A chemical that promotes combustion is classified as which type of physical hazard?

A chemical that promotes combustion is classified as an oxidizer. Oxidizers are substances that can provide the oxygen necessary for combustion reactions to occur, facilitating and sometimes intensifying the burning of other materials. This characteristic can make oxidizers particularly dangerous in the presence of flammable substances, as they can lead to uncontrolled fire or explosions.

Combustible and flammable substances typically refer to materials that can easily ignite and burn; while they are related to the combustion process, they do not have the same role as oxidizers. Explosives are substances that undergo a rapid chemical change resulting in the release of gas and heat, often creating a shock wave; they are distinct from oxidizers, which specifically enhance combustion without necessarily leading to an explosive reaction. Therefore, the correct classification of a chemical that promotes combustion is indeed an oxidizer.