When handling chlorine cylinders, what is an essential safety practice?

Wearing protective eyewear is a critical safety practice when handling chlorine cylinders due to the hazardous nature of chlorine gas. Chlorine is a highly toxic substance that can cause severe damage to the eyes upon exposure. In the event of a leak or rupture in the cylinder, chlorine gas can quickly escape, creating an immediate risk to anyone in the vicinity. By wearing protective eyewear, individuals significantly reduce the risk of eye injury, which is essential for maintaining safety in environments where chlorine is present.

Choosing this option aligns with best practices in chemical safety, which emphasize the importance of wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent injuries. Other options, such as wearing standard gloves or using bare hands, do not provide adequate protection against potential exposure to chlorine, and ignoring safety signs poses significant risks by disregarding established safety protocols. Thus, the emphasis on wearing protective eyewear is rooted in prioritizing health and safety when dealing with dangerous materials like chlorine.