When using lye in papermaking, what safety directive should be observed?

• A. Work in a Ventilated Area
• B. Use Cold Water Only
• C. Avoid Wearing Gloves
• D. Wear Rubber Gloves and a Protective Eye Shield

Answer: (D)

Handling lye requires protection for the skin and eyes because it is a highly caustic substance that can cause severe burns and eye damage on contact. Wearing rubber gloves and a protective eye shield directly prevents skin and eye injuries from splashes, making this the most critical safety step in this scenario. While working in a ventilated area helps reduce fumes, and using water properly matters for safe dissolution, those factors do not replace the essential protective barrier provided by gloves and eyewear. The other options—relying on cold water only or avoiding gloves—are unsafe and should not be observed.