Mole-Rule: A term used to describe ridging that appears as a meandering pattern.

Moment (Moment of Force): A measure that represents the rotational effect about a specific axis caused by a force.

Moment Connection: A type of joint connection that transfers shear and moment from a beam to a column.

Mountable Curb: A parking area curb that allows vehicles to travel over it to access areas behind the curb, yet still provides some resistance or barrier.

MSDS: Material Safety Data Sheet.

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity: A term used by some people to refer to a condition in which a person is considered to be sensitive to a number of chemicals at very low concentrations. There are a number of views about the existence, potential causes, and possible remedial actions regarding this phenomenon.

NEC: National Electrical Code (U.S.)

Negative Drainage: A drainage problem where water flows or accumulates in areas where it shouldn't due to the grading.

Negative Pressure: Condition that exists when less air is supplied to a space than is exhausted from the space, so the air pressure within that space is less than that in surrounding areas.

NFPA: National Fire Protection Association

NIOSH: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

Non-Combustible: A substance that will not burn when subjected to fire.

Normal Operating Controls: Devices, such as thermostats, that would be operated by ordinary occupants which require no specialized skill or knowledge.

NTIS: National Technical Information Service

Observations: Those potential items of interest noted by the inspector during the walk-through survey portion of the inspection.

Observe: To visually notice.

Obvious: A condition or fact not likely to be ignored or overlooked.

Occupancy Load: The number of people permitted in a building or space based on the means of egress.

Occupant: Any individual living in, sleeping in, or having possession of a space within a building.

Oil-Canning: A term that describes the distortion of thin-gauge metal panels that are fastened in a manner that restricts normal thermal movement.

Operate: To cause systems to function or turn on with normal operating controls.

Operational: Systems or components capable of being safely operated.

Oral Consultation: A limited visual inspection of specific systems, structures or components of a building where no written report is prepared by the inspector, and the inspector’s findings, opinions, conclusions and recommendations are orally communicated by the inspector to the client.

Orphan: A term used to describe one or more appliances remaining on a flue after others are removed.

OSHA: Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Outdoor Structure: A freestanding or attached structure, such as a deck, porch, balcony, or terrace, that provides occupants or guests with an exterior space designed for its intended use.

Owner: Any person, agent, operator, firm or corporation having a legal or equitable interest in a property.

Packaged Unit: An HVAC system enclosing a heating and cooling system. It is commonly referred to as a rooftop unit or RTU.

Pan Joist Structural System: A type of one-way cast-in-place concrete roof and floor structural system that uses ribbed slabs formed with elongated pans.

Panelboard: A panel, including buses and automatic over-current devices, designed to be placed in a cabinet accessible only from the front.

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