Associate Safety Professional Practice Exam

Portable fire extinguishers are rated based on which criterion?

1. The type of fire risks they address

2. The color of the extinguisher

3. The material they are made from

4. The weight of the extinguisher

The correct answer is: The type of fire risks they address

Portable fire extinguishers are rated primarily based on the types of fire risks they address. This rating system is crucial for ensuring that the correct type of extinguisher is used for specific fire hazards, as different classes of fires require different extinguishing agents for effective suppression. For example, Class A extinguishers are suitable for ordinary combustible materials like wood and paper, while Class B extinguishers address flammable liquids, and Class C extinguishers are designed for electrical fires. This classification assists users in quickly identifying which extinguisher to use in a given situation, improving safety and effectiveness during a fire emergency. Understanding these ratings helps ensure that individuals are prepared to respond appropriately based on the nature of the fire, thereby minimizing damage and enhancing safety for all involved. Other criteria, such as the color of the extinguisher, its material construction, or its weight, do not dictate the fire hazards they are designed to combat. Therefore, these aspects are not used as the basis for rating extinguishers.