What is the primary purpose of protective shields for light fixtures?

The primary purpose of protective shields for light fixtures is to prevent physical contamination by shattered glass. When light bulbs break, especially in food preparation and serving areas, shards of glass can contaminate food and surfaces, leading to potential health hazards. By using protective shields, you create a barrier that minimizes the risk of glass fragments falling into food or onto cooking surfaces, thereby maintaining a safer and cleaner environment in food handling areas.

Other options may address different aspects of safety, but they do not directly reflect the main function of protective shields. For example, while preventing electrical shock is essential, it is typically addressed through the design of fixtures and proper wiring rather than through shields. Similarly, regulatory fines related to electrical safety or illumination levels can be important considerations, but they are not the primary function of protective shields. Lastly, preventing blindness from brightness pertains to avoiding glare and ensuring visibility rather than the primary purpose of shields in protecting against glass contamination.