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Glossary

SCBA. Self-contained breathing apparatus.

Self-accelerating decomposition temperature (SADT). Self-accelerating decomposition temperature (SADT) means the lowest temperature at which self-accelerating decomposition may occur for a substance in the packaging as used in transport. The self-accelerating decomposition temperature (SADT) should be determined in accordance with the latest version of the United Nations Manual of Tests and Criteria.

Sensitizer. A substance which on first exposure causes little or no reaction but which on repeated exposure may cause a marked response not necessarily limited to the contact site. Skin sensitization is the most common form of sensitization in the industrial setting.

Shipborne barge or barge. Shipborne barge or barge means an independent, non-self propelled vessel, specially designed and equipped to be lifted in a loaded condition and stowed aboard a barge-carrying ship or barge feeder vessel.

Shipment. Shipment means the specific movement of a consignment from origin to destination.

Shipper. Shipper, for the purpose of IMDG Code, has the same meaning as consignor.

Short international voyage. Short international voyage means an international voyage in the course of which a ship is not more than 200 miles from a port or place in which the passengers and crew could be placed in safety. Neither the distance between the last port of call in the country in which the voyage begins and final port of destination nor the return voyage should exceed 600 miles. The final port of destination is the last port of call in the scheduled voyage at which the ship commences its return voyage to the country in which the voyage began.

Short-term exposure limit (STEL). ACGIH-recommended exposure limit. Maximum concentration to which workers can be exposed for a short period of time (15 minutes) for only four times throughout the day with at least one hour between exposures.

Sift-proof packagings. Sift-proof packagings are packagings impermeable to dry contents, including fine solid material produced during transport.

Solid bulk carg. Solid bulk cargo means any material, other than liquid or gas, consisting of a combination of particles, granules or any lager pieces of material, generally uniform in composition, which is loaded directly into the cargo spaces of a ship without any intermediate form of containment (this includes a material loaded in a barge o a barge-carrying ship).

Solid. Solids are dangerous goods, other than gases, that do not meet the definition of liquids in IMDG Code.

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 cleanup 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.

Sorbent. (1) A material that a removes toxic gases and vapors from air inhaled through a canister or cartridge. (2) Material used to collect gases and vapors during air-sampling.

Special category space. Special category space means an enclosed space, above or below deck, intended for the transport of motor vehicles with fuel in their tanks of their own propulsion, into and from which such vehicles can be driven and to which passengers have access.

Specific gravity. The ratio of the mass of a unit volume of a substance to the mass of the same volume of a standard substance at a standard temperature. Water at 4oC (39.2oF) is the standard usually referred to for liquids; for gases, dry air (at the same temperature and pressure as the gas) is often taken as the standard substance. See Density.

Stability. An expression of 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 which may cause instability (dangerous change) are stated. Examples are temperatures above 150oF, shock from dropping.

Synergism. Cooperative action of substances whose total effect is greater than the sum of their separate effects.

Systemic. Spread throughout the body, affecting all body systems and organs, not localized in one spot or area.