What safety feature prevents accidental discharge of a fire extinguisher?

The safety feature that prevents accidental discharge of a fire extinguisher is the safety pin or locking mechanism. This component is designed to secure the operating mechanism and prevent the extinguisher from being discharged unintentionally. Before using a fire extinguisher, an operator must remove the safety pin, which typically indicates that the extinguisher is ready for operation. This safeguard is crucial for ensuring that the extinguisher only discharges when intended, reducing the risk of accidental activation during handling or transport.

Other features like the handle grip may provide control during discharge, but they do not prevent accidental discharges. The carrying strap assists in transporting the extinguisher, while color coding serves to identify the type of extinguisher and the class of fires it is meant to combat, rather than functioning as a safety mechanism.