What is the primary function of a Type B Fire Extinguisher?

The primary function of a Type B Fire Extinguisher is specifically designed to combat flammable and combustible liquid fires, such as those involving gasoline, oil, grease, and solvents. These types of fires are particularly dangerous because they can spread quickly and are often fed by the liquid fuel. A Type B extinguisher uses agents that can effectively smother or cool these burning liquids, preventing re-ignition and helping to control the fire.

While other types of extinguishers serve different purposes, each is tailored for specific kinds of fires. For example, a Type A extinguisher is suited for fires caused by ordinary combustibles like wood, paper, and cloth, which is why it would not be effective against burning liquids. Similarly, Type C extinguishers are meant for electrical fires, and Type D is for combustible metals. The inability of extinguishers designed for those fires to address issues with flammable liquids underlines the importance of using the right type of extinguisher based on the materials involved in the fire.

Thus, the selection of a Type B extinguisher is crucial in environments where flammable liquids are present, as it is specifically engineered to deal with those hazards effectively.