P.A.S.S.: The Only Fire Extinguisher Technique You'll Ever Need

5/18/2022 (Permalink)

Four Steps In Learning How To Use An Extinguisher

One of the most important tools for fire safety in a commercial property is the fire extinguisher. It is especially useful in commercial kitchens or in businesses working with a lot of flammable materials or substances. However, as important as this tool is, fire mitigation services in Rolando, CA, explain that too few people actually know how to use the tool effectively, reducing its usefulness. You can learn to use an extinguisher in four steps and with the acronym P.A.S.S.

1. Pull
To minimize fire damage, you want to use the extinguisher correctly. Before you can use the suppressant in the canister, you need to remove the pin from the handle or nozzle. To remove the pin, you only need to pull it all the way out. Removing the pin means the tool is active.

2. Aim at Kitchen Fire or Other Small Fire
Before squeezing the handle to release the flow of suppressant, you want to aim the nozzle at the fire. Do not aim the fire extinguisher high. You want to aim at the base of the flames to extinguish the fire at the cause.

3. Squeeze
To expel the suppressant, you need to squeeze the handle together. Squeezing allows the substance in the pressurized canister to evacuate the nozzle. Be sure to squeeze the handles completely. You want to release the suppressant with as much pressure as possible.

4. Sweep
As the suppressant leaves the nozzle, sweep the head back and forth across the flames. Remember to start from the base and move upwards.
A fire extinguisher is an essential piece of safety equipment and you will likely have multiple canisters on your property. As a business owner, you should ensure that all employees know how to use the tool effectively. Talk to your team about the P.A.S.S. technique, and perhaps provide a demonstration.