Which personal protective equipment is essential for working with highly toxic substances?

When working with highly toxic substances, it is crucial to use personal protective equipment that provides a comprehensive level of protection against potentially life-threatening hazards. A self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) is essential because it supplies clean air to the wearer, protecting against inhalation of harmful gases, vapors, or particulates that can cause severe respiratory issues or even death.

A fully encapsulated suit further enhances safety by completely shielding the body from exposure to hazardous materials. This type of suit prevents skin contact with toxic substances, which is especially important since many hazardous chemicals can be absorbed through the skin, leading to serious health effects.

Other equipment, while important in general firefighting and hazardous material situations, does not offer the same level of protection against highly toxic substances. Eye protection alone, gloves and boots, or standard firefighter gear might not provide adequate safety when the risk of exposure to toxic agents is significant. Hence, the combination of SCBA and a fully encapsulated suit represents the best practice for ensuring safety in such environments.