Which type of fire extinguisher is commonly used in chemical factories for fires involving combustible metals?

Type D fire extinguishers are specifically designed to combat fires that involve combustible metals, such as magnesium, titanium, and sodium, which are frequently found in chemical factories and other industrial settings. These types of metals behave differently when ignited and can react violently to water and other conventional extinguishing agents.

Type D extinguishers utilize dry powder agents that are non-reactive with metals, effectively suppressing the flames without exacerbating the situation. Understanding the specific use of Type D fire extinguishers is crucial for ensuring safety and effective fire response in environments dealing with hazardous materials.

Other types of extinguishers serve different purposes: Type A extinguishers are for ordinary combustibles like wood and paper, Type B is used for flammable liquids, and Type C is designed for electrical fires. Each type is tailored to address particular fire scenarios, emphasizing the importance of using the right extinguisher for the task at hand.