What personal protective equipment does a technician put on before draining liquid low-pressure refrigerant into a recovery cylinder?
- AA dust mask and ordinary safety glasses
A dust mask does nothing for vapor or liquid refrigerant, and open sided safety glasses do not stop a splash from reaching the eyes.
- BCotton work gloves alone, since the liquid is near room temperature
Cotton absorbs liquid refrigerant and holds it against the skin, which makes a splash worse rather than better, regardless of the liquid's temperature.
- Chemical resistant gloves and splash goggles
- DHearing protection and steel toed boots as the primary protection
Boots and hearing protection are ordinary jobsite equipment but they protect against hazards that have nothing to do with a refrigerant splash.
Why C is correct
Liquid refrigerant contacting skin or eyes is the hazard at this step, and the protection has to match it. Gloves of a material the refrigerant does not soak through, plus goggles that seal around the eyes, are the correct combination for a task where a fitting can spray under pressure.
What this question is testing
This tests protective equipment selection matched to the specific hazard of the task, rather than a general habit of wearing whatever is in the truck. It measures whether protective equipment is selected for the specific hazard of the task rather than worn out of general habit or convenience.
On the job
The moment of risk is when a hose is broken loose or a valve is opened faster than expected and liquid sprays sideways. Goggles that seal make the difference between a startling moment and an eye injury. Many technicians add a face shield over the goggles when breaking connections that may still hold liquid. Keep the sheet for the refrigerant handy, know where the eyewash is, and never break a connection with your face over it.
Memory technique
Liquid means splash, splash means seal. Goggles that seal and gloves that do not soak.
Exam tip
Match the equipment to the hazard described. Liquid splash means sealed goggles and chemical resistant gloves.
Where to look it up
Handling liquid refrigerant requires chemical resistant gloves and splash goggles to protect skin and eyes.