Which action can significantly reduce ingestion of toxicants at a processing facility?

Frequent hand washing is a critical practice for reducing the ingestion of toxicants in a processing facility. This action helps to eliminate harmful substances that may have accumulated on the hands from handling materials that could contain toxic agents. By washing hands regularly, workers can remove any contaminants before they have the chance to be ingested accidentally, whether through touching the mouth, face, or food.

While other options, such as using gloves, keeping work areas clean, and wearing masks, are also important for overall safety and exposure reduction, they either primarily address skin contact, respiratory exposure, or surface contamination rather than specifically targeting the prevention of ingestion. Hand washing is a direct and effective way to ensure that any toxic substances that may have come into contact with hands are promptly removed, thereby minimizing the risk of toxicity through ingestion.