Why is it crucial to wear gloves when handling propane?

Wearing gloves when handling propane is crucial primarily to prevent freezing the skin. Propane is stored under pressure as a liquid, and when released, it can rapidly expand and cool significantly. This process can create temperatures low enough to freeze skin on contact, leading to frostbite. Gloves provide an essential barrier that keeps skin protected from these extreme temperatures, ensuring safety during handling.

While gloves do serve numerous protective functions, the specific risks associated with propane make warmth and skin protection particularly important. Other options like avoiding abrasions and protecting from chemical exposure are valuable considerations but are less directly relevant to the unique hazards presented by propane.