Which safety precaution should be taken when working with fiber optics?

When working with fiber optics, wearing safety glasses is crucial due to the nature of fiber optic cables. These cables are made of glass or plastic, and during installation or repair, there's a risk of fiber shards or splinters that can break off. These tiny fragments can pose a serious hazard to the eyes, potentially leading to injuries. Safety glasses provide a protective barrier, ensuring that the eyes are shielded from any flying debris during the handling of the fibers, which can be especially precarious when cutting or cleaving cables.

Additionally, while the other options may contribute to overall safety in different contexts, they do not directly address the specific hazards associated with fiber optics. Gloves might protect hands from cutting hazards but are less relevant to eye protection. Insulated tools are important for electrical safety but do not apply to fiber optics, which are not electrical in nature. A face mask is typically used for protection against airborne substances but is not specifically necessary for fiber optic work. Thus, focusing on eye safety through the use of safety glasses is the most pertinent precaution for this scenario.