What does PASS stand for in fire safety practices?

The acronym PASS is a crucial part of fire safety practices, particularly when using a fire extinguisher. It stands for Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep, which outlines the correct sequence of actions a person should take to effectively use a fire extinguisher.

• Pull refers to the action of pulling the safety pin from the handle of the extinguisher. This pin prevents accidental discharge, ensuring safety until the user is ready to operate the extinguisher.

• Aim instructs the user to point the nozzle at the base of the fire, as targeting the base is essential for extinguishing the flames effectively.

• Squeeze involves squeezing the handle to release the extinguishing agent. This action is necessary to activate the extinguisher and begin fighting the fire.

• Sweep is the final step, where the user sweeps the nozzle from side to side at the base of the fire until it is completely out.

This structured approach is vital for ensuring that the user operates the extinguisher correctly and maximizes the chances of successfully extinguishing a fire while minimizing personal risk.

The other options misrepresent this method either by changing key terms or introducing irrelevant actions, which could lead to incorrect usage of the fire extinguisher in an emergency situation.