The P in PASS stands for Pull the pin when using a fire extinguisher.

Understanding the PASS Method: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep — A Simple Guide to Using a Fire Extinguisher

Let’s face it: fires are scary, and the idea of using a fire extinguisher can feel a little intimidating. But there’s a simple, reliable approach that most safety professionals rely on in the moments before help arrives. It’s the PASS method, and it breaks a high-stakes task into four easy steps. Knowing this isn’t about becoming a hero; it’s about giving yourself a clear, practical plan when time is tight.

P is for Pull the Pin — the Start Button for Fire Fighting

Here’s the thing about the PASS method: the first move is crucial, and it’s the one you’re least likely to enjoy—but you must do it. The “P” stands for Pull the pin. Fire extinguishers are designed with a tamper seal that keeps the unit from releasing accidentally. That seal stays in place until you pull the pin. When you do, you’re moving from “this could be bad” to “this might be manageable.” You’ll usually hear or feel a small click, and you’ll notice the pressure bar on the extinguisher face indicating it’s ready to discharge.

Why this matters in the field of security work—think of a small, contained flare-up in a server room, a kitchen, or a lab. If you skip or delay this step, you’re surrendering the moment when your action could stop flames from taking hold. Pulling the pin is not about force; it’s about enabling the extinguisher to work. So, take a steady breath, grip the extinguisher firmly, and pull.

A is for Aim at the Base of the Fire — Target the Source

Once the pin is out, the next move is aiming. The instruction is simple, but it carries real physics: aim at the base of the fire, not at the flames. The “base” is where the fuel meets the heat, where your efforts can cut off the source of the fire. If you aim at the flames, you’re playing catch-up, trying to knock down the visible stuff instead of stopping the source.

In practical terms, you position yourself with a clear escape route behind you, stand a comfortable distance from the fire, and point the nozzle at the area where the material is burning most intensely. If you’re in a data center or an office, that could be a small patch on a wall, a spill near a printer, or a cabinet where flammable materials are stored. And here’s a real-world note: different fires require different approaches. For electrical fires, you’d typically avoid water-based extinguishers. In many buildings, the types available are ABC dry chemical or CO2—these are suitable for a range of small electrical or electronic fires, but always follow the equipment’s labeling and your site’s safety rules.

S is for Squeeze the Handle — Release the Charge with Control

Now comes the actual discharge. “Squeeze the handle” means just that—press or squeeze the lever/handle steadily. It’s tempting to squeeze hard in a panic, but steady, controlled pressure is what you want. A good squeeze keeps the discharge even and prevents the extinguisher from expelling too quickly or too slowly. In practical terms, you don’t yank; you press. If you’ve ever used a spray bottle or a large canister, the motion is similar: a measured push that you sustain through the duration of the spray.

If you’re working in a crowded office or lab, a careful, controlled squeeze helps you keep your balance and reduces the chance of hose whip or recoil throwing you off course. And a word on safety: never fight a fire that you can’t see clearly behind the smoke curtain or one that grows beyond your ability to control. Your job is to create a window of safety, not to end up as a casualty in a bad corner of the building. When in doubt, prioritize safety and evacuate.

S is for Sweep from Side to Side — Cover the Area

The final step is sweeping the nozzle from side to side, slowly moving the spray across the base of the fire. The sweep helps to blanket the fuel with the extinguishing agent, cutting off heat and smothering the flames. It’s a methodical motion, not a frantic run-and-sprinkle. You want to keep the extinguisher aimed at the base while you move, ensuring that the fire loses its fuel source as you work your way across the affected area.

In a real-world setting, you’ll often see people overshoot or miss the base, which renders the effort ineffective. Take your time with the sweep, maintain a straight line, and watch for changes in the flames. If the fire appears to be shrinking and you have a clear exit path behind you, you can keep going. If it revives or grows, it’s time to retreat and call for help.

When to Stop and Get Out: Safety First

Here’s a practical truth: PASS is a technique for small, contained fires. If the flames are spreading, smoke is thick, or you can’t reach the fire with a clear path to an exit, you should leave the area immediately and call emergency services. The goal isn’t to win a firefight; it’s to buy time and keep yourself and others safe while professionals handle the situation. You don’t have to be a hero to be responsible.

Ontario context: Fire Safety in the Real World

Across workplaces in Ontario, a straightforward approach to fire safety applies. Fire extinguishers are color-coded and labeled for different types of fires. ABC dry chemical extinguishers cover ordinary combustibles, liquids, and electrical fires (in many cases), while CO2 extinguishers are commonly used for electrical fires because they don’t leave a residue. It’s wise to know what’s on-site and ensure you’re comfortable with the exact device you’d grab in an emergency.

Beyond the device itself, ordinary but vital habits matter. Keep extinguishers unobstructed, check them regularly for any obvious damage or tampering, and ensure there’s a clear path to exits. A quick visual check can catch an expired unit or a needle that has drifted near the red zone on the pressure gauge. When in doubt about the unit’s condition, involve building management or safety personnel to service or replace it. And yes, if you ever encounter a situation that feels risky, your instinct to evacuate is the move that protects everyone.

A few practical tips you’ll find handy

• Know your environment: If you’re in a server room, avoid water-based extinguishers and use the class-appropriate device.

• Check before you need it: Monthly visual checks plus annual professional servicing are common in many workplaces.

• Keep your stance steady: Position yourself with an exit behind you, and avoid getting trapped by furniture or equipment.

• Don’t overcommit: If the fire is too large, if there’s dense smoke, or if your line of sight is compromised, evacuate.

• Practice, not panic: You don’t need to be perfect; you need to be prepared. In non-emergency drills, walk through the steps calmly with your team so the sequence becomes second nature.

A quick analogy to keep the idea memorable

Think of PASS like a simple recipe for a tricky situation. Pull the pin is the starter’s whistle—signal that you’re ready to act. Aim at the base is the smart targeting, the moment you zero in on what’s feeding the flame. Squeeze the handle is the careful action that releases the solution. Sweep is the steady, comprehensive pass that covers the whole scene. Do it in order, and you’ll feel a sense of control even if fear tickles your nerves. In other words, the steps give you rhythm, not chaos.

A few words on why this matters in security-related work

In fields where safety and security intersect, people often forget that ordinary safety routines protect complex systems. Fire safety isn’t glamorous, but it’s foundational. If you’re auditing a building’s security posture, you’ll appreciate the quiet efficiency of a well-maintained extinguisher and a team that can respond quickly and calmly. The PASS method isn’t just about putting out tiny fires; it’s about practicing a disciplined response that can translate to incident response, risk assessment, and everyday vigilance.

A note on tone and learning

Many people learn best when they can relate the material to real life. So here’s a simple question to carry with you: If a small flame starts on a coffee station backup generator or a lab benchtop near some solvents, could you safely and effectively apply PASS? If the answer is yes, you’re already building a practical habit. If not, seek guidance, get a quick refresher, and walk through the steps again with a colleague. The goal is not to memorize a script but to have a calm, workable plan when seconds count.

Final thoughts: stay prepared, stay calm

Fire safety isn’t about complexity; it’s about simplicity executed with calm. The PASS method gives you a practical framework that holds up under pressure. Pull the pin, aim at the base, squeeze the handle, sweep from side to side. Do those four things in sequence, and you’ve built a small but meaningful line of defense against a dangerous situation.

As you go about your day, keep this lesson tucked in your toolkit: safety is a habit, not a reaction. In offices, campuses, data centers, and labs—wherever security-minded people gather—knowing the PASS steps can help you act decisively and protect people, property, and precious information. If you ever find yourself in a scenario where a fire extinguisher is required, remember that you’re not alone. You’ve got a straightforward method, a clear objective, and the courage to do what’s necessary to keep others safe. And that’s a value you can carry into any role that involves safeguarding people and places.