What precaution must be taken when using Water Glycol fire extinguishers?

When using Water Glycol fire extinguishers, one important precaution is that it may scatter burning loose materials in the initial discharge. This characteristic is crucial for users to understand because the force of the water discharge can inadvertently displace flammable materials, potentially spreading the fire rather than extinguishing it.

Water Glycol extinguishers are specifically designed for Class B fires, which involve flammable liquids, and they have a unique formula that helps in cooling and smothering. However, the initial force can lead to risks if materials are not secured; thus, awareness of this characteristic is essential for effective and safe use.

Conversely, while they can be effective in certain scenarios, they shouldn't be used indiscriminately on all fire types or on electrical fires without proper considerations, as doing so can pose additional hazards. Special handling is also not a characteristic because, like most fire extinguishers, they follow basic safety protocols that don’t imply unique precautions compare to others. Understanding the nature and proper application of Water Glycol extinguishers is key to ensuring safety during their use.