Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) Practice Test

What color extinguisher is used for liquid fires and contains foam?

1. Red

2. Black

3. Cream

4. Blue

The correct answer is: Cream

The extinguisher used for liquid fires that contains foam is cream in color. Foam extinguishers are specifically designed to combat flammable liquid fires, such as those involving petrol, oil, or solvents. The foam acts by creating a barrier between the fuel and the fire, effectively smothering the flames and preventing re-ignition. This is crucial in environments where liquid fires are a risk, as using the wrong type of extinguisher can be dangerous and ineffective; for instance, using water on a liquid fire can spread the flames or cause explosive reactions. While other colors represent different types of extinguishers – such as red for water extinguishers and black for carbon dioxide extinguishers – the cream color clearly indicates foam, making it essential to recognize this in scenarios involving liquid fire hazards.