Final answer:
OSHA regulations require protection of power cords to prevent thermal hazards, such as fires caused by short circuits, and shock hazards, which include the various levels of electrical shock a person could experience. Safety standards and devices, like fuses and circuit breakers, are implemented to mitigate these risks.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) helps protect workers from various hazards, including the dangers associated with electricity: thermal hazards and shock hazards. Thermal hazards arise from excessive electrical power leading to overheating, which can cause fires and damage structures, while shock hazards result when electrical current passes through a person, with potential outcomes ranging from mild discomfort to fatalities. OSHA standards require that power cords be guarded against these hazards. Protection mechanisms include the use of fuses and circuit breakers to prevent electrical overloads, thereby reducing the risk of thermal hazards. Employers are also advised to ensure electrical systems conform to safety standards to mitigate the risk of shock hazards to workers. An example of a thermal hazard is a short circuit, which can occur when a low-resistance path forms between the terminals of a voltage source. This can lead to an unsafe temperature rise in the surrounding materials. Overloaded wires, where the current exceeds the rated maximum, also pose a significant risk. On the other hand, electric shock can result from direct contact with electrical currents, and can vary in severity from harmless to lethal, particularly if it causes ventricular fibrillation. To minimize such risks, employers must ensure that all electrical safety systems and devices are properly installed and maintained.