In the PASS acronym, what does 'S' stand for?

The 'S' in the PASS acronym stands for "Squeeze the handle." This is part of a safety mnemonic used for fire extinguishers, guiding users on the proper sequence of steps to operate one effectively. The PASS approach outlines four critical steps: Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing agent, and Sweep the nozzle from side to side.

Squeezing the handle is essential as it enables the extinguisher to discharge its contents. This action releases the pressurized agent inside the fire extinguisher, which is necessary for combating the fire. Understanding this step is crucial for ensuring that one can effectively suppress a fire and mitigate hazards in an emergency situation.

While other options may represent actions that could be taken in a fire scenario, they do not align with the established safety protocols of using a fire extinguisher as delineated by the PASS acronym.