What is the key action to take when working around hydrogen sulfide?

When working around hydrogen sulfide, using designated respiratory protection is crucial because hydrogen sulfide is a highly toxic gas that can impair or even kill individuals exposed to certain concentrations. This gas can be absorbed through inhalation and poses significant health risks, including respiratory distress and central nervous system effects. Designated respiratory protection, such as approved respirators, is specifically designed to filter out harmful gases and vapors, thereby ensuring that workers are not exposed to dangerous levels of hydrogen sulfide.

While other options like ensuring proper ventilation and wearing gloves are important safety practices in hazardous environments, they do not provide the same level of protection against inhalation risks associated with hydrogen sulfide. Proper ventilation can help reduce gas concentration but does not eliminate the need for respiratory protection in areas where hydrogen sulfide is present.