Fire Safety Fire Extinguisher Types and Usage 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A dry chemical fire extinguisher labeled 'ABC' can be used on which types of fires?
- Only Class A fires
- Only Class A and B fires
- Class A, B, and C fires (Correct answer)
- Class B and C fires only
Correct answer: Class A, B, and C fires
ABC-rated dry chemical extinguishers are multipurpose and effective on ordinary combustibles, flammable liquids, and electrical fires.
Question 2: What is the primary hazard of using a water extinguisher on an electrical fire?
- It spreads the fire further
- It causes electrocution (Correct answer)
- It produces toxic gases
- It is ineffective on all fires
Correct answer: It causes electrocution
Water conducts electricity, so using a water extinguisher on an energized electrical fire creates a serious electrocution risk.
Question 3: What is the typical effective range of a portable fire extinguisher's discharge stream?
- 1–2 feet
- 6–10 feet (Correct answer)
- 15–20 feet
- 25–30 feet
Correct answer: 6–10 feet
Most portable fire extinguishers have an effective discharge range of approximately 6 to 10 feet.
Question 4: Which fire extinguisher type leaves no residue and is safe for use around sensitive electronic equipment?
- Dry powder
- Water mist
- Carbon dioxide (CO2) (Correct answer)
- Foam
Correct answer: Carbon dioxide (CO2)
CO2 extinguishers discharge gas that dissipates completely, leaving no residue that could damage computers or electronics.
Question 5: What does a pressure gauge in the green zone on a fire extinguisher indicate?
- The extinguisher is empty
- The extinguisher is overcharged
- The extinguisher is fully charged and ready (Correct answer)
- The extinguisher needs maintenance
Correct answer: The extinguisher is fully charged and ready
A needle in the green zone means the extinguisher is properly pressurized and ready for use.
Question 6: How far from a potential hazard should a fire extinguisher be mounted, according to general fire code guidelines?
- Within 75 feet for Class A hazards (Correct answer)
- Within 10 feet
- Within 200 feet
- Within 30 feet for all hazard types
Correct answer: Within 75 feet for Class A hazards
NFPA 10 specifies that Class A extinguishers must be within 75 feet of the hazard; Class B distances vary by rating.
Fire Safety Fire Extinguisher Types and Usage 2
A dry chemical fire extinguisher labeled 'ABC' can be used on which types of fires?