Do you know how to use that fire extinguisher on your wall? Panic makes it worse. Get trained now, before the Fires spread in seconds.
Here’s the thing: most fire extinguishers just sit there on the wall, quietly ignored, until the day someone actually needs one. And that’s usually the moment people realize they have no idea how to use it. Add panic into the mix, and even simple steps can slip your mind entirely.
That’s where the PASS method comes in. It’s short, it’s easy to remember, and it just might be the difference between putting out a small fire and watching it get out of control.
So What Is PASS?
It’s basically a memory trick, four steps, four letters, one goal: get the fire out safely.
P — Pull the pin.
Right at the top of the extinguisher, there’s a small pin. Pull it out. This unlocks the handle so you can actually use the thing.
A — Aim low.
Here’s a mistake a lot of people make: they spray at the flames. Don’t. Aim at the base of the fire instead that’s where the fuel actually is, and that’s what you need to smother.
S — Squeeze the handle.
Give it a firm, steady squeeze to release the extinguishing agent. Keep your eyes on the base of the fire the whole time.
S — Sweep side to side.
Move the nozzle back and forth across the base until the flames are out. Don’t walk away the second it looks extinguished. Keep watching for a bit, since fires have a way of sneaking back to life.
Before You Reach for That Fire Extinguisher
Not every fire is a “grab the extinguisher” situation. Ask yourself:
- Is the fire still small and contained?
- Do I have a clear path to get out if things go wrong?
- Do I know if this is the right type of extinguisher for this fire?
- Am I actually confident I can handle this?
If you answered no to any of these, skip the extinguisher and get out. Fast.
When in Doubt, Get Out
No amount of property is worth your life. If the fire is spreading quickly, the smoke is getting thick, or things just feel out of control leave. Don’t try to be a hero. Warn the people around you, get everyone to safety, and call emergency services.
Fire Safety Isn’t a One-Time Thing
Having a fire extinguisher in the building is a good start, but it only matters if people actually know how to use it. Regular training, routine checks on your extinguishers, and a bit of ongoing preparedness go a long way toward keeping people and property safe.
At Aiki Services, we see facility management as more than just fixing what’s broken. It’s about building genuinely safer spaces homes, offices, schools, hotels, commercial buildings, all of it. Fire safety is a big part of that.
So next time you walk past that extinguisher on the wall, take a second to remember: Pull. Aim. Squeeze. Sweep. Four simple steps that could genuinely make all the difference.
WATCH THIS VIDEO FOR EXPLANATION
Don’t wait for an emergency to find out your fire safety plan has gaps. Contact Aiki Services on 09080000214 today for a professional fire safety inspection and training session because preparedness isn’t a one-time task, it’s an ongoing commitment.