Which of the following best describes a common type of personal protective equipment (PPE)?

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is designed to protect workers from potential hazards in their environment. The correct choice highlights that gloves and masks are essential components of PPE.

Gloves serve as a barrier to protect the skin from various substances, including chemicals, pathogens, and physical hazards, depending on the task at hand. Masks are crucial for respiratory protection, shielding workers from airborne contaminants, dust, and other harmful particles that could pose health risks.

In contrast, cleaning agents, while important for maintaining a safe and hygienic work environment, do not qualify as protective equipment themselves. Office attire, although necessary for professionalism, does not provide specific protections against hazards. Safety signage plays an important role in hazard communication but does not offer physical protection to individuals. Therefore, gloves and masks embody the key characteristics of PPE by directly preventing physical harm or exposure to harmful substances.