Master the PASS steps for fire extinguisher use: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep

Fire safety isn’t a topic you skim over. In a lab, an office, or a tech workspace, a small flare can become a bigger problem fast. That’s why the PASS method—Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep—stays in the back pocket of anyone who cares about staying safe when a fire starts. It’s a simple, powerful sequence you can remember in a heartbeat, even when adrenaline runs high.

Let’s break down what PASS really means and how to use it without overthinking in the moment.

What PASS stands for and why it matters

• Pull: You’ll see a pin at the top of the extinguisher. Pulling the pin breaks the tamper seal and enables the extinguisher to discharge. This isn’t about bravado; it’s about releasing the mechanism so the contents can be released when you press the lever.

• Aim: Point the nozzle or hose at the base of the fire. Flames might look dramatic, but the fuel is at the bottom. If you aim at the flames, you’re not getting at the fuel, and you might lose precious seconds.

• Squeeze: Depress the handle to release the extinguishing agent. You want a steady, controlled flow rather than a wimpy puff or a torrent.

• Sweep: Move the nozzle from side to side at the fire’s base. Cover the area and keep watching for any signs of rekindling.

The reason this order works is simple: each step feeds into the next. Pull to activate, aim to target the fuel, squeeze to release, and sweep to cover the area. If you skip a step or reverse them, you lose the edge you need to stop the fire quickly and safely.

Step-by-step clarity: how to execute PASS in real time

• Pull: First, locate the extinguisher that’s in its proper bracket and within reach. If you’re in an unfamiliar space, take note of the locations that have a clear path to an exit and a working extinguisher. When you pull the pin, you’ll hear a click—this is the signal you’re ready to act. If the seal is broken or the pin is difficult to remove, it’s safer to evacuate and call for help.

• Aim: Stand about 6 to 8 feet from a small, contained fire, and keep your shoulders square to the fire. The goal is to keep the stream of dry chemical or foam aimed at the base without getting blasted by heat or smoke. Keep your hands steady and your stance firm; you’ll be glad you did when the smoke thickens.

• Squeeze: Use your index finger to press the lever, applying even pressure. You want a smooth, continuous flow. Shaking or jerking the extinguisher can waste the contents and make control harder.

• Sweep: Start at the edge of the fire and move the nozzle in a steady back-and-forth motion. If the fire doesn’t shrink after several passes, widen your sweep or retreat toward a safe exit. Watch for signs of reignition and be prepared to evacuate if the fire grows beyond your control.

What types of fires can PASS handle?

Most building extinguishers designed for everyday spaces are multi-purpose ABC extinguishers. They’re built to handle:

• Ordinary combustibles (wood, paper, fabric)

• Flammable liquids (gasoline, solvents)

• Electrical fires (live electrical equipment)

Knowing the general purpose helps you pick the right extinguisher for a given space. In some environments, you’ll see specialized extinguishers—like CO2 for electrical rooms or water mist for sensitive equipment. The key is to know what you’re dealing with and to avoid using water on energized electrical fires or on energized equipment that could spread the hazard.

A quick note on safety: never sacrifice your own safety to fight a fire. If the flames are spreading, if you’re not sure you can reach the base safely, or if the room is filling with smoke, evacuate and call emergency services. Fire extinguishers are tools to control small, early-stage fires—not to battle every blaze.

Common slips worth a heads-up

• Forgetting the pin: It might sound silly, but a lot of people reach for the lever without pulling the pin first. The pin is what makes the extinguisher ready to discharge.

• Aiming at the flames: Flames look dramatic, but they’re often not where the fuel is. Base-targeting is how you halt the source.

• Squeezing too hard or too soft: A steady, controlled squeeze wins the day. Slamming the lever makes the stream erratic and wastes suppressant.

• Not sweeping effectively: Short bursts won’t neutralize a growing fire. Consistent side-to-side sweeping at the base is what covers the fuel.

Bringing this into real-world spaces

In Ontario, as in many jurisdictions, fire safety is a shared responsibility across offices, labs, and data centers. You’ll see extinguishers mounted on walls with clear signage, routinely checked and located near exits for quick egress. The PASS sequence isn’t just a mnemonic for emergencies; it’s a habits-based approach that makes people more confident in moments of stress.

A practical angle: imagine a server room with a spill of flammable liquid or an overheating equipment rack. The first impulse should be to assess quickly: is the fire contained to a small area? Is the path to an exit clear? If it is, a brief, calm decision to use PASS can stop a small incident from spiraling into a larger one. If you’re not sure, prioritize escape and dialing emergency responders. The calm, measured action behind PASS keeps panic at bay and gives responders a better chance to get there with a plan.

Maintenance matters

extinguishers aren’t one-and-done gear. They need regular checks—visible inspection tags, pressure gauges in the green, and professional servicing on schedule. The small label on every unit that shows last inspection is your cue that the extinguisher is ready to work. If you move spaces, double-check the extinguisher’s location. If you notice damage to the nozzle or the hose, don’t gamble on it—report it and get a replacement or service.

Ontario-specific context

Fire safety codes in Ontario emphasize clear egress, accessible extinguishers, and trained staff. That means you’ll often find:

• Posted instructions near extinguishers that echo PASS in plain language

• Regular, supervised drills or safety demonstrations that translate the acronym into practice

• Clear responsibilities for warding off hazards, reporting issues, and maintaining equipment

• An emphasis on calling emergency services early if the fire grows or smoke becomes thick

If you’re studying or working in a security-focused environment, you’ll see PASS echoed in broader safety training. It’s a microcosm of how good safety culture works: a simple, repeatable process that reduces decisions under pressure to a few clean steps.

A few practical takeaways

• Know your extinguishers: ABC is common and versatile, but not every space uses the same tool. If you’re unsure, ask your safety officer where the nearest extinguisher is and what it’s rated for.

• Keep an exit plan ready: Fire safety is as much about leaving the building safely as it is about fighting a small blaze. Always know your route to the exit before you act.

• Practice mentally, not physically: You don’t want to be in a situation where you’re guessing the steps. Review PASS, refresh your memory, and be ready to execute without delay.

• Use real-world context: In a data center or lab, a small spark can threaten expensive equipment and critical data. A calm, practiced response can prevent damage and keep people safe.

A brief, friendly reminder

No matter where you are—an office, a lab, or a workshop—the PASS sequence is a dependable, easy-to-remember guide for a likely dangerous moment. The beauty lies in its simplicity: pull the pin, aim at the base, squeeze the lever, sweep the area. If you keep that rhythm in your head, you’ll be better equipped to act decisively, protect yourself, and help others.

If you’re curious to learn more, you can explore local safety courses or talk with building safety coordinators about extinguisher locations, maintenance schedules, and the kinds of fires most likely to occur in your space. And yes, even in a world full of gadgets and complex systems, a well-timed PASS can still be the difference between a contained incident and a crisis.

Closing thought

Fire safety isn’t about heroic moments at the expense of common sense. It’s about preparation, calm decision-making, and knowing where the tools are when you need them. PASS is a mnemonic you can rely on when the air thins and you hear that small, urgent hiss of the extinguisher. Remember it, practice it in a safe space, and bring that confidence with you into every room you work in. It’s one of those simple, effective habits that keeps people and property safer—every day, in every place.