Category: Emergency Preparedness Time: 5–10 min Audience: All Workers

Know your extinguisher

Different extinguisher types fight different fire classes. Class A (wood, paper, fabric): water or ABC dry chemical. Class B (flammable liquids): CO2 or ABC dry chemical. Class C (electrical): CO2 or ABC dry chemical. Class K (cooking oils): wet chemical — restaurants only. Using the wrong type can make a fire worse.

The PASS technique

Pull the pin. Aim the nozzle at the BASE of the fire — not the flames. Squeeze the handle. Sweep side to side at the base of the fire. Keep sweeping until the fire is out or the extinguisher is empty.

When NOT to fight the fire

If the fire is larger than a wastepaper basket, if you don't know what's burning, if there's no clear escape route behind you, or if the room is filling with smoke — evacuate immediately. Your job is not to fight the fire. Your job is to get out.

After using an extinguisher

Any extinguisher that has been discharged — even partially — must be recharged or replaced immediately. A partially discharged extinguisher may fail when needed next. Report it to your supervisor the same day.

Discussion question

Where is the nearest fire extinguisher to this work area, and when was it last inspected?

Documentation Reminder

Record this meeting: date, topic ("Fire Extinguisher Use — PASS Technique"), names of attendees, and facilitator. A sign-in sheet filed with your safety records is your proof of training. OSHA considers documented safety meetings as evidence of good faith.

← Back to all toolbox talks