What is essential basic safety equipment when handling fuel?

When handling fuel, it is crucial to ensure safety due to the hazardous nature of fuel and its potential for causing harm through skin contact, eye exposure, or ignition. The option that includes gloves, goggles, and flame-retardant clothing addresses several critical safety concerns.

Gloves protect the skin from fuel exposure, which can cause irritation or chemical burns. Goggles shield the eyes from splashes, which is particularly important since many fuels can cause serious eye damage. Flame-retardant clothing is essential because it reduces the risk of ignition from potential fuel vapors, thus protecting the body from burns.

In contrast, while face masks and respirators may be important in certain scenarios involving inhalation hazards from fumes, they are not generally listed as basic safety equipment for every fuel handling situation. Helmets and safety boots offer protection from physical injuries but do not directly address hazards related to fuel. Ear protection and reflective vests are typically not relevant in fuel handling contexts, as they relate more to noise protection and visibility rather than fuel-specific dangers. This makes the option that includes gloves, goggles, and flame-retardant clothing the most comprehensive for ensuring safety when working with fuel.