What should you wear when handling refrigerants to ensure safety?

When handling refrigerants, wearing protective gloves and goggles is essential for ensuring safety. Refrigerants can be hazardous; they may cause skin irritation, chemical burns, or eye injuries if they come into direct contact with the body. Protective gloves create a barrier between the refrigerant and skin, preventing exposure to potentially harmful substances. Additionally, goggles protect the eyes from splashes or vapors that could cause irritation or damage.

Using only regular clothing does not provide adequate protection against the risks associated with refrigerants. A lab coat, while it may offer some protection, is typically not sufficient on its own as it might not cover other exposed skin areas or provide complete protection for the hands and eyes. Simply wearing any type of gloves is also inadequate since not all gloves are designed to withstand the chemicals found in refrigerants; appropriate gloves made from specific materials are necessary for effective protection. Thus, wearing both protective gloves and goggles is critical for safely handling refrigerants in HVAC applications.