In the high-risk environment of a medical facility, safety protocols are paramount for protecting patients, staff, and property. The acronym PASS is a foundational safety instruction used universally in healthcare settings to standardize the immediate response to a fire. It guides personnel in the correct and effective operation of a portable fire extinguisher. Recognizing this sequence is a basic requirement for all hospital and clinic employees, ensuring swift action.
The Direct Meaning of PASS
The acronym PASS provides a simple, memorable instruction set for operating most types of portable fire extinguishers. Each letter corresponds to a distinct action required to properly deploy the extinguishing agent against a small fire. These actions are sequential, transforming a complex emergency tool into a user-friendly device.
The four letters in the acronym stand for Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep. This sequence of actions is intended to maximize the effectiveness of the limited amount of extinguishing agent contained within the portable unit. The clear, concise nature of the acronym makes it a reliable method to recall under the stress of an actual emergency.
Executing the Four-Step PASS Procedure
Pull
The first step, Pull, requires the operator to remove the safety pin located at the top of the extinguisher’s handle assembly. This pin is a locking mechanism that prevents accidental discharge. Once the pin is pulled, the extinguisher’s operating lever is primed and ready to be depressed.
Aim
The second action is to Aim the nozzle or horn of the extinguisher at the very base of the fire, not the flames themselves. The goal of fire suppression is to interrupt the chemical reaction at the fuel source, which is located at the base. Directing the agent at the visible flames will not extinguish the burning material below.
Squeeze
Next, the operator must Squeeze the handles together to depress the operating lever, which releases the pressurized extinguishing agent. This lever should be depressed slowly and evenly to control the rate of discharge. Most portable extinguishers contain enough agent to last only a short time, making a controlled release important for success.
Sweep
Finally, the operator must Sweep the nozzle from side to side across the base of the fire. This sweeping motion ensures that the agent covers the entire burning area, smothering the fire completely. The operator should continue this action until the fire appears to be extinguished, while maintaining a safe distance and watching for any signs of re-ignition.
The Context of Fire Safety in Medical Facilities
The decision to use the PASS procedure is guided by a larger emergency protocol that prioritizes human safety over property protection. Before employing a fire extinguisher, personnel must first assess the fire’s size and their own safety, ensuring their exit path remains clear. PASS is only intended for small, contained fires; staff are trained to evacuate immediately if the fire is spreading rapidly or if smoke is obstructing visibility.
The broader fire response framework in healthcare facilities is often summarized by the related acronym RACE. This sequence stands for Rescue anyone in immediate danger, Alarm by activating the fire alarm system, Confine the fire by closing doors, and Extinguish or Evacuate. The PASS technique fits directly into the “Extinguish” part of this comprehensive plan.