Which of the following types of personal protective equipment (PPE) is required when working with asbestos?

When working with asbestos, the use of the correct personal protective equipment (PPE) is crucial for ensuring safety due to the health hazards associated with asbestos exposure. Respirators are necessary to protect the respiratory system from inhaling asbestos fibers, which can cause serious diseases such as asbestosis and mesothelioma. Gloves are important as they provide a barrier against skin contact with asbestos, which can create contamination risks. Disposable coveralls are essential as they prevent the spread of asbestos fibers to other areas, ensuring that the worker's clothing does not carry asbestos outside the work area. Eye protection is also recommended to safeguard against potential irritation or damage from airborne particles.

The other options include types of protective equipment that address different safety concerns but do not specifically meet the requirements for asbestos work. Ear protection, hard hats, hearing protection, and steel-toed boots are important in many construction and industrial environments but are not specifically mandated for asbestos handling. Chemical-resistant gloves and face masks focus on different types of hazards and do not provide the necessary level of respiratory protection required when dealing with asbestos. Thus, the comprehensive combination of respirators, gloves, disposable coveralls, and eye protection makes the second choice the most appropriate for ensuring safety when working with asbestos.