How to Use a Fire Extinguisher Using the PASS Method

CQ Fire & Safety

22 Sept 202002:10

Summary

TLDRThis video tutorial instructs viewers on the proper use of a fire extinguisher using the PASS method: Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the lever, and Sweep from side to side. It outlines the different types of extinguishers for various fire classes and emphasizes the importance of safety, advising viewers to exit the building if the fire is too dangerous to handle. The video is aimed at keeping workplaces compliant with OSHA and NFPA standards.

Takeaways

🧯 **Correct Extinguisher Type**: Ensure you have the right type of fire extinguisher for the fire type: A for ordinary combustibles, B for flammable liquids, C for electrical fires, D for flammable metals, and K for cooking media.
🚨 **Safety First**: If you feel unsafe or unsure about putting out the fire, evacuate the building immediately.
📍 **Positioning**: Stand six to eight feet away from the fire when using the extinguisher.
🔑 **PASS Method**: Use the PASS method to operate the fire extinguisher: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep.
⏺️ **Pull the Pin**: To activate the extinguisher, pull the pin to release the extinguishing agent.
🎯 **Aim at the Base**: Direct the nozzle at the base of the fire to effectively combat the flames.
🔧 **Squeeze the Lever**: Squeeze the lever to discharge the extinguishing agent and release it to stop the flow.
🔄 **Sweep Motion**: Move the extinguisher in a sweeping motion from side to side or back and forth until the fire is extinguished.
🔥 **Monitor After Extinguishing**: Keep an eye on the fire to ensure it does not reignite, and be ready to repeat the PASS method if necessary.
⚠️ **Professional Help**: For businesses, consider professional fire and safety services to maintain OSHA compliance and adhere to NFPA standards.

Q & A

What is the PASS method for using a fire extinguisher?
-The PASS method is a technique for using a fire extinguisher, which stands for Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep. It involves pulling the pin to discharge the extinguisher, aiming the nozzle at the base of the fire, squeezing the lever to release the extinguishing agent, and sweeping the extinguisher from side to side to put out the fire.
What are the different types of fire extinguishers mentioned in the script?
-The script mentions five types of fire extinguishers: Type A for ordinary combustibles like wood and paper, Type B for flammable liquids like gasoline and oil, Type C for electrical fires, Type D for flammable metals like magnesium and titanium, and Class K for cooking media such as fats, grease, and oils.
Why is it important to choose the correct type of fire extinguisher for the fire type?
-Choosing the correct type of fire extinguisher is crucial because different extinguishers are designed to combat specific types of fires. Using the wrong type can be ineffective or even dangerous, as it may not extinguish the fire or could potentially make it worse.
What should you do if you don't feel you can safely put out the fire?
-If you don't feel you can safely put out the fire, you should exit the building immediately and alert the fire department or other emergency services.
How far should you stand from the fire when using a fire extinguisher?
-You should stand six to eight feet away from the fire when using a fire extinguisher to ensure your safety while attempting to extinguish the flames.
What does the 'P' in PASS stand for and what does it involve?
-The 'P' in PASS stands for 'Pull'. It involves pulling the pin on the fire extinguisher to enable discharge of the extinguishing agent.
What is the purpose of aiming the extinguisher nozzle at the base of the fire?
-Aiming the extinguisher nozzle at the base of the fire is important because this is where the fire typically finds its fuel source. By aiming at the base, you can more effectively cut off the fire's oxygen supply and extinguish it.
How do you operate the fire extinguisher during the 'Squeeze' step of PASS?
-During the 'Squeeze' step of PASS, you need to squeeze the lever on the fire extinguisher to discharge the extinguishing agent towards the fire. Releasing the lever will stop the discharge.
What is the 'Sweep' step in the PASS method and how is it performed?
-The 'Sweep' step involves pointing the extinguisher at the base of the fire and moving it from left to right or back and forth in a sweeping motion until the fire is completely out. This helps to ensure that the fire is fully extinguished and does not reignite.
Why is it important to continue watching the fire after it has been extinguished?
-It's important to continue watching the fire after it has been extinguished to ensure that it does not reignite. Fires can sometimes smolder and then flare up again, so monitoring the area is crucial for complete safety.
What services does CQ Fire and Safety offer according to the script?
-CQ Fire and Safety offers services to keep businesses OSHA compliant and up to NFPA standards, which includes a range of fire and safety needs for businesses.

Outlines

00:00

🧯 Fire Extinguisher PASS Method

This video script introduces the PASS method for using a fire extinguisher. It emphasizes the importance of selecting the appropriate type of extinguisher based on the fire's characteristics: Type A for ordinary combustibles like wood and paper, Type B for flammable liquids such as gasoline and oil, Type C for electrical fires, Type D for flammable metals, and Class K for cooking media fires involving fats and oils. The script provides a three-step guide to using a fire extinguisher: ensuring the correct extinguisher type, positioning oneself 6 to 8 feet away from the fire, and employing the PASS method (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep) to extinguish the fire. It also advises caution, suggesting that if one feels unsafe, they should evacuate the building instead of attempting to put out the fire. The video is produced by CQ Fire and Safety, which offers services to keep businesses compliant with OSHA and NFPA standards.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Fire Extinguisher

A fire extinguisher is a portable device used to put out small fires, often found in homes, businesses, and vehicles. In the video, it is emphasized that the correct type of fire extinguisher must be selected based on the class of fire. The script explains different types, such as Type A for ordinary combustibles like wood and paper, Type B for flammable liquids, Type C for electrical fires, Type D for flammable metals, and Class K for cooking media fires. The importance of choosing the right extinguisher is crucial for effectively combating the fire.

💡PASS Method

The PASS method is a simple technique to remember the steps for using a fire extinguisher: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep. The video script uses this method as a guideline for instructing viewers on how to operate a fire extinguisher properly. Each step is crucial for safely and effectively extinguishing a fire. For instance, 'Pull' refers to pulling the pin to activate the extinguisher, 'Aim' is directing the nozzle at the base of the fire, 'Squeeze' is to discharge the extinguishing agent, and 'Sweep' involves moving the extinguisher in a sweeping motion to cover the fire area.

💡Class A Fire

A Class A fire involves ordinary combustible materials like wood, paper, and most plastics. The video script mentions Type A fire extinguishers, which are designed to combat Class A fires by using a dry chemical, wet chemical, or foam agent to smother the fire. Understanding the classification of fires is essential for selecting the appropriate extinguisher and ensuring the safety of individuals attempting to extinguish the fire.

💡Class B Fire

Class B fires are fires involving flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil, or paint. The video script specifies Type B fire extinguishers for these types of fires. These extinguishers use a dry chemical or carbon dioxide to suppress the fire by cutting off the oxygen supply or disrupting the chemical reaction, which is vital knowledge for anyone handling a fire involving flammable liquids.

💡Class C Fire

A Class C fire is an electrical fire, which can involve faulty wiring, outlets, or appliances. The video script highlights the use of Type C fire extinguishers for such fires. These extinguishers are non-conductive and can be safely used on electrical equipment without the risk of electrical shock, making them a critical tool for electrical fire safety.

💡Class D Fire

Class D fires involve flammable metals such as magnesium or titanium. The video script points out the necessity of Type D fire extinguishers for these specific fires. These extinguishers are designed to suppress fires involving metals by using a dry powder that can smother the fire without reacting with the metal, which is a specialized knowledge crucial for industrial settings where such metals are used.

💡Class K Fire

A Class K fire is related to cooking appliances and involves fires in cooking oils or fats. The video script specifies the need for Class K fire extinguishers in commercial cooking sites like restaurants. These extinguishers are designed to put out fires involving cooking media by using a wet chemical agent that cools and smothers the fire, which is particularly important in kitchen environments.

💡OSHA Compliance

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) compliance refers to adherence to the standards set by this U.S. government agency to ensure workplace safety. The video script mentions that the company, cq fire and safety, helps businesses maintain OSHA compliance, which includes having the proper fire extinguishers and training employees in their use. This is important for businesses to prevent workplace accidents and ensure the safety of employees.

💡NFPA Standards

NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) standards are codes and guidelines that provide requirements for fire prevention and protection. The video script mentions that cq fire and safety keeps businesses up to NFPA standards, which include the proper use and maintenance of fire extinguishers. Adhering to these standards is crucial for minimizing the risk of fire-related incidents and ensuring the safety of people and property.

💡Fire Safety

Fire safety encompasses the measures taken to prevent or reduce the probability of a fire that may cause injury, death, or property damage. The video script focuses on fire safety by teaching the proper use of fire extinguishers and emphasizing the importance of selecting the correct type for different fire classes. Fire safety is a critical aspect of overall workplace safety and is essential for protecting both employees and the business.

💡Exit Strategy

An exit strategy in the context of the video script refers to the action to be taken if a fire is too large or dangerous to handle with a fire extinguisher. The video advises that if one does not feel they can safely put out the fire, they should exit the building immediately. This is a crucial part of fire safety education, as it emphasizes the importance of personal safety over property and the need to know when to evacuate in case of a fire.

Highlights

Introduction to the PASS method for using a fire extinguisher

Step one: Ensuring the correct type of fire extinguisher for the fire type

Type A extinguishers for ordinary combustibles like wood and paper

Type B extinguishers for flammable liquids such as gasoline and oil

Type C extinguishers for electrical fires and faulty appliances

Type D extinguishers for flammable metals like magnesium and titanium

Class K extinguishers for fires involving cooking media, fats, grease, and oils

Necessity of Class K extinguishers in commercial cooking sites like restaurants

Advice to exit the building if the fire cannot be safely extinguished

Step two: Positioning with the extinguisher 6-8 feet away from the fire

Step three: Using the PASS method to extinguish the fire

P - Pull the pin to discharge the extinguisher

A - Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire

S - Squeeze the lever to discharge the extinguishing agent

S - Sweep the extinguisher from left to right to put out the fire

Monitoring the fire after extinguishing to prevent re-ignition

Repeating the PASS method if the fire re-ignites

Emphasizing safety and not attempting to extinguish fires unless it's safe

CQ Fire and Safety as a resource for fire and safety needs and compliance

Information on keeping businesses OSHA compliant and up to NFPA standards