JIM’S HAZARDOUS MATERIAL REMOVAL – GLOSSARY

Key terms relate to different services. A consultant will inspect and report on different items depending on the service purchased and the criteria relevant for each report is set out in the pre-inspection agreement for that service.

 

Building element
A portion of a building that, by itself or in combination with other such parts, fulfils a characteristic function. NOTE: For example supporting, enclosing, furnishing or servicing building space.
Chain of custody
A series of procedures to account for the integrity of each sample by tracking its handling and storage from the point of sample collection to final disposal at the laboratory.
Client
The person or other entity for whom the inspection is being carried out.
Common Property
The common areas of the strata building or community that are shared by all owners and proprietors. These areas include, but are not limited to, driveways, garages, common recreational areas, foyers, hallways, fencing and gardens. Maintenance and reparation works in these common areas are the responsibility of the strata company.
Contaminated (contamination)
The presence of indoor mould growth and/or mould spores, whose identity, location and quantity are not reflective of a normal fungal ecology for similar indoor environments, and which may produce adverse health effects, cause damage to materials and/or adversely affect the operation or function of building systems.
Cross-contamination
The spread of contaminants from an affected area to an unaffected area.
EMPAT
Environmental Microbiology Proficiency Analytical Testing
Exposure
Contact with, or close proximity to, a substance by swallowing, breathing, or direct contact with the skin or eyes. Exposure may be short term (acute) or long term (chronic).
Exposure risk
The likelihood of exposure to contaminants and their effects on people.
Fungus (plural “fungi”)
One of the five kingdoms into which livings things are categorised. Fungi have distinct nuclei and include a variety of types, such as moulds, mildews, yeast and mushrooms. Fungi are ever-present and are found in moist environments.
High-use area
An area in a property that can be easily accessed and is regularly used by adults and children.
HVAC
An acronym for “heating, ventilation and air-conditioning”.
Inspection
Close and careful scrutiny of a building carried out without dismantling, in order to arrive at a
reliable conclusion as to the condition of the building.
Limitation
Any factor that prevents full or proper inspection of the building.
Limited-use area/ Low-use area
An area that is likely to be acessed only by adults and for short periods of time. This includes crawl spaces and wall cavities not used as duct runs that are unlikely to be renovated.
Multi Unit Property (ies)
Any property that accommodates more than one residential dwelling unit and where the owners have collective obligations.
Note – Multi-unit properties will usually be owned under a body corporate, cross lease or company title where the relevant legislation along with the body corporate rules and unit plan, memorandum of lease and flat plan or constitution and occupation agreement define the areas of individual and collective responsibility.
Mould
A common term for filamentous fungi, often seen as a superficial or “woolly” growth of long chains of fungi cells formed on damp organic materials. Toxigenic moulds may produce a potentially harmful substance called a mycotoxin. Mould growth can degrade materials and present potential health risks to humans.
Personal possessions
Items in a property that belong to the occupier but are not considered part of the property’s fixtures and fittings.
Post-Remediation Evaluation
An inspection performed by a remediator after a remediation project, which may include visual and/or olfactory methodologies to confirm that the remediation process has been completed. It is highly recommended that an independent Indoor Environmental Professional conduct or oversee this process.
Roof space / Roof Void
Space between the roof covering and the ceiling immediately below the roof covering.
Sampling plan
A plan detailing the type and number of samples to be taken, and the location where samples are to be taken.
Site
Allotment of land on which a building stands or is to be erected.
Tenant
The party who pays rent to use or occupy land, a building, or other property owned by another. Also known as a renter.
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