerned.
Partly transparent.
TRANSPARENT - Describing glass or plastic that is
clear enough to be seen through. Clear glass.
TRAP - A device in a plumbing system, which allows
some substances to pass through, such as water, and
holds out others such as solid objects. A drain.
TRAVERTINE MARBLE - A variety of limestone
regarded as a product of chemical precipitation from
hot springs. Travertine is cellular with the cells
usually concentrated in thin layers that display a
stalactite structure.
TRICHLOROETHANE - A solvent, not too harsh.
Chlorothene, used as a cleaning fluid for taking out
stains caused by grease, oil, gum, adhesive tape, etc.
Nonflammable, but emits toxic fumes. Also,
trichloroethylene.
TRILIGHT - Is a light unit, consisting of three
lights, usually of different wattage with separate
switches.
TRI-SODIUM PHOSPHATE - T.S.P. has few uses
in the cleaning industry, derived from the soda family
a very strong alkali. Not to be used indiscriminately.
Must be thoroughly rinsed after use. Never use as a
window cleaner. An excellent wall washing product
but only prior to painting (etches and dulls surface).
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TROWEL - Refers to the tool used in a wall washing
machine using terry cloth absorbent towels for
applying solution, rinsing, etc.
TUBERCLE - A small knobby protuberance or
growth. A lump in an organ or the skin. A module.
The specific lesion of tuberculosis.
TUBERCULIN - An extract of the tubercle bacillus,
capable of eliciting an inflammatory reaction in the
animal body which has been sensitized by the
presence of living or dead tubercle bacilli. Used in a
skin test for tuberculosis.
TUBERCULOCIDAL - The ability to destroy
tubercular bacteria under controlled laboratory test or
research conditions.
TUFTING - Stitching tufts of pile yarn into a prewoven backing material with a tufting machine, which
operates basically like a gigantic sewing machine.
TUCKER POLE - Special multi-story outside
window washing tool.
TURBIDITY - A substance's cloudiness, thickness,
or density.
TURK'S HEAD BRUSH - A medium sized round
brush of coarse fibre for uneven surface wall
washing, with a finer bristle for window washing, and
an attachable handle.
TURKISH TOWEL - Towel similar to terry cloth.
TURPENTINE - Often called turps. A mixture of oil
and resin from pine trees. Colourless or sometimes
yellowish, it is obtained by distillation of pinewood.
Used as a paint thinner and solvent. Flammable. Used
also in some varnishes, waxes, furniture polish and as
a grease and stain remover.
U
U.L. - Underwriters Laboratories. A U.S.
organization paid to tests manufactured products for
safety. Similar in function to the C.S.S.A. in Canada
with the exception that C.S.S.A. is by the people for
the people.
U.S.D.A. - United States Department of Agriculture,
which provides approval for disinfectants and
sanitizers.
U.S.P. - Abbreviation for United States
Pharamacopeia, the Official United States Book of
Standard Drugs. U.S.P. XIII means the 13th. edition
of the book.
Un - Prefix, for not, or opposite or contrary to. In the
cleaning industry such prefixes usually indicate,
unprepared, work undone, or products and safety
measures unchecked. A few examples:
unabsorbed
unacceptable
uncovered
uncoated
undiluted
undissolved
unclean(-ed)
undone
unfinished
unhygienic
unflammable
unkept
unpolished
unprepared
unsanitary
unscheduled
unsealed
unswept
unwashed
UNAPPARENT INFECTION - The presence of
infection in a host without recognizable symptoms.
UNDERCOAT - Referring to a base coat such as a
sealer. Especially a surface sealer, before applying
wax or floor finish.
UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES (U.L.) - A
non-profit organization founded in 1894 and
sponsored by the National Board of Fire
Underwriters. Its purpose is to test and give or deny
its approval as to the safety of manufactured
materials. For instance, the anti-slip or nonflammable
properties of a floor coating.
UNEVEN FINISH - This may be caused by a poor
subfloor, or be the result of a poor maintenance job,
poor scrubbing and rinse and the uneven application
of floor polish. Not uniform.
UNOBSTRUCTED - The % of obstruction to
cleaning operations when less than 10 percent of the
gross floor area is occupied by furniture or
equipment.
UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS see Standard
Precautions.
UPRIGHT VACUUM - Describing the single motor
beater type vacuum once used for carpet and rug
maintenance today replaced by dual motor.
UREA - A colourless and crystalline ingredient in a
detergent as a solubilizing agent and filler.
UREA RESIN - A class of thermo-setting resins
obtained by the reaction of urea and formaldehyde in
the presence of certain modifying agents.
URETHANE - A synthetic resin, ethyl carbonate,
used in protective coatings for wood, concrete and
metal.
ULTRAVIOLET - Outside the visible light spectrum
at its violet end.
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USE DILUTION - The final concentration at which
a product is supposed to be used.
USE DILUTION TEST - The proper measurement
of chemical and dilutent as specified to achieve the
most efficient results. Especially important in the use
of germicides and germicidal cleaners as it specifies
the level of material, approved by the government
through testing, to achieve the proper and desired
sanitizing or disinfecting effects. The Department of
Agriculture now requires this test rather than the
"phenol coefficient" test which was not always
reliable and could not be used for `quats'.
V
VACCINE - A preparation used in inoculation
producing immunity to certain diseases.
VACUUM - A space empty of air. To use a vacuum
cleaner, wet or dry, carpet, etc. in the maintenance of
an area.
VACUUMING - To clean or dry a surface by means
of a vacuum machine.
VALANCE - A decorative frame, or drapery across
the top of a window.
VAPOUR - A substance, normally liquid, in a
gaseous state. A volatile liquid is vapourous.
Example: ammonia. Certain cleaning chemicals are
vapourized into fine separated particles, by the use of
an atomizer or vapourizer.
VARIANT - An organism showing some variation
from its parent; usually a temporary change, as
opposed to Mutant which refers to a permanent
change.
VARNISH - A protective coating, usually containing
no pigment, which is applied as a thin layer of liquid
which, on exposure to air becomes, either through
evapouration, oxidation or polymerization, a
transparent or translucent film.
VEGETATIVE - Involuntary or passive growth of
microorganisms.
VEGETATIVE BACTERIA - Those able to
multiply; the term used to exclude spores..
VEGETATIVE STAGE - The state of active growth
as opposed to resting or spore stages.
VEHICLE - The liquid portion or carrier such as
linseed oil, tung oil, or turpentine in paint.
VELCRO - Velcro fabric has hundreds of small
nylon hook projections covering every square inch.
Used as a coat or covering for driving pads. Giving a
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positive and instant grip to a nylon floor pad. Floor
pads lock to the velcro drive pad and have to be
peeled off.
VELVET - A fabric characterized by a short, soft,
dense pile, being smooth, soft and sleek. Used in
certain furnishings of silk, rayon, cotton, nylon or
wool.
VELVETEEN - An imitation of velvet, used in
furniture coverings, etc. A woven fabric usually
cotton.
VENEER - A thin, glossy, layer of fine wood, laid
over a cheaper wood. To so overlay a surface.
VENTILATE - To cause fresh air to circulate
throughout an area by the use of vents and other
methods, good ventilation is obtained and foul air is
replaced.
VERDIGRIS - The green, sometimes bluish deposit
that forms on copper, brass or bronze when exposed
to the weather. It often forms under and around a
dripping tap, from copper piping.
VERTICAL DUSTING - Dusting operation
performed on surfaces at more than 45O from true
horizontal.
VIABLE - Meaning living.
VIBRATE - To move rapidly to and, to oscillate or
fluctuate.
VIBRIO - A genus of bacteria shaped like a comma
or s, some of which are disease-causing.
VINEGAR - A sour liquid obtained by fermentation
of wine, cider and malt. It is used widely in the food
service industry. About 5% acetic acid. Not
recommended as a cleaner or neutralizer (attacks the
rubber on squeegee blades leaving unseen deposits,
has no detergency or cleaning ability, not good as a
neutralizer for alkaline solutions).
VINYL - A tough plastic, made from coal, limestone,
natural gas, petroleum, brine. It can be rigid, semirigid, film, sheeting or a coating. It can be any colour,
colourless, translucent, transparent or opaque. It is
resistant to abrasions, water, acids, alkalies and most
stains. It is used for coatings, sheeting, tile, flooring,
wallpaper covering and upholstery covering. Floors homogenous, vinyl tile and vinyl sheet goods.
VINYL ASBESTOS TILE (VAT) - A floor tile
chemically similar to asphalt tile, except that the
asphalt and resinous binders in asphalt tile have been
replaced by assorted vinyl compounds such as vinyl
chloride and vinyl acetate.
Module 9 Unit 9.1
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TERMINOLOGY - CLEANING
VINYL FLOORS - A compound of vinyl resins,
plasticizers and mineral fillers. There are two types of
vinyl floor coverings. Those with filled vinyl wearlayers, commonly known as full, thick, calendered or
moulded. The second type is of unfilled vinyl (clear)
to form a wear-layer for rotogravure cushioned vinyl
floor covering.
VITIATE - To contaminate or pollute. To render
faulty or defective.
VIRICIDE - Any substance that destroys viruses.
VITRIOL - Sulphuric acid. Vitriolic - corrosive.
VIRULENCE - The capacity of a microorganism to
produce disease.
VOLATILE - Readily vapourized. That part of a
product that evapourates during drying. The volatile
matter of a product is obtained by heating it at 105 o
C. for 3 hours. It is the matter that vapourizes or the
difference between 100% and the non-volatile or
solids.
VIRULENT - The ability of a micro-organism to
produce disease; the O of pathogenicity of a microorganism. Generally extremely poisonous or
venomous, noxious, highly infectious, malignant.
VIRUS - An infective agent, too small to be seen
with a light microscope. It penetrates where a
bacterium is unable to. Require the presence of living
cells in order to multiply.
VIRUSES - Microorganisms smaller than bacteria.
When viruses are named they are given a family
name, then a genus name, then a species name and
then a strain name. Virus classification depends on
four factors: size, shape, type and genetic material
and the presence of an envelope-a coating of fatty
lipid tissue.
An enveloped virus (HIV, Hepatitis B and C and
Influenza) is not resistant to disinfection. Drying or
heat or exposure to a disinfectant or even exposure to
a detergent can damage the lipid envelope. Once
punctures, the guts of the virus leak out and the virus
dies.
Non-enveloped viruses like Norwalk and Norwalklike viruses pose a much greater challenge because
they don't have an envelope and are harder to kill.
VISCOSITY - A measure of the ease with which a
material flows. Thus, something with high viscosity
flows with difficulty; water, a non-viscous material,
flows readily; the resistance to flow exhibited by a
liquid resulting from the combined effects of
cohesion and adhesion. The unit measure of this
"body" of liquid is the centipoise. Zahn and
Brookfield instruments are used to measure viscosity.
The heavier viscosity slows down evapouration so
that detergents will not dry out during the soaking
period. It also gives the appearance of having more
solids.
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VITREOUS - Glasslike, clear, colourless,
transparent.
VITREOUS CHINA - Ceramic, non-porous material
used in toilets and urinals.
VOLATILE SOLVENT - A volatile solvent is any
non-aqueous liquid which has the distinctive property
of evapourating readily at room temperature and
stratospheric pressure.
W
WAREWASHING - Washing of dishes, glassware,
pots, pans, etc. in the institutional market.
WALL - The vertical surface between floor and
ceiling. An area that is cleaned by special methods,
such as wall cleaning or wall washing, with specially
mixed or prepared wall washing solutions. Dusted
with wall dusters.
WALL (CELL) - The membranous or cellulosic
surface of individual cells, either plant or animal. The
wall encloses all the other parts of a cell except the
flagellum.
WALL WASHING - The removal of soil from a
wall surface (starting from the bottom-up) with a
suitable detergent and either a wall washing machine,
or a hand operation with an extended pole and wall
mop.
WARP - To bend, twist or curl out of shape or true
dimension. Wooden floors or furniture may warp if
over wet.
WASTE PICK-UP - Routine housekeeping
operation involving the emptying of waste
receptacles, gathering paper and trash and emptying
ash trays.
WATER-BREAK - Failure of water to maintain a
continuous film on metallic, vitreous, or similar
surfaces withdrawing from clean water.
Module 9 Unit 9.1
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TERMINOLOGY - CLEANING
WATER CONDITIONER - A material that
improves the quality of water for a given application
or use.
WATER EMULSION FINISHES - Floor finishes
made by mixing the ingredients with water and an
emulsifying agent which suspends the tiny silica
particles added to prevent slipping. Ammonia or an
ammonia derivative is often used as part of the
emulsifying agent. Water emulsion finishes are also
known as self-polishing because they produce a shiny
surface without buffing.
WATER EXTRACTION - A method of cleaning
carpet surfaces, usually mobile unit, dispensing
prepared, pressured sprays on the soil, followed by
rinsing. Walls, corners, machinery, transport vehicles,
hard to reach areas, etc. can be cleaned by this
method. A method of carpet and upholstery cleaning.
WATER GLASS - A whitish powdery substance, a
silicate of sodium or potassium, that, when dissolved
in water, is used as a protective coating for cements.
Isinglass.
WATER HARDNESS - A measure of the amount of
metallic salts found in water. Hard water can inhibit
the action of some surfactants and reduce the
effectiveness of the cleaning process.
WATERLESS HAND CLEANERS - Heavy-duty
cleaners mainly used by industrial and chemical
personnel to remove grease, paint, adhesives, and
other tenacious soils. They contain "built-in" water,
emulsified with a base oil and soap or detergent.
Other ingredients include special solvents to improve
cleaning, lanolin for emolliency, and a pleasant scent.
Ideally suited for vinyl cleaning.
WATER-LIFT - A measure of the amount of suction
in inches created in a U-tube by a vacuum machine. It
is one of the efficiency ratings for wet/dry vacuums.
Tells how many inches the water would be lifted in
the measuring column.
WATERPROOF - A fabric or other material that is
either naturally resistant to allowing water through, or
is treated to prevent permeation by water. Water
resistant, water-repellent.
WATER RESISTANCE - The ability of a floor
finish to be unaffected by water spilled on it.
Sometimes the finish may be marked while the floor
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is wet but recovers its original appearance upon
drying.
WATER SOFTENER - Substance which removes or
counteracts the hardness of water. A sequestering or
chelating agent, usually of alkaline nature such as
washing soda, tri-sodium phosphate or borax.
WATER SOFTENERS - Additives incorporated in
most soaps and detergents causing a chemical
reaction in hard water to make its mineral content
inactive. A water softener or conditioner also
counteracts any high content of iron or manganese
salts in water.
WATER SOFTENING - Removing water hardness.
WATER SOLUBLE SOILS - Such soils include
sugars, starches, mud and non-greasy foodstuffs.
Except for mud, these soils usually result from
spillage and adhere tenaciously to a surface from
which they are best removed with a combination of
water-soluble chemicals.
WATER SPOTTING - Change in appearance of a
surface finish resulting from the action caused by spot
wetting by water.
WAX - Refers to the natural, softer type protective
coatings such as beeswax, paste wax, carnuba wax,
etc. To apply a protective coating whether natural or
synthetic. Waxing.
WAX APPLICATOR - Usually refers to a lamb's
wool type applicator, as opposed to a synthetic wax
mop.
WAX STRIPPER - A special detergent composition
which, when used as directed, will remove wax and
similar floor finishes.
WAXING - A slang expression used in marble
finishing to indicate the filling of natural voids in
marble with colour-blended materials; also refers to a
housekeeping operation when a wax or finish is
applied to a surface.
WEAR - A distortion of the surface of a floor coating
due to traffic and abrasion.
WEAR RESISTANCE - Used in reference to
appearance of a floor polish after a specific number
of hours of traffic.
WET ABRASION - A standard test to determine the
effect of water on a floor finish with a prescribed
abrasive action.
WET MOPPING - A cleaning operation in which a
solution of water and cleaning compound is spread on
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TERMINOLOGY - CLEANING
the floor by a mop, allowed to stand, and then picked
up by either mop or wet vacuum machine.
screws on the handle and it along with the attached
looped mop are launderable.
WET POLISHING/WET BUFFING - Both terms
apply to the final finishing of a floor surface with a
polishing brush or pad while the liquid is still in a wet
state.
YARN - A continuous strand, the basic raw material
for textile use, which can be fabricated into a carpet.
Tufted, woven and knitted carpets are made from
yarn; flocked and needle punched carpets are made
from fibre.
WET VACUUM - A vacuum cleaner designed to
pick up water and wet soil from a floor, with the
liquid trapped out of the air stream by passage
through a tank on the suction line.
WETTING - The ability of a solution to disperse or
spread over an oily or otherwise water-repellent
surface.
WETTING ACTION - That which brings detergent
solution into close contact with both soil and the
surface below the soil.
WETTING AGENT - A material that increases the
spreading of a liquid medium on a surface. Detergents
which modify the surface tension of liquids and
promote quicker, better, and more even wetting and
penetrating, remove soils more easily. These
properties are useful in surface coating to aid in
spreading and leveling.
WOOD ALCOHOL - A flammable, poisonous
liquid, used as a solvent.
WORKLOAD FACTORS - Factors, such as
equipment, layout and interference which affect the
time necessary to carry out an operation.
WORK SAMPLING - A statistical method of
analyzing work by taking a large number of
observations at random intervals for the purpose of
establishing standards and improving methods.
YEAST - Common name for Saccharomyces, a
micro-organism of the fungi genus. A type of fungus
that is single-celled, reproduces by budding, and does
not have the characteristic filament structure of other
fungi.
YELLOWING - With floor finishes yellowing is
indicative of buildup, or aging which occurs in some
older finish formulations. Yellowing tends to form
especially in areas close to edges or perimeters of a
room. The wax or finish darkens as it builds up, first
to light yellow and then to deeper shades.
Z
ZEGO BLOCK - An upholstery and carpet handtool used for removing pilling.
ZINC - A bluish white, crystalline, metallic chemical
element used in certain alloys. The metallic ingredient
used in the metal interlock or metal complex waxes
and floor finishes.
ZIRCONIUM - A heat resistant and corrosion
resistant metallic element, used in certain alloys and
ceramics. The metallic ingredient used in some of the
metal complexed waxes and finishes.
WRINGER - Part of a mopping unit used to remove
excess water and solution from a mop.
X
XYLENE - A flammable, toxic, vapour emitting
solvent, which used to be used in the manufacture of
urethanes.
Y
YACHT MOP - A small, round, swab-like mop,
used in conjunction with a yacht pail - a smallish,
wringer type pail - for light mopping. However, it
had no real function as the head is not launderable.
Development has occurred and today the attachment
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DILUTION OF CHEMICALS IN WATER
Dilution’s Of Chemicals In Water
Manufacturers recommended use dilution’s of chemicals in parts of water (ounce to gallon of water [160 oz.])
Mfg. Use
Dilution
1-5
1-6
1-7
1-8
1-9
1-10
1-20
1-30
1-40
1-50
1-60
1-70
1-80
1-90
1-100
1-110
1-120
1-130
1-140
1-150
1-160
Ounces of
Chemical
32.0
26.0
22.8
20.0
17.7
16.0
8.0
5.0
4.0
3.2
2.6
2.2
2.0
1.7
1.6
1.4
1.3
1.2
1.1
1.06
1.0
To: 1 Gallon
of water
Milliliters
of Chemical
160 oz
160 oz
160 oz
160 oz
160 oz
160 oz
160 oz
160 oz
160 oz
160 oz
160 oz
160 oz
160 oz
160 oz
160 oz
160 oz
160 oz
160 oz
160 oz
160 oz
160 oz
905.6
752.7
645.2
566.0
500.9
452.8
226.4
149.9
113.2
90.5
73.5
62.2
56.6
48.1
45.2
39.6
36.7
33.9
31.1
29.9
28.3
Conversion Units:
1 litre
1 fl. oz.
16 fl oz.
32 fl. oz.
1 Imp. Gal.
5 Imp. Gal.
46 Imp. Gal.
.88 Imp. Gal.
1.10 Imp. Gal.
4.40 Imp. Gal.
Page 79
Rev March 2005
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=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
1000 millilitres
28.4 millilitres
454 millilitres
909 millilitres
4.54 Litres
22.7 Littres
209 Litres
4 Litres
5 Litres
20 Litres
Module 9 Unit 9.1
LB CleaningConsulting Services
METRIC CONVERSION TABLE
Metric Conversion Table
To Convert From
Bushels (British, dry)
Bushels (US, dry)
Centimetres
Centimetres
Centimetres
Cubic cm.
Cubic inches (British)
Cubic inches (US)
Cubic inches (US)
Cubic yards (British)
Cubic yards (US)
Feet (US)
Gallons (British)
Gallons (US)
Grams
Grams
Inches (British)
Inches (US)
Kilograms
Kilograms
Kilograms
Kilometres
Kilometres
Litres
Litres
Litres
Litres
Litres
Litres
Metres
Metres
Metres
Metres
Ounces (avoirdupois)
Ounces (avoirdupois)
Ounces (avoirdupois)
Ounces (British, fluid)
Ounces (US, fluid)
Ounces (US, fluid)
Pints (British, liquid)
Pints (US, dry)
Pints (US, liquid)
Pounds (avoirdupois)
Pounds (troy)
Quarts (British, liquid)
Quarts (US, dry)
Quarts (US, liquid)
Sq. cm.
Sq. feet (British)
Page 80
Rev March 2005
To
Litres
Litres
Inches (US)
Yards (British)
Yards (US)
Cubic inches
Cubic cm.
Cubic cm.
Litters
Cubic metres
Cubic metres
Metres
Litres
Litres
Ounces (avoirdupois)
Ounces (troy)
Centimetres
Centimetres
Tons (long)
Tons (metric)
Tons (short)
Miles (nautical)
Miles (US)
Cubic inches
Gallons (British)
Gallons (US)
Quarts (Br. Liq.)
Quarts (US, dry)
Quarts (US, Liq.)
Feet (US)
Inches (British)
Inches (US)
Yards (US)
Grams
Pounds [lbs] (troy)
Lbs (avoirdupois)1/16
Cubic cm.
Cubic cm.
Litres
Cubic cm.
Cubic cm
Cubic cm.
Kilograms
Kilograms
Cubic cm.
Cubic cm.
Litres
Sq. inches
Sq. metres
Multiply By
36.3677048
35.238329
0.393700
0.01093614
0.0193611
0.061023
16.3870253
16.387162
0.0163868
0.76455285
0.76455945
0.3048006096
4.5459631
3.78533
0.0352739
0.0321507
2.539998
2.540005
9.84207 x 10~4
0.001
0.0011023112
0.539593
0.6213699495
61.025
0.219976
0.26417762
0.87990
0.908096
1.056681869
3.280833333
39.370113
39.3700
1.093611
28.349527
0.075954861
28.4130
29.5737
0.0295729
568.26
550.61
473.179
0.4535924277
0.3732418
1136.521
1101.23
0.946333
0.15500
0.09290289
Module 9 Unit 9.1
LB CleaningConsulting Services
METRIC CONVERSION TABLE
To Convert From
Sq. feet (US)
Sq. inches (British)
Sq. inches (US)
Sq. metres
Sq. metres
Sq. metres
Sq. yards (British)
Sq. yards (US)
Tons (long)
Tons (metric)
Tons (metric)
Tons (short)
Yards (British)
Yards (US)
Yards (US)
Page 81
Rev March 2005
To
Sq. metres
Sq. cm.
Sq. cm.
Sq. inches
Sq. yards (British)
Sq. yards (US)
Sq. metres
Sq. metres
Tons (metric)
Tons (long)
Tons (short)
kilograms
Metres
Feet
Metres
Multiply By
0.09290341
6.4515898
6.4516258
1550.0
1.195992
1.195985
0.836126
0.83613
1.0160470
0.984207
1.10231
907.1846
0.9143992
3
0.91440183
Module 9 Unit 9.1
LB CleaningConsulting Services