PASS in Fire Safety

Fire extinguishers are the first line of defense against small fires in residential and commercial premises, preventing extensive damage and safety risks. Having fire extinguishers ensures compliance with safety regulations, so most businesses have them installed, but only about 52% have effectively trained employees on the correct use.

Many people assume using a fire extinguisher is as simple as pointing the nozzle at a fire. However, there are four steps to use this equipment correctly and effectively. You can memorize a simple acronym for using a fire extinguisher to help you remember how to contain a blaze without endangering yourself and others.

What Does PASS Stand For?

The PASS acronym defines the correct and universally accepted way to use a fire extinguisher. It stands for pull, aim, squeeze and sweep. Stay calm and remember these steps to safely put out a fire.

PASS Procedure for Using a Fire Extinguisher

You should only use a fire extinguisher for small, controllable blazes. Do not pick up a fire extinguisher unless you’re confident you know how to use it correctly. When in doubt, sound the alarm, immediately exit the building to a designated evacuation point and call for professional emergency help.

Follow the steps in the PASS fire extinguisher acronym to put out a fire you feel certain you can combat yourself.

P — Pull out the Safety Pin

The first step in using a fire extinguisher is removing the safety pin on the handle at the top. Normally, this pin locks down the handle to prevent accidental release of the extinguishing agent. Pulling it out allows the handle to move so you can release the firefighting agent.

A — Aim the Hose

Knowing where to point the hose determines how quickly and easily you can put out the fire. Always aim at the base of the flames, where the most oxygen reacts with the fuel source. Directing the hose toward the top portion of the fire may allow it to continue burning and spreading.

For safety, do not hold the hose too close to its nozzle — the extinguishing agent is cold enough to burn your hand.

S — Squeeze the Extinguisher Handle

Squeezing the extinguisher handle releases the pressurized extinguishing agent, which is typically a powder, foam or liquid that suffocates the fire to prevent contact between combustive agents and fuel. Press the handle steadily to cover the fire evenly. Let it go to stop discharging the extinguishing agent.

S — Sweep the Nozzle Hose

Finally, sweeping the nozzle hose from side to side spreads the extinguishing agent evenly at the base of the fire, putting it out and preventing reignition by reducing the amount of heat and fuel available. Cover the entire base by sweeping the nozzle until the fire is completely out.

In addition to following the PASS acronym, maintaining a safe distance from the fire protects you if the blaze grows or reignites. You should also point the nozzle away from you and keep your back toward the room’s exit.

Common Mistakes When Using PASS

Though the PASS mnemonic is easy to remember and follow, people sometimes get overwhelmed in the heat of the moment. Here are some of the most common mistakes people make when following the PASS approach to using a fire extinguisher:

• Failing to pull out the pin completely or forgetting to pull it out altogether, which prevents activation of the extinguishing agent.
• Directing the nozzle to the flames instead of the base or misdirecting the spray.
• Squeezing the handle abruptly or too hard causes a rapid and forceful discharge of the extinguishing agent.
• Using the fire extinguisher to fight large, fast-moving or out-of-control blazes.
• Not knowing what extinguishing agent your fire extinguisher contains, which determines what class of fire it can put out.

Other Safety Precautions When Using Fire Extinguishers

Drilling employees on the PASS technique and other fire safety instructions could save your business someday. Regular practice will ascertain your team members know what to do in a fire, keeping everyone calm as they follow the familiar steps. Here are some tips for developing a fire drill training and evacuation strategy.

• Ensure all employees know the locations of fire extinguishers throughout your business and teach them what PASS stands for. Put posters in visible locations to help people remember the acronym.
• Create an evacuation plan that includes quick exit routes and a designated meeting point.
• Appoint trustworthy employees to serve as safety wardens. These people are responsible for organizing a smooth, panic-free evacuation process that safely gets all employees out of the building. They may also sweep their assigned areas, help colleagues in need and do a head count at the rendezvous point.
• Routinely conduct fire drills to test your emergency response plan and identify opportunities for improvement. This essential practice can protect your employees, fulfill local and national safety regulations and train your team to respond calmly and efficiently in an emergency.

Provide hands-on fire extinguisher training as part of your safety plan. Start by explaining the different fire extinguisher ratings and the situations they’re most suitable for. Practice sessions will help people understand the fire extinguisher’s weight, the extinguishing agent’s range and the physical effort required for operation.

Periodically check the fire extinguishers’ gauges to ensure they are ready to use. You should also inspect them regularly, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Monthly visual examinations can identify any signs of dents, rust and tampering that may affect functioning.

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We provide excellent customer service, offer same-day shipping and continued support to ensure your equipment works when you need it. Check out our blog for more fire safety tips, place an order on our website or contact us today for advice on the best fire extinguisher for you.