What is the correct order of steps to operate a portable fire extinguisher?

• A. Squeeze the handle, pull the pin, aim at the base, sweep the base.
• B. Pull the pin, aim the base from about 10 feet, squeeze the handle, sweep the base of the flame.
• C. Pull the pin, sweep the base, squeeze the handle, aim.
• D. Pull the pin, squeeze the handle, aim at the base, sweep the base.

Answer: (B)

The steps tested follow the PASS method for using a portable fire extinguisher. First you pull the pin to unlock and ready the unit. Then you aim at the base of the fire from a safe distance (about 10 feet) so you attack the fuel source, not the flames. Next you squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing agent. Finally you sweep the nozzle from side to side at the base of the fire, moving across the area until the fire is out or you need to retreat. The emphasis is on aiming at the base and using a controlled sweep to suppress the fuel contributing to the fire. Options that skip pulling the pin first, or squeeze before aiming, or sweep before aiming, don’t effectively apply the extinguishing agent where it’s most needed and are not the proper sequence.