How to Use a Fire Extinguisher: The PASS Method Explained

To use a fire extinguisher, remember the word PASS: Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle and Sweep from side to side. Before any of that, decide whether you should be fighting the fire at all. An extinguisher is for a small fire in its early stage, used by someone with a clear way out. If those conditions are not met, the right action is to leave and raise the alarm.

First decide: fight the fire or evacuate

Your safety comes before the building. Raise the alarm first, or ask someone else to do it, and call the fire service on 180 in Egypt.

Only consider using an extinguisher if all of these are true:

• The fire is small and contained, such as in a waste bin or on a single item
• You know what is burning and have the right extinguisher for it
• The room is not filling with smoke
• You have a clear escape route behind you
• You have been trained, and you feel able to do it

Evacuate immediately, and do not attempt to fight the fire, if:

• The fire is spreading or is taller than you are
• Smoke is making it hard to see or breathe
• The fire involves gas cylinders, flammable liquids in quantity, or unknown chemicals
• The fire stands between you and the exit
• The extinguisher is empty and the fire is still burning

Close doors behind you if you can do so safely, as this slows the fire and smoke. Do not use the lifts, and do not go back in.

How to use a fire extinguisher: the PASS method

Stand at a safe distance, with your back to the exit. Check your extinguisher’s label for the recommended range, and move closer only as the fire reduces.

1. Pull. Pull out the safety pin. This breaks the tamper seal and unlocks the handle.
2. Aim. Point the nozzle or hose low, at the base of the fire. Aiming at the flames does little, because the agent passes through them without reaching the fuel.
3. Squeeze. Squeeze the handle slowly and evenly. Release it to stop the discharge.
4. Sweep. Move the nozzle from side to side across the base of the fire until it appears to be out.

With a burning liquid, take care not to drive the stream straight into the surface, as this can splash the fuel and spread the fire.

Back away once the fire is out, keeping your eyes on it, since a fire can reignite. If it does and you have no remaining extinguisher, leave at once.

Keep in mind that portable extinguishers empty quickly, often in a matter of seconds, so there is no time to waste.

Which extinguisher for which fire

Classes differ between systems. Under NFPA 10, Class C means energized electrical equipment and Class K means cooking oils and fats. Under the European system, Class C means gases and Class F means cooking oils. Always read the label on the extinguisher instead of relying on memory.

Fire involves	Generally suitable	Do not use
Wood, paper, cloth	Water, foam, ABC dry powder	CO2 is often less effective on deep embers
Flammable liquids	Foam, CO2, dry powder	Water
Live electrical equipment	CO2, suitable dry powder, clean agent	Water, water-based foam
Cooking oil	Wet chemical labelled for Class K or F, fire blanket for a small pan	Water, and generally CO2 or ordinary dry powder

For a fuller guide, see our article on fire extinguisher types.

Agents you must not use on electrical and cooking-oil fires

Electrical fires. Do not use water or water-based foam on live equipment, because of the risk of electric shock. The exception is an extinguisher whose label clearly states that it is suitable. Isolate the power only if the switch or breaker can be reached safely. CO2 leaves no residue and is often chosen for electrical equipment. Dry powder also works but leaves a residue that can damage sensitive equipment.

Cooking-oil fires. Never use water. It sinks into the hot oil, flashes to steam and can throw burning oil across the room. CO2 and general-purpose dry powder are also poor choices, because their discharge can spread the oil, and the oil may reignite since it stays hot. Turn off the heat if it is safe and use a fire blanket or a Class K or F wet chemical extinguisher.

Common fire extinguisher mistakes

• Trying to fight the fire before raising the alarm
• Standing with the fire between you and the exit
• Aiming at the top of the flames
• Using the wrong extinguisher because it happened to be the nearest
• Turning your back on the fire too soon
• Holding a CO2 discharge horn with bare hands. It becomes extremely cold, so hold it only by the handle or insulated grip.
• Using CO2 in a small enclosed room and remaining there, since it displaces breathable air
• Assuming that an extinguisher works without checking its gauge, seal and condition

After using an extinguisher

Even if the fire seems to be out, have it checked by the fire service or a responsible person. Ventilate the area, particularly after CO2 or powder has been used, as powder can irritate the airways. Report the discharge, then have the extinguisher recharged or replaced before the area is reopened.

Prepare your people before a fire happens

The middle of a fire is the wrong time to read the instructions. Staff should practise under supervision and know the location of each extinguisher and exit. NFPA 10 is the common reference for selection, placement and maintenance, and our maintenance checklist helps keep equipment ready.

Your emergency plan should state who raises the alarm, who calls the fire service and who guides people to the assembly point, and nobody should be asked to fight a fire without training. Keep extinguishers visible and unobstructed. Avoid placing an unsuitable type beside a hazard, such as a water extinguisher next to an electrical panel, because a panicked person will grab the nearest one. Review the extinguisher types whenever the use of an area changes.

Get the right extinguishers for your site

ECCO is an agent for Albtran, the Egyptian fire extinguisher manufacturer. See our fire extinguisher range, or contact us for help matching extinguishers to the risks at your site.