Gasaway Maintenance Company Glossary of Terms

Industrial Glossary: Terms, Materials & Equipment

Understanding the technical language of site maintenance is key to making informed decisions. Below is a comprehensive guide to the terms, chemicals, and equipment used by Gasaway Maintenance Company to ensure the safety and longevity of your property.

A

Agglomerating Chemicals

Specialized dust suppressants designed to bind fine soil particles together. By creating larger, heavier particles, these chemicals prevent dust from becoming airborne, even under heavy traffic or high winds.

Aggregate Particles

The structural foundation of most unpaved surfaces. Aggregates consist of crushed stone, gravel, and sand. When these particles break down due to friction and weather, they create “fines,” which are the primary source of fugitive dust on job sites.

Asphalt

A highly viscous, petroleum-based binder used in road construction. When mixed with aggregate, it creates a strong yet pliable surface capable of withstanding heavy vehicle loads. Also known as bituminous asphalt concrete, it requires regular maintenance to prevent oxidation and cracking.

B

Beet Juice

A high-performance, organic byproduct of beet processing. This liquid is hygroscopic and non-corrosive, making it an eco-friendly alternative for ice melt and dust control. It remains effective at temperatures as low as -16°F and is often blended with chlorides to enhance performance and reduce environmental impact.

Bladder

A heavy-duty, flexible plastic liner used inside industrial totes to store and transport liquids. The bladder is protected by a reinforced metal or plastic outer shell, allowing for easy transport and spill prevention.

C

Carcinogenic Compounds

Substances or matters identified by regulatory bodies like the CDC or OSHA as having the potential to cause cancer. In industrial settings, proper dust control is a primary method for reducing the inhalation of potentially carcinogenic particulate matter.

Catch Basin

A critical component of a parking lot’s drainage system. Typically made of precast concrete, these reservoirs catch surface runoff and channel it into the storm sewer. Maintaining the structural integrity of the catch basin is vital to preventing sinkholes and sub-base erosion.

Chlorides

A category of salts (including Calcium and Magnesium Chloride) commonly used in the Midwest for both winter de-icing and summer dust suppression. They work by lowering the freezing point of water or absorbing atmospheric moisture to stabilize soil.

Coal Tar Emulsion

An industrial-grade sealant used in sealcoating to protect asphalt from UV rays, oil spills, and water penetration. Regular application of emulsion significantly extends the lifespan of commercial parking lots.

Concrete

A composite building material made from cement, water, and aggregates. Known for its extreme durability and compressive strength, it is the preferred material for high-stress areas such as dolly pads, loading dock aprons, and sidewalks.

Concrete Chipping

The initial stage of surface failure where small flakes of concrete break away. This is often caused by heavy traffic, chemical exposure, or the early stages of the freeze-thaw cycle.

Concrete Superstructure

The primary precast concrete foundation or “box” of a drainage system. It provides the structural housing for catch basins and allows the surrounding pavement to remain stable during heavy water flow.

D

Demolition

The systematic dismantling or tearing down of structures. Professional dust control is legally required during demolition to prevent hazardous particulate matter from drifting into neighboring communities.

Double Conical Tanker

A specialized transport trailer sloped toward the center from both ends. This V shape allows for 100% offloading of liquid products, ensuring no material is wasted and tanks remain clean between deliveries. You can see one of our double conical tankers in our photo gallery.

Drain Outlets

The visible grates or inlets that allow stormwater to exit a paved surface and enter the drainage system. Keeping these clear of debris is essential for preventing parking lot flooding.

Dust Control

The process of capturing or settling airborne particulates produced during construction, mining, or industrial activity. Effective dust control is regulated by the EPA and is essential for maintaining site safety and air quality.

E

Eco-Friendly / Sustainable

Products and practices designed to minimize environmental impact. Gasaway Maintenance Company prioritizes the use of non-toxic, bio-based palliatives that reduce the carbon footprint while protecting local waterways.

F

Fugitive Dust

Particulate matter that becomes airborne and escapes the boundaries of a job site. Regulated by the EPA, fugitive dust can cause significant health issues and environmental damage if not suppressed by professional palliatives. Learn more about fugitive dust from the EPA.

H

Hydraulic Pumps

Truck-mounted systems that create a vacuum to move liquids from a tanker to a discharge hose. Our pumps are powered by the truck’s internal systems, allowing us to operate in remote areas without the need for external gas motors or electrical cords.

Hygroscopic

The physical property of a substance (like calcium chloride or beet juice) that allows it to actively absorb moisture from the surrounding atmosphere. This property is what keeps the roads we treat damp and dust-free for long periods.

L

Lignins (Lignosulfonates)

A natural, complex polymer derived from wood pulp. Lignin acts as a natural glue or binder, effectively cementing soil particles together to create a hardened, stabilized road surface that resists erosion.

N

Non-Point Source (NPS) Pollution

A type of pollution that does not originate from a single, discrete source (like a pipe), but rather from rainfall or snowmelt moving over the ground. As the runoff moves over a parking lot or job site, it picks up pollutants and carries them into storm sewers and local waterways. Professional catch basin maintenance and pavement cleaning are critical to mitigating NPS pollution.

Non-Renewable Resources

Raw materials that cannot be regenerated or restored at the rate they are consumed. Gasaway Maintenance Company prioritizes the use of sustainable palliatives and maintenance techniques that reduce the reliance on non-renewable petroleum products where possible.

O

Organic Binding Agents

Compounds derived from living organisms (such as trees or agricultural byproducts) that act as a natural glue to stabilize soil. Unlike synthetic binders, organic agents like beet juice or lignosulfonates are biodegradable and eco-friendly while providing superior particulate binding.

P

Particulate Matter

A mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air.

• PM10: Coarse particles (10 microns or less) like dust and smoke.

• PM2.5: Fine particles (2.5 microns or less) that pose the greatest health risk as they can be inhaled deep into the lungs.

Polymers

Advanced binding agents used in dust control to create a crust over the soil. Polymers group dust particles together and weigh them down, preventing them from becoming airborne even under high-speed traffic.

Potholes

Depressions in a road surface caused by the expansion and contraction of groundwater (freeze-thaw) and the subsequent failure of the asphalt or concrete surface.

S

Seal Coating

The application of a protective coating to asphalt-based pavements. Sealcoating acts as a barrier against the elements, preventing the binder from becoming brittle and failing. It also restores the rich black look of the pavement.

Spalling

A form of concrete failure where the surface peels or pops off in large chunks. This is usually caused by the internal pressure of water freezing inside the concrete’s pores.

Straight Tanker

A standard cylindrical transport trailer that typically discharges from the rear. Unlike double conical tankers, straight tankers may retain a small amount of leftover product due to their flat-bottom design.

Striping

The application of high-visibility traffic paint to define parking stalls, fire lanes, and directional arrows. Professional striping is essential for maintaining safety and ADA compliance.

T

Totes (IBC Tanks)

Intermediate bulk containers designed for the storage and transport of liquids. They feature a plastic inner bladder and a galvanized steel cage for durability and ease of movement via forklift.

Triglycerides

Ester obtained from glycerol.

TSP (Total Suspended Particulates)

The standard regulatory measurement for air pollution and dust concentration. Monitoring TSP levels is a key part of staying compliant with EPA air quality standards.

W

Well Water

Untreated water drawn from underground aquifers. While useful for many applications, well water often contains high levels of iron and minerals that can cause staining and chemistry imbalances when used for swimming pool filling.