What must be ensured about emergency equipment located in assembly areas?

Emergency equipment located in assembly areas must be unobstructed and easily accessible at all times to ensure safety during an emergency situation. This is crucial because, in the event of a fire, medical emergency, or any other urgent scenario, individuals need immediate access to equipment like fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and emergency exits. If this equipment is obstructed or difficult to access, it can lead to delays in response times, increasing the risk of harm to individuals. Ensuring that emergency equipment is always clearly visible and unobstructed helps facilitate a quick and efficient evacuation or response, which can be lifesaving.

The other options do not meet the critical requirements of safety: making equipment decorative would distract from its purpose, and monitoring by security personnel is not a standard requirement compared to ensuring accessibility. Additionally, checking emergency equipment monthly is insufficient; regular checks should be frequent enough to ensure that it is always operational and accessible as needed.