Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) Safety Assessment Practice Test

A paper fire can be safely extinguished using a Class ___ fire extinguisher.

1. A

2. B

3. C

4. D

The correct answer is: A

A Class A fire extinguisher is specifically designed for ordinary combustible materials, which includes paper, wood, cloth, and some plastics. These materials are common in many environments, especially offices and schools, where paper is prevalent. Class A extinguishers typically use water or water-based solutions to cool and extinguish the fire by reducing the heat and removing the combustible material's fuel source. Using the appropriate Class A extinguisher for a paper fire is crucial because it effectively targets the specific type of material causing the fire. Other classes of extinguishers, like Class B (for flammable liquids), Class C (for electrical fires), and Class D (for combustible metals), are not suitable for extinguishing paper fires, as they are designed for different fire scenarios and can be ineffective or even hazardous in this context. Therefore, understanding the classification of fire extinguishers is essential for effective fire safety and response.