Which safety measure is crucial when working with refrigerants?

When working with refrigerants, ensuring proper ventilation is crucial because many refrigerants can displace oxygen or produce harmful gases when released into the air. Adequate ventilation helps to prevent the buildup of these gases, reducing the risk of respiratory problems and potential asphyxiation. It is especially important in enclosed spaces where refrigerants can accumulate, leading to dangerous situations.

While using protective clothing and monitoring pressure regularly are important safety practices when handling refrigerants, they do not address the specific risks associated with air quality and the potential for toxic exposure as directly as proper ventilation does. Keeping refrigerants at high temperatures is not a safe practice; in fact, refrigerants typically need to be stored and handled under specific temperature conditions to maintain their properties and ensure safety.