Hazard

A hazard is something that can be dangerous to people, goods, and the environment.^[1] Hazards are often marked with warning signs to help people know that a dangerous thing exists and to do the right thing to stay safe. Each hazard has ways to make it less dangerous or remove it.

For example, a motorist should read road signs and react to hazards on the road to stay safe like slowing down for sharp turns.

By Physical Nature

• Biological hazards are caused by living microorganisms (e.g., bacteria, viruses, and parasites) that can make other living things sick.^[2]
• Chemical hazards are caused by harmful chemicals (e.g., acids).^[3]
• Radioactive hazards are caused by materials that give off ionizing radiation (e.g., plutonium).
• Thermal hazards are caused by extreme heat (e.g., fires) or extreme cold (e.g., freezing weather).
• Kinetic hazards are caused by moving objects or forces (e.g., vehicles and loud vibrations).^[4]