What is the appropriate response when encountering an oxygen-deficient atmosphere?

When encountering an oxygen-deficient atmosphere, using respiratory protection is the appropriate response. This is crucial because oxygen-deficient environments can pose serious health risks, including unconsciousness and death if not properly managed. Respiratory protection is designed to supply breathable air or filter out harmful substances, ensuring that individuals can safely navigate through or perform necessary actions in such hazardous conditions.

While evacuation is vital in certain scenarios, it’s essential to first ensure personal safety by using respiratory protection if staying in the area is unavoidable, especially during emergencies where clearing the area may take time. Increasing ventilation can help to restore safe oxygen levels, but it might not always be feasible or immediate enough to protect those in the environment. Therefore, the correct prioritization of using respiratory protection ensures immediate safety, allowing for further actions to be taken with reduced risk to life.