What is a required feature of a tamper seal on a fire extinguisher?

A tamper seal on a fire extinguisher serves as a critical safety feature ensuring that the extinguisher has not been used or tampered with since its last inspection or maintenance. When the tamper seal is intact and unbroken, it provides reassurance to the user that the extinguisher is in its original, operational state and ready for use in an emergency situation.

An unbroken tamper seal indicates that the extinguisher has not been deployed or has not had its contents compromised. This is essential because if the seal is broken, it raises concerns about the reliability of the extinguisher. Users can trust that a seal in good condition is indicative of proper maintenance and readiness.

Features such as color coding or the ease of removing the seal are not relevant to the fundamental purpose of tamper seals, which is primarily to prevent unauthorized access and reassure users of the extinguisher's status. While it could be important for maintenance schedules to replace seals as needed, there is no specific requirement for them to be replaced yearly. The main focus is on maintaining the integrity of the seal to ensure safety and preparedness in fire emergencies.