Final answer:
Gloves are the protective gear required to prevent skin contact and absorption when handling hazardous materials or chemicals. They serve as a barrier to protect the skin and prevent harmful substances from being absorbed.
Step-by-step explanation:
The protective gear required to prevent skin contact and absorption is gloves. Gloves are designed to provide a barrier between your skin and potential contaminants or harmful substances. Ensuring that you wear appropriate safety gear is crucial for preventing injury and maintaining personal hygiene. For tasks that present a risk to your skin, such as handling chemicals or working with hazardous materials, proper gloves can prevent direct contact and reduce the possibility of harmful substances being absorbed through the skin.
While other types of protective equipment such as respirators, safety glasses, and earplugs play a significant role in personal safety, they are not the correct answer to this question. Respirators protect against inhaling harmful substances, safety glasses shield the eyes, and earplugs protect against hearing damage in noisy environments. Avoiding unnecessary risks and following safety protocols are key steps in ensuring one's safety in any potentially hazardous situation.