Fire Extinguisher Training: What is the PASS Acronym?

Everyone should have at least one fire extinguisher in their home, but knowing where it is isn't enough. Proper fire extinguisher usage is crucial for your safety and property protection. Being able to use a fire extinguisher effectively could mean the difference between little property damage and a major disaster.

Continue reading to learn more about the PASS acronym, what it means, and how it can help you in the event of a fire.

The PASS System

In an emergency, using a fire extinguisher can be frightening, especially if you're unfamiliar with the process. There is an acronym, P.A.S.S., to help you remember the four simple steps: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep. Let's break it down now:

P - Pull: Pull the safety pin. The safety pin prevents the extinguisher from discharging. By pulling the pin, this seal is easily broken.

A - Aim: Aim the hose or nozzle of the extinguisher at the base of the fire for the most effectiveness. If you aim toward the top of the fire, the extinguishing chemical will only pass through the flames. It is more effective if it is directed at the fuel source at the base of the fire.

S - Squeeze: Squeeze the trigger you just removed the pin from. Squeeze the trigger evenly to maximize the extinguisher's effectiveness.

S - Sweep: Sweep the nozzle in a back-and-forth movement across the fire's base. As the fire is being put out, cautiously move closer while sweeping the hose or nozzle.

While fire extinguishers come in various sizes and shapes, they all perform the same functions. Remember to use the extinguisher with caution and practice to ensure safety in any situation. Before using a fire extinguisher, you need to take several safety measures. First, assess the fire. If it is too large or uncontrollable, do not jeopardize your safety. Instead, exit the premises and call 9-1-1 immediately. Continue using the P.A.S.S. fire extinguisher method if the fire is manageable and small enough to be put out and contained.

Fire and Extinguisher Classifications

There are five different types of fires. Fires are classified into groups based on their fuel supply. Certain techniques are used to extinguish each type of fire. To keep your home or place of business safe, keep the necessary tools on hand designed to extinguish specific types of fire.

When materials have a chemical shift as a result of heat, it ignites. As a result, fire can spread and worsen. Fire extinguishers can be rated for multiple classes. You should assess if your extinguisher will be effective if a fire starts. Here are the five basic classifications of fire:

Class A - Class A fires involve common combustibles like cloth, wood, paper, rubber, and many types of polymers. A-rated extinguishers put out fires involving these common flammable materials.

Class B - Class B fires involve flammable and combustible substances such as gasoline, alcohol, oil-based paints, and lacquers. B-rated extinguishers put out fires involving flammable and combustible liquids.

Class C - Class C fires are caused by energized electrical equipment. C-rated extinguishers are used for fires involving electrified electrical equipment.

Class D - Class D fires involve flammable metals like magnesium, titanium, and sodium. D-rated extinguishers can be used, but combustible metal fires can also be put out with dry powder like sand. Consult the Fire Prevention Services office for appropriate extinguishing agent storage and use.

Class K - Class K fires result from vegetable, animal, or fat-based cooking appliances. K-rated extinguishers are essential in industrial kitchens with deep-fryers and griddles, such as restaurants and cafeterias, to prevent fires involving these substances.

Why Is Knowing the Pass Acronym Important?

In a fire emergency, time is of the essence. Knowing the PASS acronym allows you to react quickly and confidently. By immediately recalling the steps of PASS, you can efficiently operate a fire extinguisher and begin combating the fire without hesitation, potentially preventing further damage and harm.

Fire Extinguisher Maintenance

Being prepared is the best defense against a fire. Regularly go through how to use a fire extinguisher and point out where each one is located. Extinguishers should be placed in plain sight, out of reach of children, away from sources of heat, and near an escape route. Extinguishers need routine maintenance. Check the pressure in your extinguishers once a month according to the manufacturer's recommendations. When you're under the pressure of a real fire, a little extra preparedness can make a world of difference.

The Importance of Fire Extinguisher Training 

Fire extinguishers are the first line of defense against fires and, with proper training, can put them out. Fires cause 3,800 civilian deaths and 14,700 injuries annually in the United States, according to recent statistics. Many of these deaths may have been avoided if employees had gotten the requisite fire-response training.

Fire extinguisher safety training is often overlooked in the workplace, despite its usefulness. Employees are vulnerable to fire-related injuries since many businesses have inexperienced staff and extinguishers that need to be recharged or repaired. Those who have received training will be better equipped to deal with risky situations, protecting both themselves and their coworkers.

Learn more about our Fire Protection Training, by following the link here.