CTE Construction ("Core Curriculum: Introductory Craft Skills,") Vocabulary from Module One

Learn these words to gain some real-life insights into the construction industry. This list focuses on safety.

Here are links to our lists for the trainee guide: Module One, Module Two, Module Three, Module Four, Module Five, Module Six, Module Seven, Module Eight, Module Nine
45 words 568 learners

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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. hazard
    a source of danger
    Safety training is provided to make you aware that hazards exist all around you every day.
  2. standard
    the ideal in terms of which something can be judged
    GOST standards are more far-reaching than OSHA standards, as they cover a much broader range of topics than worker safety alone.
    Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): An agency of the US Department of Labor. Also refers to the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, a law that applies to more than 111 million workers and 7 million job sites in the country.
  3. incident
    a single distinct event
    The terms incident and accident are often used interchangeably. However, according to the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), an incident is an unplanned event that may or may not result in property damage.
    According to OSHA, an accident is an unplanned event that results in personal injury or property damage. If personal injury or a fatality (death) has occurred, the event is definitely an accident.
  4. appropriate
    suitable for a particular person, place, or situation
    Falls from elevation are incidents involving failure of, failure to provide, or failure to use appropriate fall protection.
  5. improper
    not suitable or right or appropriate
    Struck-by accidents involve unsafe operation of equipment, machinery, and vehicles, as well as improper handling of materials, such as through unsafe rigging operations.
  6. confined
    not free to move about
    Caught-in or caught-between accidents involve unsafe operation of equipment, machinery, and vehicles, as well as improper safety procedures at trench sites and in other confined spaces.
    OSHA defines a confined space with these characteristics:
    • Is large enough and so configured that employees can bodily enter and perform their assigned work.
    • Has a limited or restricted means of entry or exit.
    • Is not designed for continuous employee occupancy.
    A permit-required confined space has been evaluated by a qualified person and found to have actual or potential hazards.
  7. defective
    not working properly
    Electrical shock accidents involve contact with overhead wires; use of defective tools; failure to disconnect power source before repairs; or improper ground fault protection.
  8. precaution
    a measure taken in advance to ward off impending danger
    Danger markings or signs tell you that an immediate hazard exists and that you must take certain precautions to avoid an incident. Danger signs are red, black, and white.
  9. procrastination
    the act of putting off or delaying an action to a later time
    Some examples of at-risk work habits are procrastination, carelessness, and horseplay.
  10. flammable
    easily ignited
    Make sure that flammable liquids are stored in safety cans.
    Fire can be prevented by the following actions:
    •Removing the fuel - Liquid does not usually burn. What generally burns are the gases given off as the liquid evaporates. If there is no evaporation, there is no fuel to burn.
    •Removing the heat - If the liquid is stored or used away from a heat source, it will not be able to ignite.
    •Removing the oxygen - The gas from a liquid will not burn if oxygen is not present. Keep safety containers tightly sealed.
  11. protruding
    extending out above or beyond a surface or boundary
    Remove from work areas all scrap material and lumber with nails protruding.
  12. combustible
    capable of igniting and burning
    Remove all combustible scrap materials regularly.
    Combustibles are categorized as liquid, gas, or ordinary combustibles. The term ordinary combustibles means paper, wood, cloth, and similar fuels. Liquids can be flammable or combustible. Combustible liquids have a flash point at or above 100°F (38°C).
  13. solvent
    a liquid substance capable of dissolving other substances
    In practice, the term hazardous chemical applies to solvents, paint, concrete, and even wood dust, along with more obvious substances such as acids.
  14. determine
    find out or learn with certainty, as by making an inquiry
    The best approach in determining if a situation or equipment is potentially hazardous is to ask these questions:
    • How can this situation or equipment cause harm?
    • What types of energy sources are present that can cause an incident?
    • What is the magnitude of the energy?
    • What could go wrong to release the energy?
    • How can the energy be eliminated or controlled?
    • Will I be exposed to any hazardous materials?
  15. safeguard
    a precautionary measure warding off impending danger
    Task safety analysis is similar to job safety analysis in that both require workers to identify potential hazards and needed safeguards associated with a job they are about to do.
  16. consequence
    the outcome of an event
    A safe operation is one in which there is an acceptable level of risk. This means there is a low probability of an incident and that the consequences and exposure risk are all acceptable.
  17. respiratory
    pertaining to the act of breathing
    If ventilation is not enough, respiratory protection is needed.
    There are four general types of respirators:
    • Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)
    • Supplied air mask
    • Full facepiece mask with chemical canister (gas mask)
    • Half mask or mouthpiece with mechanical filter
  18. barricade
    a barrier to impede the advance of an enemy
    Fall prevention consists of covered floor openings, climbing aids, barricades, and guardrails that are designed to protect against falls.
  19. scaffold
    a temporary arrangement erected around a building
    Do not run on scaffolds, work platforms, decking, roofs, or other elevated work areas.
  20. minimized
    reduced to the smallest possible size or amount or degree
    Swing zones are minimized when the anchor point is directly above the worker when he falls.
    Make sure you use a safety harness with a fall-arrest lanyard connected to an appropriate anchor point when working from heights over six feet. Anchor points must be rated at or equal to 5,000 pounds (2,267 kg) breaking or tensile strength, or twice the intended load.
  21. restraint
    a device that hinders something's motion
    Remember that positioning lanyards, connected to D-rings on the harness other than the back or front chest D-ring, are fall restraints rather than fall arresting connections.
  22. competent
    properly or sufficiently qualified, capable, or efficient
    The competent person has the authority to impose prompt corrective measures to eliminate any hazards.
    A competent person is not necessarily a qualified person, who, by possession of a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, or who by extensive knowledge, training, and experience, has successfully demonstrated his ability to solve or resolve problems relating to the subject matter, work, or the project.
  23. retract
    pull inward or towards a center
    Since it automatically retracts or feeds lanyard as the worker moves about, there is never a great deal of slack that can pose a risk in itself.
  24. flexible
    bending and snapping back readily without breaking
    A lifeline is a flexible line such as a cable or rope connected vertically to an anchorage at one end (vertical lifeline), or horizontally to an anchorage at both ends (horizontal lifeline).
  25. obstruction
    any structure that makes progress difficult
    There must be enough clearance under a safety net to prevent a worker who falls into it from hitting the surface below it. There must also be no obstruction between the work area and the net.
  26. capacity
    the amount that can be contained
    Check the load capacity of the ladder and do not exceed it.
    The maximum intended load is the total weight of all people, equipment, tools, materials, loads that are being carried, and other loads that the ladder can hold at any one time.
  27. debris
    the remains of something that has been destroyed
    To reduce the likelihood of slips, trips, or falls, keep stairways clean and clear of debris.
  28. brace
    a support that steadies or strengthens something else
    Cross-bracing must be used. A handrail is not the same as cross-bracing.
    Cross-bracing: Braces (metal or wood) placed diagonally from the bottom of one rail to the top of another rail to add support to a structure.
  29. deflect
    turn from a straight course or fixed direction
    Use protective measures such as toeboards, debris nets, catch platforms, or canopies to catch or deflect falling objects.
    Toeboard: A vertical barrier at floor level attached along exposed edges of a platform, runway, or ramp to prevent materials and people from falling.
  30. abrasion
    an area where the skin is torn or worn off
    Injuries from flying objects can range from minor abrasions to concussions, blindness, or death.
  31. shield
    a protective covering or structure
    Use eye protection, such as safety glasses, goggles, or face shields where machines or tools may cause flying particles.
  32. reflective
    capable of physically throwing back light or sound
    Wear reflective or high-visibility vests or other suitable garments.
  33. flare
    a device that produces a light for warning or illumination
    Carry road flares, fire extinguishers, and other standard safety equipment at all times.
  34. excavation
    a hole in the ground made by digging
    Hazards involved with trench and excavation work include the following:
    • Cave-ins
    • Water accumulation
    • Falling objects
    • Collapse of nearby structures
    • Hazardous atmospheres produced by toxic gases in the soil
    A trench is an excavation that is deeper than it is wide, and usually not wider than 15 feet (4.6 m).
  35. collapse
    fold or close up
    Shoring not only protects workers, but also prevents the trench walls from collapsing.
    Shoring: Using pieces of timber, usually in a diagonal position, to hold a wall in place temporarily. Shoring structures are typically made of metal or wood and are used to support the sides of a trench and prevent soil from caving in.
  36. comprise
    be made of
    Spoil piles, comprised of the material removed from an excavation, and other materials represent a hazard if not handled properly.
  37. durable
    capable of withstanding wear and tear and decay
    Guards should be secure and should not be easily removed. They should be maintained in good condition, made of durable material, and bolted or screwed to the machine so that tools are needed for their removal.
  38. circuit
    an electrical device providing a path for current to flow
    A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) is a fast-acting circuit breaker that senses small imbalances in the circuit caused by current leakage to ground.
    Ground: The conducting connection between electrical equipment or an electrical circuit and the earth.
    By grounding a tool or electrical system, a path to the earth is intentionally created. When properly done, this path offers low resistance and has enough current-carrying capacity to prevent the buildup of voltages that could create a personnel hazard.
  39. insulation
    reduction of the transmission of sound, heat, or electricity
    A GFCI provides protection against a ground fault, which is the most common form of electrical shock. It also provides protection from fires, overheating, and wiring insulation deterioration.
  40. proximity
    the property of being close together
    No matter what your trade, your job may include working near exposed electrical equipment or conductors. This is one example of proximity work.
    A distance of at least 10 feet (3 meters) must be maintained from any conductor carrying 50,000 volts or less. Greater distances are required for higher voltages.
  41. isolate
    place or set apart
    In a lockout, an energy-isolating device such as a disconnect switch or circuit breaker is placed in the Off position and a lock is applied.
    In a tagout, components that control power to equipment and machinery are set to a safe position and a written warning is attached.
  42. modify
    cause to change; make different
    The best protective equipment is of no use unless you follow these rules:
    • Regularly inspect it.
    • Properly care for it.
    • Use it properly when it is needed.
    • Never alter or modify it in any way.
  43. exposure
    the state of being exposed to harm
    The term exposure refers to contact with a chemical, biological, or physical hazard. Exposure can be chronic or acute. Chronic exposure is long-term and repeated, and may be mild or severe. Acute exposure is short-term and intense.
    Workers on construction and industrial sites are often required to work outdoors in extremes of heat and cold. This environmental exposure could lead to stress, stroke, cramps, exhaustion, frostbite, or hypothermia.
  44. mitigate
    lessen or to try to lessen the seriousness or extent of
    Process safety management involves training employees and contractors; making information available; establishing formal procedures; analyzing potential hazards; and taking steps to mitigate the hazards.
  45. evacuation
    the act of leaving a dangerous place in an orderly fashion
    In many work environments, specific evacuation procedures are needed. These procedures go into effect when dangerous situations arise, such as fires, chemical spills, and gas leaks. In an emergency, you must know the evacuation procedures.
Created on Sat Oct 31 14:47:23 EDT 2015 (updated Tue Nov 17 19:00:38 EST 2015)

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