What is a critical safety requirement when working with compressed gases?

Wearing safety glasses or goggles is essential when working with compressed gases due to the potential hazards associated with these materials. Compressed gases can escape rapidly, and if a leak occurs, there is a risk of particles, mist, or even the gas itself getting into the eyes, which could cause serious injury.

Proper eye protection prevents exposure to harmful substances that could result from accidents or equipment failure. Given the unpredictable nature of compressed gases and the serious injuries that eye exposure can cause, such protective gear is critical.

In contrast, standard gloves, while useful in many contexts, do not provide adequate protection for the eyes, which are particularly vulnerable to injury from gas escapes. Open-toed shoes do not offer sufficient foot protection in environments where heavy equipment or hazardous materials are present. Lastly, the suggestion to wear no protective clothing is contrary to safety protocols and would significantly increase the risk of injury when handling compressed gases. Hence, wearing safety glasses or goggles is the best practice and a critical safety requirement in this scenario.