Which type of personal protective equipment is essential for preventing cuts and punctures while handling sharp objects?

Gloves are the essential type of personal protective equipment for preventing cuts and punctures while handling sharp objects. They provide a barrier between the skin and potentially hazardous items, such as sharp tools or glass, reducing the risk of injury. The right type of gloves, typically made from materials like Kevlar or leather, offers both flexibility and durability, ensuring that the handler maintains dexterity while also being protected from cuts, lacerations, or puncture wounds.

In contrast, safety goggles are designed to protect the eyes from impact, dust, or splashes, but they do not protect the hands. Earplugs provide hearing protection in noisy environments and are unrelated to the prevention of cuts and punctures. Respirators are used to protect the lungs from inhaling harmful substances and are not relevant to cut prevention. Therefore, gloves are specifically suited to the task of safeguarding against injuries from sharp objects.