What is an important practice when handling hazardous materials?

Wearing gloves and goggles is a critical practice when handling hazardous materials because it helps protect the skin and eyes from harmful substances that can cause injury or illness. Gloves serve as a barrier between the hazardous material and the skin, preventing contact that could lead to chemical burns, allergic reactions, or absorption of toxic substances. Goggles provide essential eye protection from splashes, dust, or fumes that can result in serious eye damage. This practice is key to ensuring safety and minimizing health risks associated with exposure to harmful materials.

The other options do not promote safe handling. Using bare hands exposes workers directly to the hazards, storing without labels can lead to confusion and accidental contact with the wrong substances, and mixing hazardous materials incorrectly can create dangerous reactions, thus increasing the risk of accidents.