Which personal protective equipment (PPE) is necessary for operating a hammer drill?

Operating a hammer drill requires a comprehensive approach to personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure the safety of the user. The correct answer includes boots, gloves, glasses, a hard hat, and a dust mask.

Boots are essential for protecting the feet from heavy equipment or debris that may fall during the drilling process. Gloves provide not only grip on the tool but also protect the hands from potential cuts or abrasions that can happen while handling the drill or the material being drilled. Safety glasses protect the eyes from flying debris, which is a significant risk when drilling into hard materials. A hard hat is important in situations where overhead hazards may exist, providing critical head protection. Lastly, a dust mask is necessary to prevent inhalation of harmful dust that can be generated during drilling, especially when working with materials that produce fine particles.

The combination of all these items ensures that the operator is safeguarded against a range of hazards, making option C the most comprehensive and appropriate choice for the safe operation of a hammer drill.