Which of the following is an important safety practice when working with floral materials?

Wearing gloves to protect your hands from irritants is an important safety practice when working with floral materials. Many flowers and plants contain latex or other substances that can cause allergic reactions or skin irritation, especially with prolonged exposure. Gloves act as a barrier, minimizing the risk of direct contact with these irritants while also protecting against thorns, sharp plant parts, or any chemical agents used in the arrangement process.

In addition to safety from irritants, wearing gloves provides a layer of protection from cuts and scrapes that can occur when handling sharp tools or materials. This is especially critical in a floral environment, where floral foam, stems, and tools are frequently used.

The other practices listed do not address safety effectively. Using sharp knives without gloves poses a risk of cuts, while only working with natural materials does not necessarily eliminate the risk of allergens or irritants. Always working with wet hands can increase the risk of slips and falls, as well as compromise grip on tools. Hence, wearing gloves stands out as a key safety measure necessary for florists.