Though fire extinguishers are required in nearly any building, many people have never used or even held a fire extinguisher. Over the past two months, Lyster Army Health Clinic (LAHC) employees have had an opportunity to practice basic firefighting skills using a fire extinguisher to extinguish a small fire. This hands-on training allowed employees to physically employ the PASS method and refine their skills. With the assistance of the Fort Rucker Fire Department, the training taught employees how to choose the right fire extinguisher for a fire and how to use a fire extinguisher properly.

The PASS Method: Using a Fire Extinguisher

1.   Pull the pin. Hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you and release the locking mechanism.

2.   Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire.

3.   Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.

4.   Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side.

Following the training, staff members reported that they felt more comfortable with using a fire extinguisher. To meet the annual Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) training requirement for fire extinguisher training, LAHC staff have the option to attend the in-house training by supervisors using presentation slides or participating in Life Fire Extinguisher Training conducted by the Fort Rucker Fire Department.