Which personal protective equipment is essential for solvent welding?

The essential personal protective equipment for solvent welding includes gloves and safety glasses. Gloves are crucial in protecting the hands from the chemicals and solvents used in the welding process, which can cause skin irritation or chemical burns. Safety glasses are equally important as they provide eye protection from chemical splashes and fumes that can be released during welding. This combination helps ensure the safety of the worker by minimizing exposure to hazardous materials commonly associated with solvent welding.

In this context, while other options might suggest protective gear that is valuable in different scenarios (like hard hats for overhead hazards, face masks for respiratory protection, or ear protection in noisy environments), they do not specifically address the immediate risks posed by solvent welding. Therefore, gloves and safety glasses are the critical items required to safeguard against the unique dangers of this task.