Which type of fire extinguisher is designated for use on paper and textiles?

The type of fire extinguisher designated for use on paper and textiles is indeed a Type A extinguisher. This classification is specifically designed to combat fires involving ordinary combustible materials such as wood, paper, cloth, and many types of textiles.

Type A extinguishers typically use water or foam to extinguish fires by cooling the burning material and removing heat, which is essential in preventing the fire from reigniting. This makes them particularly effective for common household and workplace fires where such materials are present.

In contrast, other types of extinguishers are intended for different kinds of materials or fire scenarios. For instance, Type B is used for flammable liquids, gases, or grease fires; Type C is for electrical fires; and Type D is meant for combustible metals, which are not relevant to paper or textiles. Thus, recognizing the specific class of materials is crucial for selecting the appropriate extinguisher to effectively address the fire while ensuring safety.