Final answer:
In automotive shops, thermal hazards that lead to fires and shock hazards that can harm individuals are the primary electrical concerns. Proper use of electrical safety systems and devices like GFCIs and insulated wiring help prevent these hazards.
Step-by-step explanation:
Electrical Hazards in an Automotive Shop
In an automotive shop, there are several electrical hazards that technicians and visitors need to be aware of to maintain a safe working environment. The key hazards include thermal hazards and shock hazards. Thermal hazards involve excessive electric power that can cause undesired heating effects, potentially leading to fires. This can occur from situations such as a short circuit, where a low-resistance path between terminals of a voltage source, like worn insulation on wiring, allows for excessive current and therefore heat build-up. On the other hand, shock hazards happen when electric current passes through a person, which can vary from a painful but harmless shock to one that is potentially lethal.
To prevent these hazards, electrical safety systems and devices must be properly employed in the shop. Devices such as circuit breakers, ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs), and proper insulation are essential in mitigating these risks.