Emergency & SafetyQuestion 165 of 200
The PASS acronym for operating a portable fire extinguisher stands for:
a.Push, Aim, Spray, Stop
b.Pull, Activate, Squeeze, Survey
c.Pull (the pin), Aim (at the base of the fire), Squeeze (the handle), Sweep (side to side)
d.Prepare, Approach, Stop, Spray
Explanation
PASS — Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep — is the standard portable-extinguisher operation procedure adopted by NFPA 10 and taught in BSIS emergency-response modules. Pull the pin to disable the safety; Aim the nozzle at the base of the flames (not the smoke or tops); Squeeze the handle to discharge; Sweep side to side across the base until the fuel is extinguished. The acronym is paired with the rule that extinguishers are only for incipient (small, contained) fires; if a fire is larger than a wastebasket, evacuate and call 911 — do not attempt suppression.
Law Reference: NFPA 10 (portable fire extinguishers); PASS acronymPractice all 200 questions free — no signup required.
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