What is an important safety measure when cutting tiles?

Wearing safety goggles and a mask is crucial when cutting tiles because it protects the eyes and respiratory system from potentially harmful debris and dust generated during the cutting process. Tile cutting can produce small fragments of material that may become airborne, posing a risk of eye injuries. Moreover, a mask helps filter out fine dust particles, which can be inhaled and may cause respiratory issues over time, especially with certain materials.

Though other safety measures like using a manual cutter, ensuring proper ventilation, and wearing gloves are indeed important, they do not address the immediate and significant risks of eye injury and respiratory hazards associated with tile cutting as directly as wearing safety goggles and a mask does.