Gamma Radiation: A form of ionising radiation emitted by the nucleus of an atom as pure energy and travelling at the speed of light. Gamma radiation has great penetrating powers and can interact with the matter through which it is passing.
		Gamma Ray: A discrete quantity of electromagnetic energy without mass or charge emitted by a radionuclide.
		Gas: Elements or compounds of low molecular weight which exist purely in the gaseous phase under normal conditions.
		Gas Liquid Chromatography: The mobile phase consists of a gas such as helium, nitrogen, hydrogen or argon at pressures of 10 - 50 psi. The stationary phase consists of a packed column or a capillary column which is a small open tube. Each is impregnated or coated with a liquid chosen on its polarity and that of the substances to be separated.
		Geiger-Müller Tube: A glass or metal envelope containing a gas at low pressure and two electrodes which measure the discharges of Ionising radiation by registering them as electric pulses in a counter. The number of pulses is related to dose.
		General Damages: Compensation awarded where no exact sum is calculable, ie for pain and suffering, loss of amenity, future income, social isolation and loss of (marriage/employment) prospects. These can be further broken down into pecuniary damages and non-pecuniary damages.
		Generic Risk Assessment: A general risk assessment of a ‘type’ or particular circumstances which are considered to be representative of similar risks wherever they are encountered.
		Genes: The biological units of heredity. They are arranged along the length of chromosomes.
		Genotoxic: A chemical that damages chromosomal structures.
		Glanders: A prescribed disease of the zoonose variety which is hosted by horses, donkeys, mules and camels. It is rare in the UK, transmitted to humans via infected animal feed and water. Occupations at risk include animal workers and laboratory technicians.
		Glare: See Disability Glare and Discomfort Glare.
		Goal Setting Legislation: Acts and regulations whose objectives are to require the duty holders to establish controls that are relevant to their operating circumstances rather than prescribe wide ranging, all-encompassing requirements.
		Grab Sample: Monitoring technique for airborne containments which gives a ‘point of time’ measure of the level of contamination at a selected place.
		Gravimetric: Term used to express concentrations (by weight/volume) of all materials in measures of milligrams of substances per cubic metre of air (mgm-3).
		Gray: See Absorbed Dose.
		Green Paper: A statement of the Government’s intention to pursue a course of action, used in consultation processes to gauge public opinion.
		Group: A number of people cooperating in the pursuit of common goals see Formal Group, Informal Group, Primary Group, Secondary Group, Peer Group and Reference Group.
		Guard Rail: A protective rail fixed to a working platform whose purpose is to prevent persons falling.
		Guidance Notes: Official series of publications issued by the Health and Safety Executive which illustrate best practice for a variety of occupational issues.

Disclaimer:
Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this book opinions may vary regarding some concepts. The Key Consultancy Ltd and Safety and Health Practitioner accept no responsibility for any loss arising from reliance on this content and readers should take steps to verify interpretations to their own satisfaction if there is doubt.