Which of the following is an example of a thermal hazard?

• A. Lack of oxygen
• B. Excessive heat or excessive cold
• C. Exposure to microorganisms
• D. Radiation

Answer: (B)

Thermal hazards are hazards created by extreme temperatures that can harm people, equipment, or materials. Excessive heat or excessive cold fits this, because high temperatures can cause heat-related illnesses, burns, or heating of materials that can alter chemical reactions, while very cold temperatures can cause frostbite, hypothermia, and can make PPE or equipment fail or become brittle. The other options describe different hazard types: lack of oxygen is an asphyxiation hazard, exposure to microorganisms is a biological hazard, and radiation is a radiological hazard. So the example shown is the one involving extreme temperatures.