Which of the following is a physical hazard example?

• A. Noise
• B. Toxicity
• C. Flammability
• D. Reactivity

Answer: (A)

Physical hazards involve energy forms or environmental conditions that can cause harm without a chemical reaction. Noise is a physical hazard because it’s mechanical energy carried by sound waves that can damage hearing, raise stress, or impair performance. The other options are chemical hazards: toxicity deals with adverse health effects from chemicals, flammability with the potential of a substance to ignite due to its chemical properties, and reactivity with how a chemical reacts or detonates under certain conditions. So, noise is the physical hazard example. In practice, managing it involves monitoring sound levels (decibels), using hearing protection, and applying engineering or administrative controls to reduce exposure.