P.A.S.S. Fire Extinguisher – Do You Know How To Use A Fire Extinguisher?

Fires can start suddenly at home, offices, or commercial spaces — from electrical faults, cooking accidents, or flammable liquids. Knowing how to use a fire extinguisher can prevent a small fire from becoming a life-threatening disaster.

Even if you’ve never faced a fire, understanding the correct instructions and safety measures is a critical life skill. This guide explains the PASS method, fire extinguisher types, safety tips, and common mistakes to avoid.

Why It Is Important to Know How to Operate a Fire Extinguisher

Fires can start suddenly due to electrical faults, cooking accidents, or flammable materials. In such situations, knowing fire extinguisher instructions helps you:

• Control small fires before they spread
• Protect lives and property
• Reduce panic during emergencies
• Act safely and responsibly

Using the wrong method or the wrong extinguisher can make the situation worse, which is why correct knowledge is essential.

What Is the Correct Way to Operate a Fire Extinguisher? – Quick Steps (PASS Method)

If you are wondering how to use a fire extinguisher correctly, follow these four basic steps, known as the PASS method:

1. Pull the pin
2. Aim at the base of the fire
3. Squeeze the handle
4. Sweep from side to side

These steps are explained in detail below.

Step	Action	What to Do	Why It Matters
P	Pull the Pin	Pull the safety pin at the top of the extinguisher	Unlocks the extinguisher so it can work
A	Aim at the Base	Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire, not the flames	Cuts off the fire’s fuel source
S	Squeeze the Handle	Squeeze the handle firmly	Releases the extinguishing agent
S	Sweep Side to Side	Sweep the nozzle left and right	Covers the fire area evenly

How to Use a Fire Extinguisher – Video Demonstration (PASS Method)

This video demonstrates how to use a fire extinguisher correctly using the PASS method. Watching this demonstration helps you understand proper fire extinguisher instructions, correct nozzle positioning, and safe handling during emergencies.

Types of Fire and Choosing the Right Fire Extinguisher

Before using a fire extinguisher, you must understand the type of fire. Fires are classified based on the fuel involved.

• Class A – Wood, paper, cloth
• Class B – Flammable liquids like petrol or oil
• Class C – Electrical fires

Always check the label on the extinguisher to confirm which fire classes it can handle. Using the wrong extinguisher can be dangerous.

How Does a Fire Extinguisher Work?

Many people ask how a fire extinguisher works during an emergency.

A fire extinguisher works by:

• Releasing a pressurized extinguishing agent
• Cutting off oxygen supply to the fire
• Cooling the burning material
• Interrupting the chemical reaction of the fire

Different extinguishers use different agents, but the goal remains the same — to stop the fire safely.

When NOT to Use a Fire Extinguisher

Knowing when not to use a fire extinguisher is just as important as knowing how to use one.

Do NOT use a fire extinguisher if:

• The fire is spreading rapidly
• The room is filled with smoke
• You do not have a clear escape route
• The fire involves large gas cylinders
• You are unsure about the fire type

In such cases, evacuate immediately and call emergency services.

Fire Extinguisher Safety Tips

Follow these important safety guidelines during fire extinguisher use:

• Always keep your back toward an exit
• Stand at a safe distance
• Never turn your back on a fire
• Stop using the extinguisher if the fire grows
• Replace or refill the extinguisher after use

Common Mistakes During Fire Extinguisher Use

Avoid these common errors:

• Aiming at flames instead of the base
• Standing too close to the fire
• Using the wrong extinguisher type
• Panic and improper handling

Correct technique ensures effective fire control.

Fire Extinguisher Usage FAQs: How to Use It Safely and Correctly

1. How to use a fire extinguisher?

➤Using a fire extinguisher is simple if you remember PASS. Pull the pin, aim the nozzle at the bottom of the fire, squeeze the handle, and slowly sweep side to side until the fire goes out.

2. What are the 4 steps for using a fire extinguisher?

➤The four easy steps are:

• Pull the safety pin
• Aim at the base of the fire
• Squeeze the handle
• Sweep the nozzle left and right

These steps help you control a small fire safely.

3. How does a fire extinguisher work?

➤A fire extinguisher works by cooling the fire, cutting off oxygen, or stopping the fire’s chemical reaction. This helps stop the fire before it spreads.

4. What is the PASS method in fire extinguishers?

➤PASS is an easy way to remember how to use a fire extinguisher:

• Pull the pin
• Aim at the fire’s base
• Squeeze the handle
• Sweep from side to side

It is used worldwide for fire safety training.

5. What are the 6 basic steps for extinguishing a fire?

➤The basic steps are:

1. Raise the fire alarm
2. Call emergency services
3. Choose the correct extinguisher
4. Pull the pin
5. Aim, squeeze, and sweep
6. Leave the area if the fire does not stop

6. Which fire extinguisher method is best?

➤There is no single best method. The correct method depends on the fire type:

• Water for wood and paper fires
• Foam for liquid fires
• CO2 for electrical fires
• Dry powder for mixed fire risks

7. What is an ABC fire extinguisher?

➤An ABC fire extinguisher is a multi-purpose extinguisher. It can be used on solid fires, liquid fires, and gas fires, making it suitable for homes, offices, and shops.

8. How do you pass a fire extinguisher safely?

➤Always pass a fire extinguisher upright and handle-first. Never throw it or slide it on the floor, as it may get damaged or discharge accidentally.

9. When should you not use a fire extinguisher?

➤Do not use a fire extinguisher if:

• The fire is spreading fast
• Thick smoke is present
• You don’t know which extinguisher to use
• There is no clear exit

Your safety should always come first.

10. Why is it important to know how to use a fire extinguisher?

➤Knowing how to use a fire extinguisher helps stop small fires early. It can prevent injuries, reduce damage, and save lives during emergencies.

11. Can anyone use a fire extinguisher?

➤Yes, anyone can use a fire extinguisher with basic training. Learning the PASS method makes it easy even for first-time users.

12. How often should fire extinguishers be checked?

➤Fire extinguishers should be checked once every month visually and once a year by a professional to make sure they work properly.

13. What should you do before using a fire extinguisher?

➤Before using a fire extinguisher:

• Make sure the fire is small
• Identify the fire type
• Keep an exit behind you
• Stay calm and focused

14. Is it safe to use a fire extinguisher on electrical fires?

➤Yes, but only CO2 or dry powder fire extinguishers should be used on electrical fires. Never use water on electrical equipment.

15. What is the correct distance to use a fire extinguisher?

➤You should operate a fire extinguisher from a distance of 4 to 5 meters. This distance allows the extinguishing agent to effectively reach the fire while keeping the user safe from heat and flames. As the fire reduces, you can carefully move closer while aiming at the base of the fire.

Conclusion

Understanding how to use a fire extinguisher is a vital life skill that can prevent serious damage and save lives. By learning the PASS method, choosing the right extinguisher, and following proper fire extinguisher use instructions, you can respond confidently during emergencies.

Always remember — safety comes first. If a fire is out of control, evacuate immediately and seek professional help. As highlighted by NFPA and NDMA India, fires can escalate quickly without proper preparation, so being prepared is key.