What safety gear must be worn while in the engine room?

In the engine room, safety glasses, a hard hat, and safety shoes are essential components of personal protective equipment (PPE). The engine room is an environment that presents various hazards, including flying debris, overhead hazards, and potential spills of hot oil or fuel. Wearing a hard hat helps protect the head from injuries caused by falling objects. Safety glasses are crucial for protecting the eyes against harmful materials or chemicals that can be present during maintenance and operation activities. Safety shoes provide necessary protection for the feet against heavy items that might be dropped and are typically designed to be slip-resistant, which is important for maintaining footing on potentially slick surfaces.

While other options mention gear that is indeed important in various situations, such as life jackets and flotation devices, which are more relevant for operations on deck or over water, they do not address the specific risks present in the engine room. Gloves and ear protection are also important, but they do not encompass the full range of protective equipment necessary to safeguard against the specific hazards found in an engine room environment as thoroughly as the correct answer does. A mask and oxygen tank, while relevant in scenarios involving hazardous materials or confined spaces, are not typically required for general engine room operations.