Final answer:
To prevent eye contamination, safety glasses are the protective gear needed, as they safeguard the eyes from hazards like UV radiation or physical objects.
Step-by-step explanation:
To protect against eye contamination, which can occur when working with materials that might pose a risk to eyesight, the protective gear required is safety glasses. Safety glasses or goggles are specifically designed to shield the eyes from harmful substances or potential hazards, including ultraviolet radiation or flying debris.
While safety equipment such as earplugs, respirators, and gloves are important for protecting other parts of the body from various hazards, they do not provide the necessary protection for the eyes. Activities such as welding or working with broken glass also necessitate the use of appropriate eye protection to prevent injuries or burns to the retina. Moreover, certain lenses, such as polycarbonate lenses in safety glasses, are particularly effective at blocking UV rays and promoting eye safety.