Which of the following locations is an acceptable location for storage of an ARC accredited agency's reserve supply of accountable documents?

• A. Walk-in steel vault
• B. On-site cabinet
• C. Safety Deposit Box
• D. Locker in hallway

Answer: (C)

Safeguarding accountable documents requires external, tightly controlled storage with restricted access and good protection against loss or damage. A safety deposit box at a bank provides off-site custody with bank-supervised access, insured security, and typically fireproof protection. This setup creates a clear, auditable chain of custody and reduces the risk that confidential ARC documents could be stolen, lost, or damaged in the agency’s own facilities.

On-site options like a walk-in steel vault, an on-site cabinet, or a hallway locker all present access and control challenges. An on-site vault can be secure, but keeping the reserve supply on the agency premises still exposes it to internal access risks and potential disasters affecting the building. An on-site cabinet or locker is readily accessible to staff and others, providing far less protection against tampering, loss, or disasters. The safety deposit box avoids these issues by placing the documents under bank control with restricted, auditable access.

So, the safety deposit box is the best choice for the required level of security and accountability.