What is the primary purpose of a Type B extinguisher?

The primary purpose of a Type B extinguisher is to extinguish fires caused by flammable liquids and gases. This designation is essential for handling fires involving materials such as gasoline, oil, grease, paints, and solvents, which can ignite and spread rapidly. The design and contents of Type B extinguishers typically include agents that are effective against these types of fires, often incorporating foam, carbon dioxide (CO2), or dry chemical agents.

Understanding the specific purpose of a Type B extinguisher is crucial for safety and effective firefighting. In scenarios where flammable liquids are burning, using an extinguisher not intended for such materials could worsen the situation and lead to serious accidents or injuries. Therefore, recognizing that Type B extinguishers are specifically engineered to address the unique challenges posed by fires involving flammable liquids and gases reinforces the importance of proper classification and usage of fire extinguishers.