Which item is essential for ensuring safety in laboratory experiments?

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential for ensuring safety in laboratory experiments because it provides a barrier between the individual and potential hazards. This equipment typically includes items such as gloves, goggles, lab coats, and face shields, which protect against exposure to chemicals, biological agents, and physical injuries. Wearing appropriate PPE minimizes the risk of accidents and injuries, allowing researchers to conduct experiments with greater confidence in their safety.

While a laboratory notebook is important for documenting procedures and results, and scientific journals are valuable for referencing previous research, neither provides direct protection during experiments. A microscope, although necessary for certain types of examination, does not contribute to personal safety while conducting experiments. Hence, the emphasis on PPE highlights its crucial role in protecting laboratory personnel from various risks encountered in the lab environment.