City & Guilds – Unit 201 Health and Safety Practice Test 2025 - Free Health and Safety Practice Questions and Study Guide

The primary disadvantage of water extinguishers lies in their improper application on certain types of fires. Water can be particularly dangerous when used on fires involving flammable liquids, as it can cause the fire to spread rather than extinguish it. This is because water can cause the burning liquid to splash or spread, leading to a larger fire hazard.

Additionally, using water on electrical fires poses significant risks, as water is a conductor of electricity and can create the potential for electrocution. Hence, it is crucial to avoid using water extinguishers in these scenarios.

Understanding the limitations of water extinguishers is essential for ensuring safety and effectiveness when responding to different types of fires, which is why this aspect of their use is emphasized in safety training.