What does the acronym PASS stand for in fire extinguisher operation?

The acronym PASS stands for Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep, which is crucial for effective fire extinguisher operation. Understanding this acronym helps individuals remember the four essential steps to operate a fire extinguisher safely and efficiently in the event of a fire.

In the first step, Pull refers to pulling the pin located on the extinguisher handle. This pin is a safety mechanism that prevents accidental discharge and must be removed before the extinguisher can be used.

The second step, Aim, emphasizes the importance of aiming the extinguisher at the base of the fire. This is critical because targeting the flames directly will not extinguish the fire effectively; it must be attacked at its source.

The third step, Squeeze, involves squeezing the handle to discharge the extinguishing agent. This action releases the contents of the extinguisher, which is designed to put out the fire.

Lastly, Sweep refers to sweeping the nozzle from side to side while aiming at the base of the fire. This technique ensures that the agent is spread across the burning material, thereby maximizing its effectiveness in suppression.

Each component of PASS builds upon the previous one, creating a straightforward method for operating a fire extinguisher that can be remembered easily and applied quickly during