Fire safety is an important but often confusing world, with a lot of acronyms and key products to try and understand. One such example is the term P.A.S.S. which is one of the most important terms to try and remember, but one that - hopefully - will become instantly memorable by the end of this article.
In the world of fire safety PASS stands for Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep and refers to the correct and safest way to extinguish a fire using a fire extinguisher. It is a useful way to remember each step when it comes to extinguishing a fire.
PULL
If the situation dictates that you need to use a fire extinguisher, the first thing you need to do is PULL out the safety pin. This will then enable you to push the handle down.
AIM
After you have pulled the safety pin out of the extinguisher, you need to AIM the nozzle at the base of the fire. If the extinguisher is aimed too high, the source of the fire is more likely to continue to burn. Aiming at the bottom helps extinguish the fire at the source.
SQUEEZE
Next, you should SQUEEZE the handle to activate the fire extinguisher and discharge its contents. It is vital to use the correct type of fire extinguisher for the class of fire.
SWEEP
For the most effective results, when squeezing the handle you should SWEEP the nozzle from side to side, covering the base of the fire and fully extinguishing the flames
If you would like more detailed, visual advice on how to extinguish a fire effectively then you can watch our explainer video to see the PASS technique in action here.
An important note about CO2 extinguishers
It is worth noting that CO2 extinguishers are different to other types of fire extinguishers, and you must be aware of the difference when using one.
Due to the nature of a Carbon Dioxide fire extinguisher's contents, the nozzle must not be touched during discharge, as the extremely cold temperatures can burn the user's hand.
The Firechief® range includes high-performance fire safety products and equipment including extinguishers, fire blankets, first aid kits and lithium-ion fire extinguishers for home and leisure use. For more information, call us on +44 (0)330 999 0019 or email sales@firechiefglobal.com.
Disclaimer
The information contained within this blog is provided solely for general informational and educational purposes and is not intended as a substitute for professional advice. Before taking any actions based upon this information, we advise the reader to consult any and all relevant statutory or regulatory guidance and where felt necessary to consult a qualified fire or industry regulation professional. The use or reliance on any information contained herein is solely at the reader's risk.