What is the purpose of providing guards around appliances and equipment on rooftops?

Providing guards around appliances and equipment on rooftops primarily serves to ensure safety during maintenance. Rooftops can be hazardous environments due to their height, the potential for slips and falls, and the proximity to moving parts or heated surfaces of mechanical equipment. By installing guards, workers and maintenance personnel are afforded a safer environment to perform necessary inspections, repairs, or routine servicing without the risk of accidental injury.

Additionally, while equipment protection from weather can be beneficial, the primary driver for guards is enhancing safety by preventing accidental falls or contact with equipment during maintenance tasks. Thus, these safety barriers help mitigate risks and protect individuals working at heights, which is why safety during maintenance is the most appropriate answer.