Final answer:
Toxic gases are considered chemical hazards, which differ from physical hazards like the operation of machinery or falling objects.
Step-by-step explanation:
Physical hazards typically refer to elements in the environment that can harm the body without necessarily being absorbed into it. This includes extremes of temperature, radiation, and noise, as well as mechanical hazards like falling objects or the operation of machinery. Among the options provided, toxic gases such as carbon monoxide fall under the category of chemical hazards, rather than physical ones. Therefore, toxic gases are not considered physical hazards, but rather chemical hazards which pose different risks and require different methods of control.