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Part XVIII. Guides
- Guide to Units and Abbreviations
Guide to Units and Abbreviations
Table of Contents
International System of Units
The International System of Units is a decimal system of weights and measures which is based on and extends the metric system. It is abbreviated as SI in all languages.
SI includes seven basic units (see table 1). The metre, defined to be 1,650,763.73 wavelengths in vacuum of the red-orange line of the krypton-86 spectrum, is the SI unit for length. The kilogram, which is approximately 2.2 pounds avoirdupois and equals 1,000 grams (as defined by the platinum-iridium prototype kilogram held by the International Bureau of Weights and Measures in Sèvres, France), is the SI unit for mass. It is the sole base unit that remains defined by an artefact. It is also the only SI unit with a prefix as part of its name and symbol. The second, or the duration of 9,192,631,770 cycles of the radiation corresponding to a specified transition of the caesium-133 atom, is the SI unit for time. The ampere is the SI unit for electric current. It is the constant current produced by one volt which, when maintained in two parallel conductors separated by one metre in vacuum, generates an electromagnetic force of 2 x 10-7 N m-1. The kelvin, which is equal to 1/273.16 of the thermodynamic temperature at the triple point of water, is the SI unit for thermodynamic temperature. The kelvin’s magnitude equals that of the degree Celsius; however, a temperature expressed in degrees Celsius is the numerical equivalent of the temperature in kelvins less 273.15. The mole is the SI unit for amount of substance; it contains as many elementary units of substance as there are atoms in 0.012 kg of carbon-12. Elementary units must be specified, as they may be atoms, electrons, ions, molecules, radicals, etc. The candela is the SI unit for luminous intensity. It equals the luminous intensity of the black-body radiation, in the perpendicular direction, from an area of 1/600,000 square metres at platinum’s freezing temperature (2,042 kelvins) under 101,325 pascals of pressure, which approximates the intensity of a single paraffin candle.
Table 1. SI base units
|
Quantity |
SI unit name |
Symbol |
|
Length |
Metre |
m |
|
Mass1 |
Kilogram |
kg |
|
Time |
Second |
s |
|
Electric current |
Ampere |
A |
|
Thermodynamic temperature |
Kelvin2 |
K |
|
Amount of substance |
Mole |
mol |
|
Luminous intensity |
Candela |
cd |
1 "Weight” is often used to mean “mass”.
2 The name “degree kelvin” and the symbol “degK” were declared obsolete
at a 1967 international conference.
SI also includes two supplementary units (see table 2). Radian and steradian are the dimensionless units for the dimensionless quantities plane angle and solid angle, respectively. Units for other quantities are derived from the seven basic and two supplementary units.
Table 2. SI supplementary units
|
Quantity |
SI unit name |
Symbol |
Expression in terms of SI base units |
|
Plane angle |
Radian |
rad |
m·m– 1 =1 |
|
Solid angle |
Steradian |
sr |
m2 ·m– 2 =1 |
Table 3 lists selected SI derived units expressed in terms of base units. Derived units with special names and symbols are listed in table 4. These may be used to express other derived units (see table 5). The two supplementary units may also be used to express derived units (see table 6).
The 16 prefixes used to create multiples and submultiples of SI units are listed in table 7. Since multiple prefixes cannot be used, these prefixes are used with gram (g), but not with kilogram (kg).
A number of units that are not part of SI are widely used, especially in the United States. Those which are considered acceptable for use with SI in the US are listed in table 8. A conversion table for SI units is provided in table 9.
Table 3. Selected SI derived units expressed in terms of base units
|
Quantity |
SI unit name |
Symbol |
|
Area |
Square metre |
m2 |
|
Volume |
Cubic metre |
m3 |
|
Speed, velocity |
Metre per second |
m/s |
|
Acceleration |
Metre per second squared |
m/s2 |
|
Wave number |
Reciprocal metre |
m– 1 |
|
Density, mass density |
Kilogram per cubic metre |
kg/m3 |
|
Specific volume |
Cubic metre per kilogram |
m3/kg |
|
Current density |
Ampere per square metre |
A/m2 |
|
Magnetic field strength |
Ampere per metre |
A/m |
|
Concentration (of amount of substance) |
mole per cubic metre |
mol/m3 |
|
Luminance |
Candela per square metre |
cd/m2 |
Table 4. SI derived units with special names
|
Quantity |
SI unit name |
Symbol |
Expression in terms |
|
Frequency |
Hertz |
Hz |
s– 1 |
|
Force |
Newton |
N |
m·kg/s2 |
|
Pressure, stress |
Pascal |
Pa |
N/m2 |
|
Energy, work, quantity of heat |
Joule |
J |
N·m |
|
Power, radiant flux |
Watt |
W |
J/s |
|
Electric charge, quantity of electricity |
Coulumb |
C |
s·A |
|
Electric potential, potential difference, electromotive force |
Volt |
V |
W/A |
|
Capacitance |
Farad |
F |
C/V |
|
Electric resistance |
Ohm |
Omega |
V/A |
|
Electric conductance |
Siemens |
S |
A/V |
|
Magnetic flux |
Weber |
Wb |
V·s |
|
Magnetic flux density |
Tesla |
T |
Wb/m2 |
|
Inductance |
Henry |
H |
Wb/A |
|
Celsius temperature1 |
Degree Celsius |
C |
K |
|
Luminous flux |
Lumen |
lm |
cd·sr |
|
Activity (of a radionuclide) |
Becquerel |
Bq |
s– 1 |
|
Absorbed dose, specific energy imparted, kerma, absorbed dose index |
Gray |
Gy |
J/kg |
|
Dose equivalent, dose equivalent index |
Sievert |
Sv |
J/kg |
1 In addition to the thermodynamic temperature (T) expressed in kelvins (see table 105.1), Celsius
temperature (t) is also used and is defined by the equation t = T – T0 where T0 = 273.15 K by
definition. The unit “degree Celsius”, which is equal to the unit “kelvin”, is used to express Celsius
temperature. Here, the term “degree Celsius” is a special name substituted for “kelvin”.
However, a difference or interval of Celsius temperature can be expressed in either kelvins
or degrees Celsius.
Table 5. Examples of SI derived units expressed with special names
|
Quantity |
SI unit name |
Symbol |
|
Dynamic viscosity |
Pascal second |
Pa·s |
|
Moment of force |
Newton metre |
N·m |
|
Surface tension |
Newton per metre |
N/m |
|
Heat flux density, irradiance |
Watt per square metre |
W/m2 |
|
Heat capacity, entropy |
Joule per kelvin |
J/K |
|
Specific heat capacity, specific entropy |
Joule per kilogram kelvin |
J/(kg·K) |
|
Specific energy |
Joule per kilogram |
J/kg |
|
Thermal conductivity |
Watt per metre kelvin |
W/(m·K) |
|
Energy density |
Joule per cubic metre |
J/m3 |
|
Electric field strength |
Volt per metre |
V/m |
|
Electric charge density |
Coulomb per cubic metre |
C/m3 |
|
Electric flux density |
Coulomb per square metre |
C/m2 |
|
Permittivity |
Farad per metre |
F/m |
|
Permeability |
Henry per metre |
H/m |
|
Molar energy |
Joule per metre |
J/mol |
|
Molar entropy, molar heat capacity |
Joule per mole kelvin |
J/(mol·K) |
|
Exposure (x and gamma rays) |
Coulomb per kilogram |
C/kg |
|
Absorbed dose rate |
Gray per second |
Gy/s |
Table 6. Examples of SI derived units formed with supplementary units
|
Quantity |
SI unit name |
Symbol |
|
Angular velocity |
Radian per second |
rad/s |
|
Angular acceleration |
Radian per second squared |
rad/s2 |
|
Radiant intensity |
Watt per steradian |
W/sr |
|
Radiance |
Watt per square metre steradian |
W/(m2·sr) |
Table 7. SI prefixes
|
Factor |
Prefix |
Symbol |
|
1018 |
exa |
E |
|
1015 |
peta |
P |
|
1012 |
tera |
T |
|
109 |
giga |
G |
|
106 |
mega |
M |
|
103 |
kilo |
k |
|
102 |
hecto |
h |
|
101 |
deka |
da |
|
10- 1 |
deci |
d |
|
10- 2 |
centi |
c |
|
10- 3 |
milli |
m |
|
10- 6 |
micro |
μ |
|
10- 9 |
nano |
n |
|
10- 12 |
pico |
p |
|
10- 15 |
femto |
f |
|
10- 18 |
atto |
a |
Table 8. Units in use with SI
|
Name |
Symbol |
Value in SI unit |
|
Minute (time) |
min |
1 min = 60 s |
|
Hour |
h |
1 h = 60 min = 3,600 s |
|
Day |
d |
1 d = 24 h = 86,400 s |
|
Degree (angle) |
|
1 = (pi/180) rad |
|
Minute (angle) |
|
1 = (1/60) = (pi/10,800) rad |
|
Second (angle) |
|
1 = (1/60) = (pi/648,000) rad |
|
Litre |
l1 |
1 l = 1 dm3 = 10– 3 m3 |
|
Tonne2 |
t |
1 t = 103 kg |
|
Hectare (land area) |
ha |
1 ha = 1 hm2 = 104 m2 |
|
Electronvolt3 |
eV |
1 eV = 1.602 18 x 10– 19 J |
|
Unified atomic mass unit3 |
u |
1 u = 1.660 54 x 10– 27 kg |
1 Both “l” and “L” are accepted as symbols for litre.
2 In some countries, such as the United States, “metric ton” is used instead of “tonne”.
3 The values of these units in SI units are not known exactly; the values must be obtained
through experiment. The electronvolt is the kinetic energy acquired by an electron passing
through a potential difference of 1 volt in a vacuum. The unified atomic mass unit equals 1/12 of
the mass of the atom of the nuclide 12C.
Table 9. Conversion of non-SI units to SI units
|
From/to |
To/from |
Multiply by/divide by |
|
Inch (in) |
m |
2.54 x 10– 2 |
|
Feet (ft) |
m |
0.3048 |
|
Square inch (in2 ) |
m2 |
6.4516 x 10– 4 |
|
Square foot (ft2 ) |
m2 |
9.2903 x 10– 2 |
|
Cubic inch (in3 ) |
m3 |
1.638 71 x 10– 5 |
|
Cubic foot (ft3 ) |
m3 |
2.831 68 x 10– 2 |
|
Litre (l) |
m3 |
10– 3 |
|
Gallon (gal) |
m3 |
4.546 09 x 10– 3 |
|
Mile/hour (mi hr– 1 ) |
m s– 1 |
0.477 04 |
|
Kilometre/hour (km hr– 1 ) |
m s– 1 |
0.277 78 |
|
Pound (lb) |
kg |
0.453 592 |
|
Gram/cm3 (g cm– 3 ) |
kg m– 3 |
103 |
|
Pound/in3 |
kg m– 3 |
2.767 99 x 104 |
|
mmHG |
Pa |
133.322 |
|
Atmosphere (atm) |
Pa |
1.013 25 x 105 |
|
Horsepower (hp) |
W |
745.7 |
|
erg |
J |
10– 7 |
|
Electronvolt (eV) |
J |
1.602 10 x 10– 19 |
|
Kilowatt-hour (kW hr) |
J |
3.6 x 106 |
|
Calorie (cal) |
J |
4.1868 |
|
Dyne |
N |
10– 5 |
|
kgf |
N |
9.806 65 |
|
Poundal |
N |
0.138 255 |
|
lbf |
N |
4.448 22 |
Acknowledgement: The information in the tables is based primarily on data from the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
Abbreviations and Acronyms
The following abbreviations and acronyms are used in this Encyclopaedia, but the list is not exhaustive. Chemical abbreviations, for example, are not given here. Standard abbreviations for journal names are not listed. The international system of units of measurements and its abbreviations are outlined in a separate section of this chapter.
A - B - C - D - E - F - G - H - I - J - K - L - M - N - O - P - Q - R - S - T - U - V - W - X - Y - Z
A
AA Alcoholics Anonymous
AAA Academics and Workers Action in Denmark
AAAS American Association for the Advancement of Science
AAO American Academy of Otolaryngology
AARP American Association of Retired Persons
AAS Atom absorption spectroscopy
ABP Androgen binding protein
ABRIE General Business Investigation and Risk Inventory and Evaluation
ABS Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene
AC Alternating current
ACE Angiotensin converting enzyme
ACFTU All-China Confederation of Trade Unions
ACGIH American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists
ACHE Acetylcholinesterase
ACOG American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
ACS American Cancer Society
ACS American Chemical Society
ACTH Adrenocorticotropic hormones
ACTU Australian Council of Trade Unions
ADA Americans with Disabilities Act
ADH Anti-diuretic hormone
ADI Acceptable daily intake
ADR European Agreement Concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road
AEC Atomic Energy Commission (US)
AEL Accessible emission limits
AFA Association of Flight Attendants
AFB Acid-fast bacilli
AFFF Aqueous film-forming foam
AFL-CIO American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations
AFNOR Association française de normalisation
AFSCME American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees
AGI All-glass impingers
AGR Advanced gas-cooled reactors
AHA American Hospital Association
AHCPR Agency for Health Care Policy and Research
AI Alveolar-interstitial
AI Artificial insemination
AIA Asbestos International Association
AIA Aerospace Industries Association
AIChE American Institute of Chemical Engineers
AIDS Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
AISI American Iron and Steel Institute
ALA Aminolaevulinic acid
ALA-D Aminolaevulinic acid dehydratase
ALARA As low as reasonably achievable
ALASEHT Latino-American Association of Occupational Safety and Hygiene
ALA-U Delta-aminolaevulinic acid in urine
ALI Annual limits on intake
ALL Acute lymphocytic leukaemia
ALM Acral lentiginous me
AM Amplitude modulation
AMD Occupational Medical Service
AML Acute myelocytic leukaemia
AMS Acute mountain sickness
ANA Antinuclear antibodies
ANFO Ammonium nitrate fuel oil
ANLL Acute non-lymphocytic leukaemia
ANSI American National Standards Institute
AOEC Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics
APA American Psychiatric Association
APA American Psychological Association
APEC Asian Pacific Economic Cooperation
APELL Awareness and preparedness for emergencies at local level
APF Association des paralysés de France
APF Assigned protection factor
APHA American Public Health Association
APHIS Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
API American Petroleum Institute
APPR Army package power reactor
APR Accident prevention regulation
ARDS Acute respiratory distress syndrome
ARET Accelerated Reduction/ Elimination of Toxics
AS Australian Standard
ASA American Society of Anesthetists
ASEAN Association of Southeast Asian Nations
ASHRAE American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-conditioning Engineers
ASL Angiosarcoma of the liver
ASP Amnesic shellfish poisoning
ASSE American Society of Safety Engineers
ASSTAS Association pour la santé et la sécurité du travail, secteur affaires sociales
AST Above-ground storage tankage
ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials
ATA Alaska Trappers Association
ATBC Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta-Carotene
ATM Automatic teller machines
ATS American Thoracic Society
ATSDR Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
ATV All-terrain vehicle
AUC Area under the curve
AUDIT Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test
AWT Computer’s feedback on the average time workers take processing each customer call
B
BACT Best available control technology
BAD Occupational Medical Service of the Berufsgenossenschaften
BAEP Brainstem auditory potentials
BAL British anti-Lewisite
BAL Bronchoalveolar lavage
BAT Biological tolerance value
BAU German federal safety institute
BBP Bloodborne pathogens
BC Before Christ
BCF Bulked continuous filament
BCG Bacille of Calmette and Guérin
BEI Biological exposure index
BEIR Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation
BG The German Berufsgenossenschaften
BGMG Berufsgenossenschaften Measuring System Hazardous Substances
BGW Berufsgenossenschaft für Gesundheitsdienst und Wohlfahrtspflege
BIA Berufsgenossenschaften Association and their Institute for Occupational Safety
BL Biosafety Level
BLDSC British Library Document Supply Centre
BLEVE Boiling liquid expanding vapour explosion
BLS Bureau of Labor Statistics (US)
BM Behaviour modification
BMD Benchmark dose
BMI Body mass index
BMP Best Management Practice
BMRC British Medical Research Council
BNA Bureau of National Affairs (US)
BOD Biochemical oxygen demand
BOF Basic oxygen furnace
BP British Petroleum
BPPV Benign positional paroxysmal vertigo
BPR Business process reengineering
BRF Basic risk factors
BRI Building-related illness
BRS Bortner Rating Scale
BS British Standard
BSE Bovine spongiform encephalopathy
BSI British Standards Institute
BTPS Body temperature and ambient pressure
BUPA British United Provident Association
C
CAD Computer-aided design
CAL Chronic airflow limitation
CAM Continuous air monitors
CAM Chorioallantoic membrane
CAM Computer-aided manufacturing
CAMAC Computer Assisted Measurement and Control Association
CAMP Cyclical adenosinm onophosphate
CAT Computerized axial tomography
CATI Computer-aided telephone interview
CBA Cost benefit analysis
CBC Complete blood count
CBV Central blood volume
CC Closing capacity
CCHF Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever
CCITT Comité consultatif international des organisations téléphoniques et télégraphiques
CCOHS Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
CCPS Center for Chemical Process Safety
CD Committee draft
CD-ROM Compact Disc- Read Only Memory
CDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US)
CDT Cumulative trauma disorders
CE European Community
CEA Cost effectiveness analysis
CEC Commission of European Communities
CEDAW United Nations Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women in All Its Forms
CEFIC European Council of Chemical Manufacturers’ Federations
CEI Cumulative exposure index
CEIC Canada Employment and Immigration Commission
CEN European Committee for Standardization
CENELEC Comité européen de normalisation électrotechnique
CENTC European Community Standard
CEO Chief executive officer
CEPA Canadian Environmental Protection Act
CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research
CET Corrected Effective Temperature
CETG United Nations Committee of Experts on Transport of Dangerous Goods
CF Complement fixation
CFR Case-fatality rate
CFRT Converted floating roof tank
CFST Federal Commission of Coordination
CFU Colony-forming units
CHD Coronary heart disease
CI Confidence interval
CIBC International Council of Building Research
CIBSE Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers
CIE Commission internationale de l’éclairage
CIM Computer-integrated manufacturing
CIMAS International Conference of Sickness Insurance Funds and Mutual Benefit Societies
CIOMS Council for International Organizations of Medical Sciences
CIP Cleaning-in-place
CIRA International Committee for the Reglementation of Lifts
CIS International Occupational Safety and Health Information Centre
CISMID Centro Peruano Japonés de Investigaciones Sísmicas y Mitigación de Desastres
CIVD Cold-induced vasodilatation
CJD Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease
CLL Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
CMA Cost minimization analysis
CMA Chemical Manufacturers Association
CMEA Council for Mutual Economic Assistance
CML Chronic myelocytic leukaemia
CMS Chronic mountain sickness
CNA Caisse nationale suisse d’assurance en cas d’accidents
CNAM Conservatoire national des arts et métiers
CNC Computer numeric control
CNC Computer-assisted numerical control system
CNC Computer numerical controlled
CNG Compressed natural gas
CNS Central nervous system
CNSLD Chronic non-specific lung disease
COA Canada-Ontario Agreement
COD Chemical oxygen demand
COHSE Confederation of Health Service Employees
COLREG Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea
COPD Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
COPRO Coproporphyrin
COPRO-U Coproporphyrin in urine
CORD Center for Occupational Research and Development
COSH Committees on Occupational Safety and Health
COTOREP Commission technique d’orientation et de réinsertion professionnelle
CPAF Cost plus award fee and production
CPC Chemical-protective clothing
CPDB Carcinogen potency database
CPFF Cost plus fixed fee
CPIAS Permanent International Committee on Social Insurance
CPR Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
CPS Cancer Prevention Study
CPSC Consumer Product Safety Commission
CPTED Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design
CPU Central processing unit
CQI Continuous quality improvement
CRT Cathode ray tub
CRU Customer replaceable units
CSCL Chemical Substances Control Law
CSD Commission on Sustainable Development
CSF Cerebrospinal fluid
CSHES Centres for State Hygienic and Epidemiological Supervision
CSO Canadian Standards Organization
CT Computed tomography
CTD Cumulative trauma disorders
CTM Mexican Confederation of Workers
CTS Carpal tunnel syndrome
CUA Cost utility analysis
CV Constant volume
CVD Cardiovascular diseases
CVD Chemical vapour deposition
CVI Chemical vapour infiltration
CWP Coal workers’ pneumoconiosis
D
DALY Disability adjusted life year
DAST Drug Abuse Screening Test
DBMS Database management system
DBP Diastolic blood pressure
DC Direct current
DF Defence
DFG Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
DG Directorate General
DHC Double-hand controls
DI De-ionized
DIC Disseminated intra-vascular coagulation
DIESAT Network of Science Shops in the Netherlands
DIN German Institute for Normalization
DIP Dual-in-line package
DIPF Diffuse and progressive interstitial fibrosis
DIS Draft International Standard
DISTAT United Nations Disability Statistics Compendium
DKFZ German Cancer Research Center
DLCO Decreased carbon monoxide diffusing capacity
DLE Duration-limited exposures
DLPW Department of Labour Protection and Welfare
DNA Deoxyribonucleic acid
DOE Department of Energy (US)
DOK-MEGA Documentation for Measurement Data on Hazardous Substances in the Workplace (German)
DOL Department of Labor (US)
DOT Directly observed therapy
DOV Days from ovulation
DRG Diagnosis-related grouping
DS Data sheet
DSM Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (APA)
DSP Diarrhoetic shellfish poisoning
E
E/E/PE Electro-mechanical, electronic and programmable electronic
EA Environmental assessment
EAA Extrinsic allergic alveolitis
EAEC European Atomic Energy Community
EAF Electric arc furnace
EAP Employee assistance programme
EC Executive Committee
EC50 Effective concentration for 50%
ECA Epidemiological Catchment Area
ECCS Emergency core cooling system
ECD European Commission Directive
ECD Electron capture detector
ECETOC European Chemical Industry Ecology-Toxicology Research Centre
ECG Electrocardiogram
ECLAC Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean
ECO Pan-American Centre for Human Ecology and Health
ECOSOC Economic and Social Council
ECSC European Coal and Steel Community Treaty
ECTU European Confederation of Trade Unions
ECU European Social Charter
ECVAM European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods
EDXA Energy dispersive x-ray analysis
EEC European Economic Commission
EEC European Economic Community
EEC European Economic Council
EEG Electroencephalogram
EEO Equal employment opportunity
EEOC Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (US)
EER Equilibrium equivalent of radon
EFQM European Foundation for Quality Management
EFRT External floating roof tanks
EFTA European Free Trade Association
EGF Epidermal growth factor
EHC Environmental Health Criteria
EHS Environmental health and safety
EIA Environmental impact assessment
EIS Environmental impact statement
EKG (German) Electrocardiogram
EL Exposure limits
ELF Extremely low frequency
ELISA Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
EM Electromagnetic
EMC Electromagnetic compatibility
EMF Electromagnetic field
EMG Electromyography
EMI Electromagnetic interference
EMS Environmental management system
EMT Emergency medical technicians
EN European Norms (Standard)
ENG Electroneurography
EOG Electro-oculographic
EP Evoked potentials
EPA Environmental Protection Agency (US)
EPM Electronic performance monitoring
EPRI Electric Power Research Institute
ER Endoplasmic reticulum
ERC Educational Resource Program
EREMP Emergency Radiological Environmental Monitoring Programme
ERG Eastern Research Group
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
ES Emergency stop
ESA-IRS European Space Agency’s Information Retrieval System
ESCAP Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific
ESD Emergency shut-down valves
ET Environmental technology
ET Effective temperature
ETS Environmental tobacco smoke
ETSI European Telecommunication Standards Institute
EU European Union
F
FAO Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations
FBR Fast breeder reactors
FCAW Flux core arc welding
FCC Fluid catalytic cracking
FCI Freezing cold injuries
FDIS Final Draft International Standard
FDP Fibrin degradation products
FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency (US)
FEP Free erythrocyte protoporphyrin
FEV1 Forced expiratory volume in 1 second
FFP Firm fixed price
FFPAF Firm fixed price award fee
FFR Fume formation rate
FGR Fume generation rate
FID Flame ionization detector
FIET International Federation of Commercial, Clerical and Technical Employees
FIFRA Federal Insecticide Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (US)
FINNIDA Finnish International Development Agency
FM Frequency modulation
FMEA Failure mode and effect analysis
FO Objective fit
FOPS Falling-object protective structures
FPA Fire Protection Association
FPHS Farmers’ Preventive Health Service
FRC Functional residual capacity
FREM Fire risk evaluation method
FRG Federal Republic of Germany
FRPP Flame-resistant polypropylene
FRS Call restraint system
FS Subjective fit
FSH Follicle stimulating hormone
FTAS Framingham Type A Scale
FTP File transfer protocols
G
GAG Glycosaminoglycan
GATT General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade
GDP Gross domestic product
GDR German Democratic Republic
GEENET Global Environmental Epidemiology Network
GEMS Generic error modelling system
GEMS/Food Joint UNEP/FAO/WHO Food Contamination Monitoring Programme
GFI Ground fault interrupter
GFT General failure types
GHG Greenhouse gases
GIFAP International Group of National Associations of Agrochemical Manufacturers
GISBAU Gefahrstoff-Informationssystem der Berufsgenossenschaften der Bauwirtschaft
GIT Gastrointestinal tract
GLP Good laboratory practice
GLR Gas cooled reactors
GLSP Good large-scale practice
GLWQA Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement
G-M Geiger-Mueller
GC Gas chromatography
GMAW Gas metal arc welding
GMO Genetically manipulated organism
GMP Good manufacturing practice
GNP Gross national product
GOST State standards on occupational health and safety in the Russian Federation
GRP Glass-reinforced plastics
H
HAP Hazardous air pollutants
HASS Home Accident Surveillance System
HAV Hand-arm vibration
HAV Hepatitis A virus
HAVS Hand-arm vibration syndrome
HAZMAT Hazardous materials
HAZOP Hazard and operability studies
HBIG Hepatitis B immune globulin
HBsAg Hepatitis B surface antigen
HBV Hepatitis B virus
HCC Hepatocellular carcinoma
HCG Human chorionic gonadotrophins
HCIM Human and computer-integrated manufacturing
HCL Health care leader
HCP Hearing conservation programmes
HCS Hazard Communication Standard
HCT Health care trainers
HCV Hepatitis C virus
HCW Health care worker
HD Hodgkin’s disease
HDL High density lipoproteins
HDV Hepatitis D virus
HEG Homogeneous exposure groups
HEPA High efficiency particulate air filters
HEPA High-efficiency particulate attenuator
HEPS Health and Epidemic Prevention Station
HFRS Haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome
HG Highest grade
HHS Hypothenar hammer syndrome
HID High-intensity discharge
HIP Hazard identification process
HIP Hot isostatic pressing
HiPox High-pressure oxidation
HIV Human-immunodeficiency virus
HMO Health maintenance organization
HMTRI Hazardous Materials Training and Research Institute
HP Hypersensitivity pneumonitis
HPD Hearing protection devices
HPLC High-performance liquid chromatography
HPP Health promotion and prevention
HPP Health protection and promotion
HPS Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome
HR Heart rate
HR Highly recommended
HRA Health risk appraisal
HRCT High resolution computer tomography
HRDI Human Resources Development Institute
HRGC High-resolution capillary columns
HRM Human resources management
HRT Hormone replacement therapy
HSDIP Hygienic standards for design of industrial premises
HSE Health and Safety Executive (UK)
HSEES Hazardous Substances Emergency Events Surveillance
HSI Heat Stress Index
HV High voltage
HVAC Heating, ventilation and air-conditioning
HVBG Central Federation of the Berufsgenossenschaften
HVL Half-value layer
HVLP High volume, low pressure
HVR Hypoxic ventilatory response
HVT Half-value thickness
HWE Healthy worker effect
I
IAAMRH International Association on Agricultural Medicine and Rural Health
IACRS Inter-Agency Committee on Radiation Safety
IAEA International Atomic Energy Association
IALI International Association of Labour Inspection
IAM International Association of Machinists
IAMAW International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers
IAOP International Association of Outplacement Professionals
IAQ Indoor air quality
IARC International Agency for Research on Cancer
IAS Institute for Occupational and Social Medicine
IASC Inter-American Safety Council
IATA International Air Transport Association
IBC Institutional Biosafety Committee
IBC Individual bulk containers
IBE International Bureau for Epilepsy
IBM International Business Machines
IBS Irritable bowel syndrome
ICAO International Civil Aviation Organization
ICC International Chambers of Commerce
ICC Intraclass correlation coefficient
ICCA International Council of Chemical Associations
ICCVAM Interagency Coordinating Committee for the Validation of Alternative Methods
ICD International Classification of Disease
ICE Interleukin converting enzyme
ICEF International Federation of Chemical, Energy and General Workers’ Union
ICEM International Confederation of Chemical, Energy, Mine and General Workers’ Union
ICESCR International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
ICFTU International Confederation of Free Trade Unions
ICI Industrial, commercial and institutional
ICIDH International Classification of Impairments, Disabilities and Handicaps
ICIE International Centre for Industry and the Environment
ICME International Council on Metals and the Environment
ICN International Council of Nurses
ICNIRP International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection
ICOH International Commission on Occupational Health
ICRP International Commission on Radiological Protection
ICSU International Council of Scientific Union
ICTU Irish Congress of Trade Unions
ICWU International Chemical Workers Union
I-E Internal-external
IC Integrated circuit
ID Inside diameter
IDB Inter-American Development Bank
IDC Industrially developing country
IDLH Immediately dangerous to life and health
IDNDR United Nations International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction
IDPIS Integrated Drug and Poison Information Service (Thailand)
IDV Indinavir
IEA International Ergonomics Association
IEC International Electrotechnical Commission
IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers
IES Illuminating Engineering Society
IFB Invitation for bid
IFBWW International Federation of Building and Wood Workers
IFIESR International Foundation for Industrial Ergonomics and Safety Research
IFRCRCS International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
IFSG International Fiber Safety Group
IGO Intergovernmental organizations
IHD Ischaemic heart disease
IHEA International Hunter Education Association
IILS International Institute for Labour Studies
IISI International Iron and Steel Institute
IJC International Joint Commission
IJOEH International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health
IL2 Interleukin-2
ILC International Labour Conference
ILCOS International Lamp Coding System
ILGWU International Ladies Garment Workers Union
ILO International Labour Organization
ILO International Labour Office
IMDG International Maritime Dangerous Goods
IMIS Integrated Management Information System
IMO International Maritime Organization
IMV Index of median values
INES International nuclear events scale
INH Isoniazid
INIRC/IRPA International Committee for Non-Ionizing Radiation of the International Radiation Protection Association
IOCC Inter-Organization Coordinating Committee
IOCU International Organization of Consumers Unions
IOE International Employers Organization
IOHA International Occupational Hygiene Association
IOM Institute of Occupational Medicine
IOM/CAPM Institute of Occupational Medicine, Chinese Academy of Preventive Medicine
IOMC Inter-Organization Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals
IPAI International Primary Aluminum Institute
IPCC Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
IPCS International Programme on Chemical Safety
IPEC International Programme on the Elimination of Child Labour
IPEET Inter-American Partnership for Environmental Education and Training
IPM Integrated pest management
IPM Inhalable particulate mass
IPM Inspirable particulate mass
IQ Intelligence quotient
IR Ionizing radiation
IR Infrared radiation
IRB Institutional Review Board
IREQ Calculated required insulation value
IRPA International Radiation Protection Association
IRPTC International Register of Potentially Toxic Chemicals
IRR Infrared radiation
IRSST Institute for Occupational Health and Safety Research (Quebec, Canada)
IS International Standard
ISA International Standards Association
ISA Instrument Society of America
ISBN International Standard Book Number
ISCO International Standard Classification of Occupations
ISIC International Standard Industrial Classification
ISO International Organization for Standardization
ISRS International Safety Rating System
ISSA International Social Security Association
ISSA International Safety and Security Association
ITQ Individual transferable quota
ITS Index of thermal stress
ITV Interactive television
IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources-World Conservation Union
IUD Intrauterine contraceptive device
IUPAC International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry
IVP Intravenous pyelogram
IWC International Whaling Commission
J
JAS Jenkins Activity Survey
JECFA Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives
JISHA Japan Industrial Safety and Health Association
JIT Just-in-time production
JMA Japan Medical Association
JMPR Joint FAO/WHO Meeting on Pesticide Residues
JPCG Joint Presidents Coordinating Group
JPG Joint Presidents Group
JSOH Japan Society for Occupational Health
K
KSA Knowledge, skills and abilities
L
LADAPT Ligue pour l’adaptation des diminués physiques au travail
LAMP Lakewide management plan
LAN Local area network
LBP Low-back pain
LBW Low birth weight
LCA Life-cycle assessments
LCD Liquid crystal display
LCI Life-cycle inventory
LCM Lymphocytic choriomeningitis
LD Linz-Donowitz
LD50 Lethal dose –50%
LDH Lactate dehydrogenase
LDL Low density lipoproteins
LEC Low-pressure liquid encapsulated Czochralski
LED Light-emitting diodes
LEL Lower explosive limits
LET Linear energy transfer
LEV Local exhaust ventilation
LFL Lower flammable limits
LH Luteinizing hormone
LHD Load-haul-dump
LI Lifting index
LISREL Weight-least squares statistical analysis procedure
LIUNA Laborers International Union of North America
LMC Landell Mills Commodities
LMFBR Liquid metal fast breeder reactors
LMM Lentigo malignant melanomas
LNG Liquefied natural gas
LOAEL Lowest observed adverse effect level
LOC Locus of control
LOEL Lowest observable effect level
LOSC Montego Bay Convention on the Law of the Sea
LP Liquid petroleum
LPE Liquid-phase epitaxy
LPG Liquefied petroleum gas
LPN Licensed practical nurse
LSF Low smoke and fire
LSF Low-solids flux
LTA Less than adequate
LTT Lymphocyte transformation test
LVD Low Voltage Directive
LWGR Light water graphite reactors
M
MAC Maximum allowable concentrations
MAIM Merseyside Accident Information Model
MAK Maximum workplace concentration
MALT Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue
MAP Membership Assistance Programmes
MARPOL London Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter
MAST Michigan Alcohol Screening Test
MAT Mobile access towers
MBA Master of Business Administration
MBE Molecular-beam epitaxy
MCM Million cubic metres
MCQ Multiple-choice questions
MCS Multiple chemical sensitivities
MCV Mean corpuscular volume
MD Machinery Directive
MDF Medium-density fibreboard
MDT Multidisciplinary teams
MED Minimal erythemal dose
MEQ Modified essay questions
MERCOSUR Southern Market —Mercado Común del Sur
MeV Million electron volts
MFF Metal fume fever
MG Mean grade
MGP Manufactured gas plant
MHC Mental health counsellors
MHW Ministry of Health and Welfare
MI Mineral insulated
MIE Minimal ignition energy
MIG Metal inert gas
MIS Management information system
MITI Ministry of International Trade and Industry
ML Maximum levels
MLSS Mixed liquor suspended solids
MM Multiple myeloma
MM Maintenance management
MMC Metal-matrix composites
MMF Man-made mineral fibres
MMH Manual materials handling
MMPI Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Index
MMR Measles-mumps-rubella
MMVF Man-made vitreous fibres
MN Micronuclei
MNC Multinational corporations
MOA Ministry of Agriculture
MOCVD Metallorganic chemical-vapour deposition
MOIA Ministry of Industrial Administration
MOL Ministry of Labour
MOPH Ministry of Public Health
MOR Mortality odds ratio
MORT Management Oversight and Risk Tree
MPD Minimum premarketing set of data
MPPD Maximum Probable Property Damage
MPS Mononuclear phagocyte system
MR Magnetic resonance
MRC Medical Research Council
MRC Metallic replacement cartridges
MRF Material recycling facilities
MRI Magnetic resonance imaging
MRL Maximum residue levels
MS Mainstream smoke
MSD Motion Sickness Dose Value
MSDS Material safety data sheet
MSF Manufacturing-Science-Finance
MSHA Mine Safety and Health Administration
MSI Musculoskeletal injuries
MSW Municipal solid waste
MTBF Mean time between failures
MTBM Mean time between maintenance
MTD Maximum tolerated dose
MTF Modulation transfer function
MUB Molasses urea block
MVC Maximal voluntary capacity
MVK Moolgavkar-Venzon-Knudson
MVLC Maximal voluntary lifting capacity
MVOC Microbial volatile organic compounds
MWe Megawatts of electric power
MWL Mental workload
MWR Megawatts of refrigeration
N
NA Negative affectivity
NADH Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide
NAEP National Asthma Education Program
NAFTA North American Free Trade Agreement
NAS National Academy of Science (US)
NASA National Aeronautics and Space Administration (US)
NASA-TLX NASA Task Load Index
NATO North Atlantic Treaty Organization
NBC Nuclear, biological, chemical
NBR Non-specific bronchial responsiveness
NC Nutrition counsellors
NC Numerically controlled
NC Numerical control
NCHS National Center for Health Statistics (US)
NCI National Cancer Institute (US)
NCODD National Committee on Occupational Disease Diagnosis
NCODPT National Centre for Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment
NCOHR National Centre of Occupational Health Reporting
NCRP National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements
NCTB Neurobehavioral Core Test Battery
NCV Nerve conduction velocity
NDIR Non-dispersive infrared detectors
NEETC National Environmental Education and Training Center, Inc.
NEG Nordic Expert Group
NEPA National Environmental Policy Act
NES Neurobehavioral Evaluation System
NESC National Electrical Safety Code
NESHAP Aerospace National Emission Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants
NFCI Non-freezing cold injuries
NFPA National Fire Protection Association (US)
NGO Non-governmental organization
NHANES National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
NHIS National Health Interview Survey
NHL Non-Hodgkins lymphoma
NHS National Health Service
NHZ Nominal hazard zone
NIC Newly industrialized countries
NICE National Institute for the Improvement of Working Conditions and Environment
NIEHS National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences
NIH National Institutes of Health (US)
NIHG National Institutes of Health Guidelines (US)
NIHL Noise-induced hearing loss
NIMBY Not in my back yard
NIMH National Institute for Mental Health
NIOSH National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (US)
NiPERA Nickel Producers Evironmental Research Association
NIPTS Noise-induced permanent threshold shift
NIR Non-ionizing radiation
NK Natural killer [cell]
NM Nodular melanomas
NMR Nuclear magnetic resonance
NMSC Non-melanocytic skin cancers
NMWCC National Maximum Workplace Concentration Committee
NOAEL No observed adverse effect level
NOEL No observable effect level
NOES National Occupational Exposure Surveys
NP Nasopharyngeal
NPD Nitrogen and phosphorus detector
NPP Nuclear power plant
NPRI National Pollutant Release Inventory
NR Not recommended
NR Noise reduction
NRC National Research Council (US)
NRL Natural rubber latex
NRPB National Radiological Protection Board
NRR Noise Reduction Rating
NSAID Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
NSC National Safety Council (US)
NSCLC Non-small cell lung cancer
NSD National Safety Day
NSF National Science Foundation
NTCHS National Technical Committee of Hygienic Standards
NTIS National Technical Information Service (US)
NTOF National Traumatic Occupational Fatalities
NUD Non-ulcer dyspepsia
NVOC Non-volatile organic compound
NYC/TLC New York City/Taxi and Limousine Commission
O
OA Occupational asthma
OAAAS Occupational asthma associated with aluminium smelting
OAP Occupationally acquired pneumonia
OARU Occupational Accident Research Unit
OAS Organization of American States
OATUU Organization of African Trade Union Unity
OAU Organization of African Unity
OBM Organization behaviour management
OCD Occupational cervicobrachial disorder
OCP Organochlorine pesticides
OCR Optical character reader
OD Optical densities
ODC Occupational Disease Certification
ODIN Organizational Service for On-going Examinations
ODM Omni Diurnal Model
ODTS Organic dust toxic syndrome
OECD Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development
OECD Organization for Economic and Cultural Development
OEH Occupational and environmental health
OEL Occupational exposure limits
OES Occupational Exposure Standards
OHAS Open hybrid automated system
OHC Occupational health counsellors
OHC Occupational health centres
OHI Occupational health institutions
OHO Occupational health organization
OHPP Occupational health promotion physicians
OILPOL Convention for the Prevention of Pollution of the Sea by Oil
OMB Office of Management and Budget
OMNI Occupational Medicine and Nursing Information
OMVPE Metallorganic chemical-vapour deposition
ONAC Office des anciens combattants
OP Occupational health physician
OPA Occupational disease prevention
OR Odds ratio
ORSE Optimal room surveillance equipment
OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration
OSTP Office of Science and Technology Policy
OTA Office of Technology Assessment
P
P&G Proctor & Gamble
P&ID Process and implementation diagrams
P/I Piping and instrumentation
PAW Plasma-arc welding
P-E Person-environment
PA Positive affectivity
PAH Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon
PAHO Pan-American Health Organization
PAPR Powered air-purifying respirator
PAQ Position analysis questionnaire
PAR Population attributable risk
PAR Parabolic aluminized reflector
PAS Pellenberg Audit System
PB Barometric pressure
PBPK Physiologically based pharmacokinetics
PBX Private branch exchange
PC Personal computer
PC Programmable controller
PCB Polychlorinated biphenyls
PCB Printed circuit board
PCHE Plasma cholinesterase
PCI Pulverized coal injection
PCMR Proportionate cancer mortality ratio
PCR Polymerase chain reaction
PEF Peak expiratory flow
PEL Permissible exposure limits
PEP Post-exposure prophylaxis
PES Programmable Electronic Systems
PET Positron-emission tomography
PETE Partnership for Environmental Technology Education
PFAS Personal fall arrest system
PFD Personal flotation device
PFU Plaque-forming units
PHC Municipal health centres in Finland
PHCW Primary health care workers
PHEL Physiological heat exposure limit
PHS Public Health Service (US)
PHWR Pressurized heavy water reactors
PID Photo-ionization detector
PIRS Passive infrared sensor
PLC Programmable logic controller
PLS Pregnant leach solution
PM Poor metabolizer
PMF Progressive massive fibrosis
PMN Premanufacture notification
PMR Proportional mortality ratio
PMS Premenstrual syndrome
PMV Predicted Mean Vote
PNOC Particulate not otherwise classified
PNS Peripheral nervous system
POAH Pre-optic/anterior hypothalamus
POC Performance operating characteristic
POM Particulate organic matter
POMS Profile of Mood States
POP Persistent organic pollutants
POTW Publicly owned treatment works
PPD Purified protein derivative
PPE Personal protective equipment
PPO Preferred provider organization
PRA Pre-Retirement Association
PRD Product requirements document
PRN Planning of Required Nursing
PROBAS Danish Product Register Data Base
PRV Pressure relief valves
PSA Prostate specific antigen
PSC Probabilistic safety criteria
PSL Priority Substances List
PSP Paralytic shellfish poisoning
PSS Particle size selective
PSS Progressive systemic scleroderma
PTO Power-take-off
PTS Permanent threshold shift
PTSD Post-traumatic stress disorder
PUF Polyurethane foams
PV Pressure-vacuum
PVD Physical vapour deposition
PWB Printed wiring board
PWI Projects with Industry
Q
QALY Quality adjusted life year
QFD Quality function deployment
QR Quick response
QRA Quantified risk assessment
R
R&D Research and development
RAC Recombinant Advisory Committee
RACB Reproductive assessment by continuous breeding
RADS Reactive airway dysfunction syndrome
RAMS Russian Academy of Medical Scientists
RAP Remedial action plan
RAS Relative aerobic strain
RBC Red blood corpuscles
RBE Relative biological effectiveness
RBM Raise boring machines
RBMK Pressure tube large power boiling water reactors
RBMK Power pressure-tube reactor
RCC Renal cell carcinoma
RCT Rational choice theory
RCW Cold weather ration
RDF Refuse derived fuel
rDNA Recombinant DNA
REL Recommended exposure limits
REM Rapid eye movement
RES Reference Energy System
RES Reticuloendothelial system
RFP Request for proposal
R-R Response-response
RA Rosin active
RF Rheumatoid factors
RF Radiofrequency
RfD Reference dose
RFO Reduced-flow orifices
RH Relative humidity
RHR Rate of heat release
RHT Risk homeostasis theory
RID International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Rail
RIE Reactive ion etching
RIF Reduction in force
RMA Rosin mildly active
RNA Ribonucleic acid
RNUR Renault Organization
ROM Run-of-mine
ROPS Rollover protective structures
RPE Rating of perceived exertion
RPM Respirable particulate mass
RR Relative risk
RSI Repetitive strain injury
RT Respiratory tract
RTB Retinol binding protein
RTECS Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances
RTUM Rehabilitation Technology Usability Model
S
SAB Spontaneous abortion
SAE Society of Automotive Engineers
SAG Soviet Wismut Company
SAR Specific absorption rate
SAR Structure-activity relationships
SARA Superfund Act Reauthorization Amendment (US)
SAT Soil-aquifer treatment
SAW Submerged arc welding
SBN Single breath nitrogen
SBP Systolic blood pressure
SBR Styrene-butadiene rubber
SBS Sick building syndrome
SEER Surveillance, epidemiology and end results
S-R Stimulus-response
S-S Stimulus-stimulus
SC Subcommittee
SCAT Special casualty access teams
SCBA Self-contained breathing apparatus
SCE Sister chromatid exchange
SCLC Large cell carcinoma and small cell carcinoma
SCUBA Self-contained underwater breathing apparatus
SD Standard deviation
SDAG Soviet-German Wismut Company
SDI Selective dissemination of information
SDQ Safety Diagnosis Questionnaire
SDWA Safe Drinking Water Act
SE Self-esteem
SEAT Seat effective amplitude transmissibility
SED System ergonomic design
SEIU Service Employees International Union
SELF Ergonomics Society of French-Speaking Countries
SEMI Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International
SEN/slide Single-edge-notched/slide
SET Standard effective temperature
SEU Subjective expected utility
SEZ Special economic zones
SGA Small for gestational age
SI Système international (International system of units of measurements)
SI Structured interview
SIA Semiconductor Industry Association
SIC Standard Industrial Classification
SIDS Sudden infant death syndrome
SIL Safety Integrity Level
SIL Speech interference levels
SkBF Skin blood flow
SLE Systemic lupus erythematosus
SLM Sound level meter
SMAW Shielded metal arc welding
SMC Surface mount components
SME Small- and medium-sized enterprises
SMORT Safety Management and Organization Review Technique
SMP Suspended particulate matter
SMR Standardized Mortality Ratio
SMT Surface mounting technology
SNAP Sensory action potential
SNOMED Systematic Nomenclature of Medicine
SNR Single Number Rating
SOC Sense of coherence
SOGS South Oaks Gambling Screen
SOLAS International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea
SOP Strategic Options Process
SPECT Single photon emission computed tomography
SPES Swedish Performance Evaluation System
SPF Sun protection factor
SPL Sound pressure level
SPM Suspended particulate matter
SPRIA Society for Participatory Research in Asia
SRR Standardized rate ratio
SS Sidestream smoke
SS Suspended solids
SSE Small-scale enterprise
SSM Superficial spreading melanomas
STD Sexually transmitted disease
STEL Short-term exposure limit
STEP Sequentially timed events plotting procedure
SUVA Swiss National Accident Insurance Organization
SUW Solid urban wastes
SV Stroke volume
SV40 Simian virus 40
SVOC Semi-volatile organic compounds
SWORD Surveillance of Work-related Respiratory Disease
SXEW Solvent extraction/ electrowinning process
T
TABP Type A behaviour pattern
TAD Technical Inspection Service
TB Tracheobronchial
TBM Tunnel-boring machine
TBS-GA Tätigkeitsbewertungs System für geistige Arbeit (Task Diagnosis Survey-Mental Work)
TC Technical committees
TCC Transitional cell carcinoma
TCC Thermofor catalytic cracking
THP Total Health Promotion
TI Texas Instruments
TIG Tungsten inert gas
TLC Total lung capacity
TLD Thermoluminescent dosimeters
TLV Threshold limit value
TLV-STEL Threshold limit values- short-term exposure levels
TLV-TWA Threshold limit value-time weighted average
TNF Tumour necrosis factor
TNO Dutch National Technical Institute
TOC Total organic carbon
TOP Technology, organization and personnel
TOS Toxic oil syndrome
TPDA Tellurium-radioiodinated fatty acid
TPM Thoracic particulate mass
TQA Total quality assurance
TQC Total quality control
TQL Total quality leadership
TQM Total quality management
TRGS Technical rules for hazardous substances
TRI Toxic Release Inventory
TSCA Toxic Substances Control Act (US)
TSD Theory of signal detection
TSNA Tobacco-specific nitrosamines
TSP Total suspended particles
TSS Total suspended solids
TST Tuberculin skin test
TTE Total time exposed
TTS Temporary threshold shift
TUC Trades Union Congress (UK)
TUR Toxics use reduction
TUTB European Trade Union Technical Bureau for Occupational Safety and Health
TVL Tenth-value layer
TVOC Total volatile organic compound
TWA Time-weighted average
TWAL Time-weighted average limit
U
UAW United Auto Workers
UDHR Universal Declaration of Human Rights
ULPZ Upper limit of the prescriptive zone
ULV Ultra-low volume
UN United Nations
UNCED United Nations Conference on Environment and Development
UNCETG United Nations Committee of Experts on Transport of Dangerous Goods
UNCHR United Nations Commission on Human Rights
UNCLOS United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea
UNCTAD United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
UNCTC United Nations Centre on Transnational Corporations
UNDP United Nations Development Programme
UNDRO United Nations Disaster Relief Coordinator Office
UNECE United Nations Economic Commission for Europe
UNEP United Nations Environment Programme
UNEP-IRPTC UNEP International Register of Potentially Toxic Chemicals
UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
UNFCCC United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
UNFPA United Nations Fund for Population Activities
UNGA United Nations General Assembly
UNICE Union of Industrial and Employers Confederations of Europe
UNIDO United Nations Industrial Development Organization
UNIPEDE Union internationale des producteurs et distributeurs d’énergie électrique
UNRTDG United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods
UNSCEAR United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation
UOEH University of Occupational and Environmental Health (Japan)
USAID United States Agency for International Development
USBLS United States Bureau of Labor Statistics
USCFR United States Code of Federal Regulations
USDA United States Department of Agriculture
USDHHS United States Department of Health and Human Services
USDOE United States Department of Energy
USDOL United States Department of Labor
USM University Sains Malaysia
USNRC United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission
USOTA United States Office of Technology Assessment
USPHS United States Public Health Services
UST Underground storage tanks
UV Ultraviolet
UVA Ultraviolet radiation-A
UVB Ultraviolet radiation-B
UVC Ultraviolet radiation-C
UVGI Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation
V
VA Visual acuity
VAV Variable volume
VC Vital capacity
VCR Vertical crater retreat
VDT Video display terminal
VDU Visual display unit
VLF Very low frequency
VMT Vehicle mile travelled
VOC Volatile organic compound
VPE Vapour-phase epitaxy
VPP Voluntary protection programme
VVS Vibration-related vasospastic syndrome
VWF Vibration-induced white finger
W
WAA Work-aggravated asthma
WANO World Association of Nuclear Operators
WBC White blood corpuscles
WBGT Wet bulb globe temperature
WC Water closet
WCB Workers’ Compensation Board
WCGS Western Collaborative Group Study
WCI Wind Chill Index
WCL World Confederation of Labour
WCS Workers’ compensation system
WD Working draft
WEF Work Environment Fund (Sweden)
WERC Waste-management Education and Research Consortium
WFTU World Federation of Trade Unions
WG Working group
WGT Wet globe temperature
WHA World Health Assembly
WHIMS Wet high-intensity separator
WHMIS Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (Canada)
WHO World Health Organization
WHPA Well head protection area
WLM Working Level Month
WMA World Medical Association
WRAP Waste Reduction Always Pays
WRMD Work-related musculoskeletal disorder
Y
YMCA Young Men’s Christian Association
Z
ZCTU Zambia Congress of Trade Unions
ZDV Zidovudine
ZeBWis Wismut Central Care Office
ZIGUV Central Information System of the BG
ZPP Zinc protoporphyrin
" DISCLAIMER: The ILO does not take responsibility for content presented on this web portal that is presented in any language other than English, which is the language used for the initial production and peer-review of original content. Certain statistics have not been updated since the production of the 4th edition of the Encyclopaedia (1998)."