Which type of protective equipment is crucial for technicians working on high-voltage systems?

Rubber gloves are crucial for technicians working on high-voltage systems because they provide electrical insulation, which is essential when handling equipment that can carry significant electrical currents. These gloves are designed specifically to protect against electric shock and are tested for their ability to withstand high voltages. They prevent the transmission of electrical energy from the equipment to the technician’s body, thus safeguarding them from potentially fatal electric shocks or burns that can occur with high-voltage exposure.

While hard hats protect against head injuries from falling objects, steel-toed boots offer foot protection from heavy items, and safety goggles protect the eyes from debris or chemical splashes, none of these options provide the necessary electrical insulation required when technicians are directly interfacing with high-voltage systems. Thus, rubber gloves stand out as the most critical personal protective equipment in this scenario.