Which component must be present on every fire extinguisher?

The presence of seals and tamper indicators is crucial for ensuring the fire extinguisher has not been tampered with or used improperly. These indicators serve as a visual cue that alerts users to the condition of the extinguisher; if the seal is broken, it indicates that the extinguisher may have been deployed or interfered with, necessitating inspection or replacement. This is important for maintaining the reliability and readiness of the extinguisher in an emergency situation.

While a pressure gauge is an important feature for assessing the operational status of the extinguisher, it may not be present on all types, especially those designed for specific applications. An instruction manual is helpful for understanding the operation but is not a required component on the actual extinguisher itself. Likewise, a fire extinguisher tag, which records inspection and maintenance information, is valuable but not mandatory as a component of the extinguisher. Therefore, seals and tamper indicators are the definitive elements that ensure the extinguisher is safe to use and has not been compromised.