Final answer:
Plastic piping and tubing are mainly protected from thermal hazards and electric shock. Plastic insulation on wires is an electrical safety measure against these risks, ensuring no current passes through a person and prevents overheating.
Step-by-step explanation:
Plastic piping and tubing must be primarily protected from both thermal hazards and electric shock. Although plastic is generally resistant to corrosion and can withstand various moisture levels, its capacity to insulate against electrical hazards is particularly critical. Electrical safety systems and devices, including plastic insulation on wiring, are designed to mitigate the risks of electric shock and overheating. Plastic in electrical applications helps prevent electrical current from passing through a person, which is a shock hazard and protects against excessive heat build-up that could lead to fires, characterizing a thermal hazard.