OSHA defines a physical hazard as a chemical that is classified as posing one of the following hazardous effects:
- Explosive
- Flammable (gases, liquids, or solids)
- Aerosols
- Chemical under pressure
- Oxidizer (gases, liquids, or solids)
- Self-reactive
- Pyrophoric (liquids or solids)
- Self-heating
- Organic peroxide
- Corrosive to metal
- Gas under pressure
- In contact with water emits flammable gas
- Desensitized explosive
The criteria for determining whether a chemical is classified as a physical hazard are detailed in Appendix B to 1910.1200, Physical Hazard Criteria.