Products & materials glossary

Explore each term in this topic, then open its full explanation for context, sources and related reading.

Accessible and adaptive design
Design and adaptation that reduce barriers across varied mobility, dexterity, strength, sensation, cognition, communication and assistance needs.
Body-safe claims
Marketing language suggesting that a product or material is suitable for bodily contact; it is not one universal certification, test method or guarantee for every user and use.
Cleaning and disinfection
Cleaning physically removes soil and many microorganisms; disinfection uses a validated process to inactivate specified microorganisms on an inanimate surface. Neither term automatically means sterilisation.
Counterfeit products
Goods or packaging presented without authorisation as a genuine brand product, potentially obscuring their source, composition, testing and accountability.
Electrical and battery safety
Design, charging, insulation, temperature, moisture, condition and intended-use considerations for powered products and their batteries, chargers and cables.
Inclusive sizing
Product sizing and fit information designed to serve a broad range of bodies through meaningful measurements, shapes, adjustability and transparent limits.
Latex allergy
An immune reaction to proteins in natural rubber latex, distinct from irritant dermatitis and from delayed allergic contact dermatitis caused by some rubber-manufacturing additives.
Load rating
A stated capacity established for specified equipment, direction, configuration and conditions; it is not a universal safe limit for every person or activity.
Material compatibility
Whether a material, cleaner, lubricant, barrier, storage surface or other product can contact another without unacceptable chemical, physical or functional change.
Nickel allergy
Allergic contact dermatitis caused by skin exposure to nickel released from a material, relevant to some jewellery, fasteners, coatings, chains and metal products.
Plasticisers
Substances added to polymers to change flexibility, softness, processing or other performance; phthalates are one family, not a synonym for every plasticiser.
Porous and non-porous materials
A practical distinction about whether a surface or material permits liquids, soils or microorganisms to enter microscopic spaces; real products may combine materials, seams, coatings and damage that complicate the label.
Product recall
Corrective action seeking the return of a specific product from consumers because of an identified safety or compliance problem.
Quick-release design
A feature or system intended to permit prompt release from equipment under foreseeable load, position and emergency conditions.
UKCA and CE marking
Manufacturer-applied conformity markings used for product categories covered by particular legislation and markets; their relevance depends on the product and where it is supplied.
Waterproof and water-resistance ratings
Claims describing protection from water under stated test conditions; they do not establish unlimited immersion, cleaning compatibility or safety in every wet environment.