What is the primary purpose of flange safety shields?

Flange safety shields primarily serve the function of preventing fuel and oil spray, which is critical in protecting personnel and equipment in various industrial settings. Flanges often connect pipes or pressure vessels, and if a leak occurs due to a failure at the flange connection, harmful or flammable substances can escape. The safety shield acts as a barrier, preventing these liquids from spraying out and potentially causing fires or hazardous material exposures. This protective measure contributes to maintaining workplace safety and preventing environmental contamination.

While the other options relate to important aspects of engineering practices, they do not directly address the primary role of flange safety shields. Enhancing structural integrity and minimizing corrosion involve different engineering principles, while providing thermal insulation is crucial in contexts where temperature control is necessary but is not directly linked to the function of flange safety shields.