Final answer:
Protective ground can guard a lineman from thermal hazards, such as fires caused by excessive power, and shock hazards, which occur when electric currents pass through a person.
Step-by-step explanation:
Protective ground equipment can guard the lineman from two primary types of electrical hazards: thermal and shock. Thermal hazards, often the result of excessive electric power, can lead to high temperatures causing fires or damage to equipment. On the other hand, shock hazards occur when electrical current passes through the body, potentially resulting in anything from a mild tingling sensation to a fatal event such as ventricular fibrillation, especially in microshock-sensitive individuals.
Effective grounding creates a safe path for electricity to dissipate into the earth, significantly reducing the risk of either of these hazards impacting a lineman while performing tasks on high voltage equipment. It's crucial for linemen to use proper safety precautions, such as protective ground, especially when working in environments where the risk of electrical contact is high. By ensuring that grounding systems are in place, linemen can avoid providing a pathway for electrical currents that may result in shock or thermal incidents.