Which safety precaution should be taken when using a pillar drill to avoid hazards?

Wearing safety goggles and utilizing a guard are essential precautions when operating a pillar drill because they protect the user from potential hazards associated with drilling. Safety goggles shield the eyes from flying debris and metal shavings that can result from the drilling process, preventing impact injuries to the eyes. The guard, on the other hand, helps to shield the user from moving parts of the drill and any accidental contact with the drill bit, thereby enhancing overall safety during operation.

While using gloves, ear protection, or standing far away from the drill may seem protective in certain contexts, they do not effectively address the particular risks associated with a pillar drill. Gloves can pose a risk of getting caught in the moving drill components, ear protection is necessary in high-noise environments but does not directly relate to the physical hazards of drilling, and standing far away does not ensure a controlled and safe working environment when handling the drill. Therefore, wearing safety goggles and a guard is the best practice for safety when using a pillar drill.