Which of the following is part of personal protective equipment?

Personal protective equipment (PPE) refers to the gear and clothing worn to protect individuals from safety hazards in the workplace. Items such as gloves and earplugs are designed specifically to safeguard workers from risks such as cuts, abrasions, and exposure to noise, thereby reducing the likelihood of injury or health issues.

Safety signs serve a different purpose by providing information about hazards or instructions for safe behavior but do not offer direct physical protection. Training materials educate employees about safe practices but do not provide physical protection themselves. Hand tools are instrumental for performing tasks but also do not fall under the category of protective equipment, as they are not designed to mitigate risks associated with physical harm to the individual.

Thus, gloves and earplugs are quintessential examples of PPE, as they actively provide a barrier or protective feature, making them essential components of workplace safety gear.