What safety measure should be taken when working with chemicals?

When working with chemicals in a barbering and cosmetology setting, ensuring safety is of utmost importance. One vital safety measure is the ventilation of the workspace. Adequate ventilation helps to disperse any harmful fumes and prevents the buildup of toxic vapors that can cause respiratory issues or other health concerns. Additionally, using protective eyewear is crucial because many chemicals can cause serious eye injuries or irritation if they come into contact with the eyes.

Combining these two measures—ventilating the workspace and wearing protective eyewear—creates a comprehensive approach to safety when using chemicals. This is why the correct answer includes both of these important precautions. While wearing gloves is certainly important when handling certain substances to protect the skin, it is not the only significant measure to take when creating a safe working environment with chemicals. Therefore, the focus on both ventilating the workspace and using protective eyewear makes this the best answer.