The PASS Technique

3/1/2022 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of Edgewater/Deale-Churchton/Lothian, we restore buildings and contents after fires have occurred. We encourage you to train your employees on some basic fire safety techniques on an annual basis. 

Here’s a quick list of some techniques you should use. 

Fire extinguisher training should be done on an annual basis, at least, and should also be part of the initial training for new employees. 

The P.A.S.S Technique 

If employees aren't confident they can safely put out a fire, they should evacuate instead. The acronym P.A.S.S. helps employees remember each step of using an extinguisher to reduce fire damage. 

1. Pull the pin. Find the pin at the top of the canister and pull it out to break the tamper seal. 

1. Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire. When the source of water is doused, the flames should die down. 

1. Squeeze the handle to release the pressurized chemicals inside the canister. 

1. Sweep the spray from side to side, maintaining your focus at the base of the fire.  

After working through the steps, keep your eye on the area. If flames reappear, repeat steps 2 to 4. 

Annual Fire Response Drills 

• Use the following steps in case of a fire (and during yearly drills.) 
• Pull the fire alarm and alert the fire department. 
• Protect the designated evacuation path. If fire, heat, or smoke threatens to come between employees and the exit, personnel should evacuate instead of fighting the fire. 
• Choose an appropriate extinguisher. 
• Complete the P.A.S.S. technique. 
• Observe the location of the fire to catch any flames that may reignite.  
• Evacuate immediately if the fire is too big, if the air isn't safe to breathe, if the room is too hot or smoky, and/or if the evacuation path is compromised. 
• Once the ability to use the fire extinguisher has been mastered and employees have been trained in the fire response routine, schedule opportunities for employees to practice their responses to a fire. 

Practice Safety 

It doesn't take long for a kitchen fire to pop up in a restaurant or flames to appear in an industrial setting. Protect your employees with training on how to use a fire extinguisher and regular drills in fire safety techniques.