What type of hazard classification does a B-II fire extinguisher primarily address?

A B-II fire extinguisher is specifically designed to tackle flammable liquid fires, which includes fires involving substances such as gasoline, oil, paints, and other combustible liquids. The classification of fire extinguishers is determined by the type of fire they are effective against. For flammable liquids, a B-II extinguisher typically uses foam or dry chemical agents that can effectively smother flames and prevent re-ignition of the volatile substances.

Understanding the classifications of fire hazards is critical for safety on board vessels, as different types of fires require different approaches for successful extinguishing. Other classifications like electrical fires, combustible metals, and general surface fires have distinct requirements and often are addressed by other types of extinguishers, like Class C for electrical fires or Class D for combustible metal fires, which are not suitable for flammable liquids.