What are the hazard categories?

• A. chemical, biological, physical
• B. physical, environmental, atmospheric
• C. electrical, mechanical, thermal
• D. physical, chemical, electromagnetic

Answer: (B)

Hazard categorization is about grouping risks into broad domains so you can apply targeted controls. The best choice divides hazards into physical, environmental, and atmospheric categories.

Physical hazards involve risks from energy transfer that can injure people or cause damage—think machinery with moving parts, exposed electrical conductors, heat and cold exposure, loud noise, vibration, and radiation. Environmental hazards cover impacts on the surrounding environment, such as chemical spills, soil or water contamination, and ecological damage. Atmospheric hazards pertain to the air conditions in an environment—toxic or irritating gases and vapors, oxygen deficiency, and the presence of flammable or explosive atmospheres, often requiring ventilation, monitoring, and gas detection.

This threefold breakdown is useful because each category points to distinct control strategies: safeguarding people against physical energy hazards, preventing or mitigating environmental damage, and managing air quality and atmospheric risks. The other options mix or omit these domains, making them less aligned with a comprehensive hazard framework.