What safety equipment is essential during the disassembly of a differential assembly?

During the disassembly of a differential assembly, safety goggles are essential because they protect the eyes from flying debris, oil, or other particles that may be dislodged during the process. Working on mechanical components can cause these materials to become airborne, posing a risk of injury to the eyes. Safety goggles provide a crucial barrier, ensuring that vision is protected while one is focused on the task at hand. This underscores the importance of eye protection as a primary line of defense in maintaining personal safety in potentially hazardous environments.

The other choices, while they serve safety purposes in specific contexts, are not as directly relevant to the specific risks encountered during the disassembly of a differential assembly. High visibility vests are beneficial for making an individual visible in active work zones but do not protect against physical injury from mechanical work. Face masks can assist in filtering airborne particles but are not typically necessary during mechanical disassembly unless dealing with harmful chemicals or excessive dust. Steel-toed boots provide foot protection against heavy objects but do not address eye safety directly, which is paramount in this scenario.