Pancyprian Technical School English (4-hour) key terms

A turning or twisting force applied to a bolt, shaft or wheel, usually measured in newton metres. Mechanics tighten fasteners to a stated torque so that parts stay secure without being damaged by over-tightening.

Any device such as a bolt, screw, nut, rivet or clip that holds two or more parts together. Choosing the correct fastener depends on the materials joined and the load the joint must carry.

The raised spiral ridge cut into a screw, bolt or nut that lets it grip and pull itself into place when turned. Damaged threads cause a fastener to slip or fail under load.

The process of comparing a measuring instrument against a known standard and adjusting it so its readings are accurate. Instruments such as pressure gauges and multimeters are calibrated at set intervals and the results recorded.

The acceptable amount by which a measured dimension may differ from the specified value. A part machined within tolerance will fit and function correctly; one outside tolerance may be rejected or reworked.

A written description of the required materials, dimensions, performance and test conditions for a product or job. Workers follow the specification so that the finished work meets the customer's and the designer's requirements.

A simplified drawing that uses standard symbols to show how the parts of an electrical or mechanical system are connected, without showing their physical position. Technicians read schematics to trace faults and plan repairs.

A complete closed path through which electric current can flow, from the supply through components and back to the supply. If the path is broken, the current stops and the equipment will not work.

Material that does not conduct electricity and is wrapped around wires or used on tools to protect people from shock. Damaged insulation is a serious hazard and the cable must be replaced.

A safety link between exposed metal parts of equipment and the ground, so that a fault current flows safely away instead of through a person. Also called grounding in some countries.

A safety device containing a thin wire that melts and breaks the circuit when the current becomes too high. A blown fuse protects wiring and equipment from overheating and fire.

Describing a system that transmits force through a liquid, usually oil, held under pressure in pipes and cylinders. Hydraulic systems are used where large forces are needed, such as excavators and lifts.

Describing a system that uses compressed air to transmit force and produce movement. Pneumatic tools are common in workshops because they are light, powerful and safe near electrical equipment.

A machine that takes in air or gas and reduces its volume, raising its pressure for storage or immediate use. Compressors supply pneumatic tools and spray equipment and need regular servicing.

The force exerted on a unit of area, often measured in bar or pascals. In technical work, correct pressure is critical: too low and a tool will not work, too high and pipes or seals may burst.

A part that supports a rotating shaft and reduces friction between moving surfaces, often using balls or rollers. Worn bearings cause noise, heat and vibration and must be replaced promptly.

Applying oil, grease or another substance between moving parts to reduce friction, wear and heat. Following the manufacturer's lubrication schedule extends the life of machines and prevents breakdowns.

The planned and unplanned work of checking, cleaning, adjusting and repairing equipment so that it stays safe and reliable. It is usually divided into preventive maintenance, done on a schedule, and corrective maintenance, done after a fault.

A careful check of equipment, work or a site to confirm it meets standards and is safe. Inspections may be routine, such as a daily check of a machine, or formal, carried out by a qualified person.

A formal process of identifying hazards in a task or workplace, judging how likely and how serious the harm is, and deciding what controls are needed. It is usually written down and reviewed when conditions change.

Any source of possible harm, such as a live wire, a slippery floor, a moving machine part or a chemical. A hazard is not the same as a risk: risk is the chance that the hazard will actually cause harm.

Clothing and equipment worn to protect the body from workplace hazards, for example safety helmets, goggles, gloves, ear defenders and safety boots. It is the last line of defence and does not replace safe working methods.

A safety procedure in which energy sources are switched off, locked and marked with a warning tag before maintenance begins. It prevents a machine from being started accidentally while someone is working on it.

An instrument that measures the rotational speed of a shaft or engine, usually displayed in revolutions per minute. A tachometer helps the operator keep a machine within its safe working speed.

Rapid back-and-forth movement of a machine or structure. Excessive vibration can loosen fasteners, damage bearings and indicate imbalance or misalignment, so it is often measured during maintenance checks.

A joining process in which metal parts are melted, usually with heat from an electric arc or a flame, and fuse together as they cool. Welders must follow safety rules because of heat, sparks, fumes and strong light.

Joining metal parts, most often in electronics, by melting a filler alloy with a lower melting point than the parts themselves. A good solder joint is smooth and shiny and conducts electricity reliably.

A liquid or gas used to carry heat away from a process or machine, for example from a cutting tool or an engine. Coolants also lubricate in machining and must be handled and disposed of safely.

A documented series of steps that must be followed in a set order to carry out a task correctly and safely. Written procedures allow different workers to achieve the same result and are used in training and audits.

A book or document supplied by the manufacturer that explains how to install, operate and service a product. Reading the manual before use prevents damage and accidents and is often required by warranty terms.

The signs used in a workplace to warn, instruct or guide people, such as prohibition, warning, mandatory and emergency exit signs. Correct signage is a legal requirement in most workplaces.

The organised and rapid movement of people out of a building or site when there is danger, such as fire or a gas leak. Workers must know the alarm signal, escape routes and assembly point.

Immediate basic care given to an injured or ill person before professional medical help arrives. Workplaces should have trained first aiders, a stocked first aid box and clear information on how to call for help.

A written record of an accident, near miss or dangerous occurrence, describing what happened, when, where and who was involved. Reports help managers find causes and prevent the same thing happening again.

A pre-arranged safe place outside a building where people gather after an evacuation so that they can be counted. Nobody should leave the assembly point until the person in charge gives permission.

The person who directs and checks the work of a team, gives instructions and makes sure safety rules are followed. A worker who does not understand an instruction should ask the supervisor before starting the task.

To read and study material again in order to learn it before an examination. In the exam context, regular revision of technical vocabulary and reading practice improves both speed and accuracy.

To state the main points of a text or talk briefly, using your own words and leaving out minor details. Summarising is often tested in reading and listening tasks to check real understanding.