Which safety equipment should a technician wear when working with paint and solvents?

Wearing a respirator and safety goggles is crucial for technicians working with paint and solvents due to the potential hazards these materials present. Paints and solvents often contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other harmful chemicals that can be inhaled, leading to respiratory issues. A respirator is designed to filter out these harmful fumes, ensuring that the technician can breathe safely in the work environment.

Safety goggles provide essential eye protection, as splashes or fumes can irritate or damage the eyes. This combination of respiratory and eye protection is vital for maintaining safety standards and preventing health risks associated with the prolonged exposure to hazardous substances commonly encountered during collision repair and refinishing.

While other options mention some safety equipment, they do not comprehensively address the specific risks associated with paints and solvents. For instance, gloves and earmuffs do not provide adequate respiratory protection, and simply wearing safety goggles does not address the inhalation hazard. A face mask might offer some degree of cover, but it is not as effective as a respirator in filtering out the harmful chemicals present in paint and solvents, and a hard hat is not relevant to the specific hazards of paint and solvent exposure.