What is a key practice to keep asbestos out of the air during handling?

The correct practice to keep asbestos out of the air during handling is to wet the asbestos. This technique is critical because moisture helps to bind the fibers of asbestos together, which reduces the likelihood of them becoming airborne. When asbestos is disturbed—whether that's through cutting, breaking, or otherwise handling—the fibers can easily be released into the air, posing significant health risks to anyone in the vicinity. Wetting the material minimizes this risk by ensuring the fibers remain damp and contained, thus creating a safer working environment.

In contrast, allowing the material to dry would increase the risk of asbestos fibers being released into the air. Handling asbestos without gloves is not advisable as it increases the risk of skin contact and potential contamination. Storing asbestos in open containers would also pose a hazard as it could lead to accidental disturbance of the material, thereby allowing fibers to escape.