P.A.S.S fire safety technique is the simplest technique which can be adopted to extinguish fire at the infant level. In the event of a fire, it is crucial that you are aware of the correct procedures that you need to follow in order to ensure that the fire is put out.
NOTE: You can only try putting out the fire when you feel it is safe to do so, and there is a chance of stopping the fire.
There are host of different fire extinguishers which can be used to tackle specific types of fires, and while it is important to select the right one, knowing how to use an extinguisher correctly is also vital.
Most fire extinguishers operate using the following P.A.S.S. fire safety technique:
P.A.S.S Fire Safety
Here is what P.A.S.S means:
- P – Pull the pin: This will also break the tamper seal and then allow you to activate the extinguisher, releasing the locking mechanism.
- A – Aim: Aim low, pointing the extinguisher nozzle (or its horn or hose) at the base of the fire. By targeting the base you are tackling the fuel source of the fire and putting the extinguishing effect in the right place.
- S – Squeeze: Squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing agent. There is a limited amount of the agent inside every extinguisher, so use it wisely and squeeze only to get a controlled amount.
- S – Sweep: Sweep from side to side at the base of the fire until it appears to be out. Watch the area. If the fire re-ignites, repeat steps 2 – 4. If the fire begins to recede, adjust your position and continue to spray as long as the extinguisher allows.
NOTE: Do not touch the plastic discharge horn on CO2 extinguishers, it gets very cold and may damage skin.
According to OSHA, the most common emergency small businesses must plan for is a fire. Fire extinguishers can be invaluable tools to help fight smaller fires in the workplace or to protect evacuation routes in the event of a larger one.
OSHA requires employers to thoroughly train workers not only how to use an extinguisher properly, but also how to accurately assess a situation and determine when evacuation is the safest course of action. OSHA requires employees to be trained in fire extinguisher use on an annual basis, at a minimum.
Knowing how to operate the extinguisher is not the end of training. Employee responders to a fire also should be trained to adhere to the following protocol:
- If appropriate, sound the fire alarm or call the fire department immediately.
- Before approaching the fire, determine an evacuation route safe of flames, excessive heat and smoke. Do not allow this evacuation route to become blocked.
- Use the PASS technique for discharging an extinguisher and back away from the area if the fire flares up again.
- If the extinguisher is empty and the fire is not out, evacuate immediately.
- If the fire grows beyond what can be safely handled, evacuate immediately.
Fire extinguisher is meant to combat small fire (Fire in the infant level). However, if any of the following conditions are present, workers should follow evacuation procedures immediately and should not attempt to fight the fire with an extinguisher:
The fire is too large: The fire involves flammable solvents, is partially hidden behind a wall or ceiling, cannot be reached from a standing position, or covers more than 60 square feet in area.
The air is unsafe to breathe: Levels of smoke make the fire impossible to fight without some form of respiratory protection.
The environment is too hot or smoky: Radiated heat is easily felt, making it hard to approach a fire within adequate range of using the extinguisher (about 10-15 feet). It is necessary to crawl on the floor to avoid heat or smoke. Visibility is poor.
Evacuation paths are impaired: The fire is not contained and heat, smoke or flames block potential evacuation routes.
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