NCIDQ IDFX Practice Exam

Fire extinguishers of which type are specifically meant for combustible metals?

1. Type A

2. Type B

3. Type C

4. Type D

The correct answer is: Type D

Fire extinguishers specifically designed for combustible metals are categorized as Type D. This type of extinguisher is used for fires involving metals such as magnesium, titanium, aluminum, and sodium, which can burn at extremely high temperatures and often do not extinguish well with regular water or foam extinguishers. Type D extinguishers typically contain dry powder agents that act by smothering the fire and preventing oxygen from reaching the burning metal. They are crucial in environments where such metals are present, such as metalworking shops or facilities that handle metallic materials. The other extinguisher types are designed for different classes of fires: Type A for ordinary combustibles (wood, paper, fabric), Type B for flammable liquids (oils, paints, solvents), and Type C for electrical fires. Each type is tailored to effectively combat specific types of fires, making it essential to choose the correct one based on the materials involved in the fire.