HSC Retail Practice Test

Water extinguishers should not be used on electrical fires because water is a conductor of electricity. When water comes into contact with live electrical components, it can lead to the risk of electrocution for the person trying to extinguish the fire. Additionally, water can spread the fire if it causes the electrical source to short circuit and jump to other flammable materials.

Fire hoses and reels may be equipped with specialized nozzles that can be used safely in some controlled scenarios, but using water could still present the same risks as mentioned earlier.

Fire blankets, on the other hand, are generally safe to use in electrical fire situations as they can smother flames without introducing any conductive material that could worsen the situation.

In summary, water extinguishers pose a direct risk when used on electrical fires due to their conductive nature, making it crucial to identify appropriate equipment designed specifically for extinguishing such fires.