What does the PASS mnemonic stand for when using a portable fire extinguisher?

• A. Protect, Alert, Stop, Suppress
• B. Push, Activate, Shoot, Sweep
• C. Pause, Assess, Seek, Subdue
• D. Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep

Answer: (D)

PASS is the standard sequence for using a portable fire extinguisher. Pull the pin to break the tamper seal and enable discharge. Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire, where the fuel source is. Squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing agent, keeping steady pressure. Sweep the nozzle from side to side across the base of the fire to blanket the fuel and prevent reignition. Continue until the fire is out or the extinguisher is empty, and retreat if the fire grows or you cannot keep it under control. This order—pull, aim, squeeze, sweep—is what ensures you start the discharge, target the fuel, release the agent, and spread it effectively to suppress the fire. The other options describe actions that don’t reflect how a extinguisher is operated.