What protective measure is crucial when handling lighting equipment?

Wearing gloves is crucial when handling lighting equipment because it helps protect your hands from hot surfaces, sharp edges, and electrical components. Lighting equipment often generates significant heat when in use, and parts can become quite hot, posing a risk of burns when adjustments or replacements are made without proper protection. Additionally, gloves can provide a better grip, reducing the chance of dropping heavy or fragile equipment.

While other protective measures might be important in different contexts—such as safety goggles to protect your eyes from potential sparks or debris and steel-toed boots to protect your feet in case something heavy is dropped—gloves are specifically vital for direct hand safety when manipulating lighting gear.