How to Use a Fire Extinguisher: the P.A.S.S. Technique SOP

Standard Operating Procedure: Fire Extinguisher Usage

This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) outlines the mandatory safety protocols and operational steps for utilizing portable fire extinguishers. In the event of a fire, the primary objective is human life safety; this procedure is intended only for incipient-stage fires. All employees must familiarize themselves with the location of fire extinguishers and the specific classifications assigned to their work area. If a fire grows beyond the controllable limit, immediately evacuate the area and contact emergency services.

Phase 1: Assessment and Preparation

• Evaluate the Threat: Determine if the fire is small enough to be controlled. If the fire is spreading rapidly or blocking your only exit, abandon the area immediately.
• Activate Alarm: Ensure the fire alarm has been triggered to alert other occupants.
• Confirm Classification: Verify the extinguisher type is compatible with the fire source:
  • Class A: Ordinary combustibles (wood, paper, cloth).
  • Class B: Flammable liquids (gasoline, oil, grease).
  • Class C: Electrical fires.
  • Class K: Kitchen fires (cooking oils/fats).
• Positioning: Stand 6–8 feet away from the fire, positioned between the fire and your nearest clear exit route.

Phase 2: Execution (The P.A.S.S. Technique)

• P – Pull: Grasp the extinguisher and pull the safety pin located at the top. This releases the locking mechanism and allows you to discharge the agent.
• A – Aim: Point the nozzle or hose at the base of the fire, not the flames. Extinguishing the fuel source is critical to suppression.
• S – Squeeze: Squeeze the handle lever firmly to release the extinguishing agent.
• S – Sweep: Move the nozzle from side to side at the base of the fire until the flames appear extinguished.

Phase 3: Post-Discharge Procedure

• Monitor: Watch the area closely for reignition. If the fire flares up again, repeat the P.A.S.S. process.
• Evacuate: Once the fire is extinguished or the agent is depleted, vacate the premises.
• Report: Notify the Facility Manager or Safety Officer immediately so the extinguisher can be recharged or replaced. Never return a used extinguisher to its station.

Pro Tips & Pitfalls

• Pro Tip: Always test the extinguisher briefly with a short burst before approaching the fire to ensure it is pressurized and functional.
• Pro Tip: Maintain a "buddy system" if possible—one person manages the extinguisher while the other monitors the exit path and calls emergency services.
• Pitfall (The "Top of Flame" Error): Aiming at the flames rather than the base is the most common mistake. Doing so simply blows the fire around without removing the fuel heat source.
• Pitfall (Emptying Too Fast): Do not discharge the entire contents at once if unnecessary. Use short, controlled bursts to manage the fire effectively.
• Pitfall (Ignoring Wind): If fighting a fire outdoors, always stand upwind so the fire does not blow toward you.

Template Document: How to Use a Fire Extinguisher: the P.A.S.S. Technique SOP

This Standard Operating Procedure outlines the mandatory steps for operating a fire extinguisher using the P.A.S.S. technique to ensure workplace safety. It is intended for all employees and site personnel who may need to respond to a small, contained fire emergency.

• Document owner: [Department Name]
• Effective date: [Date]
• Version: [Version Number]
• Applies to: [Facility or Site Name]

Roles and responsibilities

Steps

1. Assess the fire size and determine if it is small enough to be contained by a single [Type of Extinguisher].
2. Activate the nearest fire alarm pull station to alert [Emergency Contact Number] and building occupants.
3. Position yourself at a safe distance of [Number] feet from the fire, ensuring your back is toward an unobstructed exit.
4. Pull the locking pin from the handle of the extinguisher to break the tamper seal.
5. Aim the nozzle or hose at the base of the fire, not at the flames themselves.
6. Squeeze the handle lever slowly and evenly to release the extinguishing agent.
7. Sweep the nozzle from side to side across the base of the fire until the flames appear to be extinguished.
8. Monitor the area for [Number] minutes to ensure the fire does not reignite.
9. Report the incident immediately to [Department Manager Name] and document the event in the safety log.
10. Replace the used extinguisher with a fully charged unit from [Storage Location] within [Number] hours.
11. Schedule a professional inspection of the area to ensure no hidden heat sources remain.
12. Submit a formal incident report to the [Safety Committee] by [Date].

Record of completion

• Prepared by: [Full name]
• Reviewed by: [Full name]
• Date completed: [Date]
• Signature: ______________________
• Date signed: [Date]

FAQ

Q: How do I know if the extinguisher is functional before an emergency? A: Check the pressure gauge monthly. The needle should be within the green zone. Ensure the pin is intact, the tamper seal is unbroken, and the service tag is current.

Q: Can I use a Class A extinguisher on an electrical fire? A: No. Using an extinguisher not rated for Class C on electrical equipment can result in electrical shock. Only use extinguishers explicitly labeled for the type of fire you are facing.

Q: What should I do if the fire extinguisher fails to discharge? A: If the extinguisher fails, immediately stop the attempt, discard the device, and evacuate the building. Do not attempt to repair or troubleshoot the device while in a high-danger environment.