What are two common electrical hazards encountered in the workplace?

The selection of shock and arc flash as common electrical hazards in the workplace is pertinent because both directly relate to the risks associated with electrical systems and equipment.

Shock occurs when a person comes into contact with an energized source, potentially leading to severe injury or fatality. This hazard is particularly prevalent when working with or near live electrical circuits, underscoring the necessity for proper safety measures, such as wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) and properly grounding equipment.

Arc flash, on the other hand, is an electric discharge that can occur when a fault in the electrical system causes a high-energy arc to form. This can result in intense heat, light, and pressure waves that can cause serious burns, hearing loss, or other injuries. The energy released during an arc flash can be significant, necessitating thorough safety training and risk assessments to protect personnel working around electrical components.

In contrast, the other suggested hazards—flammability and toxicity, radiation and exposure, and noise and vibrations—do not specifically pertain to electrical safety in the same way that shock and arc flash do. Although these are valid hazards in various contexts, they do not exclusively reflect the unique risks associated with working with electrical systems, making shock and arc flash the primary concerns in electrical safety