For the purpose of this subpart;
(a) The term sq m (``sq ft'') shall mean the area processed expressed in square meters (square feet).
(b) The term operation shall mean any step in the coating process in which a basis material surface is acted upon by a process solution and which is followed by a rinse; plus the related operations of alkaline cleaning, acid pickle, and sealing, when each operation is followed by a rinse. Secs. 413.52-413.53 [Reserved]