What items are considered essential for an inspector's personal safety equipment?

The choice that is recognized as essential for an inspector's personal safety equipment focuses on items that provide basic protection from a variety of workplace hazards commonly encountered during inspections.

Earplugs are crucial for protecting the inspector’s hearing in environments where noise levels may be high, thus reducing the risk of hearing loss over time. Gloves are important for protecting hands from abrasions, chemicals, and sharp objects that may be encountered during inspections. A hard hat is equally critical as it protects the head from potential injuries due to falling objects or bumps against fixed structures that might occur in certain inspection sites.

In contrast, while the other combinations include valuable safety gear, they may focus on more specific conditions or environments. For instance, safety glasses and respirators are vital in environments where there are airborne particles or chemicals, and steel-toed boots offer protection for the feet but might not be universally required in every inspection scenario. The combination including a face shield and safety harness is highly specialized for situations involving overhead work or potential falls, which may not apply to all inspectors.

Thus, the items listed in the chosen option provide a well-rounded baseline of personal safety that is applicable across various settings an inspector might encounter.