What critical initial step is advised for minimizing accidental exposure during scorpion fish processing?

Immediate removal of the spines and the entire head region.

To manage the high risk associated with accidental puncture during the cleaning phase, experts advocate for a sequence of actions that prioritizes hazard removal. The most critical initial step involves swiftly severing and discarding both the spines—which house the venom apparatus—and the entire head section. The head contains the highest concentration of these venom glands. Executing this removal immediately separates the preparer from the source of danger before handling the body further for skinning or filleting, thereby drastically lowering the chances of an accidental sting during subsequent butchering tasks.