How can you prevent extinguisher theft or tampering in a facility?

• A. Leave them unprotected to allow quick access
• B. Install alarms only
• C. Install tamper-evident seals, maintain an inspection log, and ensure secure mounting
• D. Hide them behind locked doors with no access log

Answer: (C)

Preventing extinguisher theft or tampering comes from combining physical security with clear accountability. Tamper-evident seals provide an obvious signal if a unit has been opened, so you can detect unauthorized access right away. Maintaining an inspection log creates an auditable record of where each extinguisher is, its condition, when it was last inspected, and any maintenance performed, which helps ensure every unit stays ready for use. Secure mounting makes removal difficult and helps deter tampering by keeping extinguishers in their designated locations and visible for quick access when needed.

These measures work together to deter theft, enable quick detection, and provide reliable documentation for safetyCompliance and inspections. Relying on alarms alone can miss tampering if no one is monitoring them, leaving gaps. Leaving units unprotected invites theft, while hiding them behind locked doors with no access log creates a lack of accountability and can hinder timely access and maintenance.