A fire hazard starts unexpectedly, and in such hard times, you need to have all the important knowledge of use a fire extinguisher. This is really crucial for safety. For this, the PASS method is effective and easy to use; you just have to remember how to operate a fire extinguisher.
Whether you’re at work, home, or any public place where fire hazards can happen, If you know how to use a fire extinguisher, it can make a prominent difference in any emergency. In this blog article, let’s find out what the PASS method is with a step-by-step guide on its usage.
What Are the Steps Involved in The Fire Extinguisher Pass Method?
The fire extinguisher pass method stand for pull, aim, squeeze, and sweep. This is a simple way to ensure that you’re using the fire extinguisher efficiently and correctly. Here is every step explained in detail:
1. Pull The Pin
Release the locked pin that allows the extinguisher to start. Now you have to find out the pin location; it is usually present on the top side of a fire extinguisher, near the handle. This design is to avoid any accidental discharge of the substance inside.
Grab the pin firmly and pull it out. The pin is present near the handle with a tamper seal that you need to pull with some hand force to get it started. Do not press the handle while pulling the pin, as this might result in releasing the inside content before the time.
2. Aim The Nozzle
Place the fire extinguisher at the base of the fire. To correctly hold the extinguisher, hold it in such a way that the nozzle jet fire extinguisher part points away from you. The position is at the base of the fire, where you can see the fuel source.
If you aim the fire extinguisher at the flames, it will not be effective and will become useless. You need to target the base to extinguish the fire. Moreover, you also need to maintain a safe distance from the fire, which is about 6–8 feet.
If you see that the fire is too large, immediately evacuate the area and call the emergency service. Meanwhile, you need to clear the escape area for effective results.
3. Squeeze The Handle
By releasing the extinguishing agent, you need to hold the fire extinguisher by the handle and squeeze it with a firm grip. This act releases the agent in the fire extinguisher.
After that, keep a good handling position, and hold on and keep squeezing it until the fire is under control. If the extinguisher gets out, be ready to use another one or evacuate and call for help.
4. Sweep From Side to Side
The last step is to sweep from side to side by discharging the fire extinguishing agent over the area of the fire to completely extinguish it.
Sweep the nozzle of the fire extinguisher gauge from one side to the other, covering effectively and simultaneously the base of the fire. Doing so ensures that the fire will not only be smothered, but that the whole area will be covered with the extinguisher agent treatment.
Now make use of a sweeping motion to reach the entire fire source. If signs of re-ignition occur, continue discharging the agent.
General Important Safety Tips For Use a Fire Extinguisher
Though the PASS method is a step-by-step guide, the fire extinguisher pass is most effective, and one is safest, when several general safety precautions are followed:
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The Right Choice of Extinguisher:
- Class A: Ordinary combustibles, such as wood, paper, and cloth
- Class B: Flammable liquids, such as gasoline, oil, and grease.
- Class C: Electrical Fires.
- Class D: Combustible and reactive metals.
- Class K: grease, fats, and oils used in cooking.
Ensure you have the right kind of extinguisher for the respective type of fire. The use of the wrong type of fire extinguisher will only make the fire even worse.
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Inspect the Extinguisher
Routine inspection visually examine the extinguisher on a routine basis to determine if it is full and in operation. Look through the pressure gauge of the extinguisher and ensure the needle is placed in the green area.
Maintenance ensure the extinguisher does not have an expiration date and should be serviced by a professional annually.
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Know Your Time to Evacuate:
Fire size if the fire is too big or grows very quickly, never extinguish it. You should always leave and call the fire brigade without any delay.
Escape route there should be an exit, free from the fire, always before the trial of dowsing with the extinguisher is brought into play.
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Proper Training:
Fire drills conduct regular fire drills. practice how to douse fire with a fire extinguisher. Get acquainted with fire safety procedures.
Training courses you can attend some fire safety courses because they will give you firsthand experience and better insights on how to use fire extinguishers.
The Real-Life Scenario of the PASS Procedure
You are in a kitchen, and you notice that all of a sudden, a small grease fire has erupted. The PASS method instantly comes rushing back. You know that right next to you is a fire extinguisher, and this is how you will do it.
- Pull the Pin: Remove the safety locking pin from the handle; this will break the tamper seal and prepare the extinguisher for use.
- Aim the Nozzle: Aim at the base of the fire, not up at the flames; in that way, you will attack the source of the fire.
- Squeeze the Handle: Firmly squeeze the handle to discharge the extinguishing agent.
- Sweep from Side to Side: Sweep the nozzle from side to side, moving the extinguishing stream back and forth across the base of the fire until it is completely covered.
Conclusion:
These steps and important information were the secret to wisely using a fire extinguisher. Knowing the PASS method, which can be a great savior in a disastrous emergency. After following the simple procedure steps: pull, aim, squeeze, and sweep for pass fire extinguisher. Work swiftly and quickly on small fires, resulting in serious damage that ultimately threatens safety.
Above all, remember your safety, the appropriate choice of extinguishers for the class of fire, and calling for assistance if in doubt. With more rehearsing and practicing, you are going to be more prepared and feel more confident if a fire emergency does occur.
Remember, above all, to be safe and educated. It is to educate others around you so that they all know the correct use of fire extinguishers. To know more about how to use a fire extinguisher at its best.
