To protect yourself while using high-pressure cleaning equipment, you should

• A. Wear gloves only
• B. Wear a respirator only
• C. Wear safety glasses and avoid contacting high-pressure streams
• D. Ignore safety protocols

Answer: (C)

High-pressure cleaning is dangerous because the jet can injure eyes and skin and debris can be propelled at you. The best protection combines eye safety with control of the jet, so wearing safety glasses and avoiding contact with the high-pressure stream directly addresses the most serious hazards you face. Eye protection safeguards against splashes and flying particles, while keeping the nozzle away from skin minimizes the risk of severe cuts, injections, or embedment from the pressurized water. Other options miss critical protections—for example, gloves alone don’t shield the eyes, a respirator doesn't prevent impact injuries, and ignoring safety protocols is unsafe. Use appropriate PPE and always keep the jet pointed away from yourself and others, maintaining a safe distance.