Which of the following best describes a significant safety concern in water treatment facilities?

Exposure to chemicals is a significant safety concern in water treatment facilities because these facilities frequently handle various hazardous substances, including chlorine, ammonia, and other chemicals used in the treatment process. Proper management of these chemicals is crucial to ensuring the safety of employees and the surrounding community.

Inadequate training or failure to follow safety protocols can lead to accidental releases, spills, or chemical reactions that pose health risks. Workers must be well-versed in handling these materials, understand the risks, and use personal protective equipment (PPE) to mitigate exposure. Effective safety measures, including proper storage, labeling, and emergency response plans, are essential to minimize the dangers associated with chemical exposure in these settings.

Other safety concerns, while important, do not directly impact the immediate health and safety of employees and the public in the same critical way as chemical exposure. Thus, focusing on chemical safety is paramount in water treatment facilities.