Are Class B gas type portable extinguishers allowed in the cooking area?

Class B gas type portable extinguishers are not permitted in cooking areas primarily due to the specific fire hazards associated with commercial cooking operations. NFPA 96 outlines the types of extinguishing agents that are suitable for different fire classifications involved in cooking environments. Cooking operations often involve grease and oils, which are categorized as Class K, a classification specifically designed to combat fires caused by cooking oils and fats.

Using a Class B extinguisher, which is designed for flammable liquids and gases, may not be effective against these types of fires and could potentially worsen the situation. Instead, the focus is on utilizing extinguishers that are suitable for the specific risks present in a kitchen setting, particularly those that are effective on Class K fires. Thus, Class B extinguishers are not only inappropriate but could also lead to unsafe conditions if they are relied upon in a kitchen environment.