F-01 F-01 Fireguard Portable Fire Extinguisher Use 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does the acronym PASS stand for when using a fire extinguisher?
- Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep (Correct answer)
- Push, Activate, Spray, Smother
- Pull, Arm, Spray, Scan
- Point, Aim, Squeeze, Spread
Correct answer: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep
PASS stands for Pull the pin, Aim at the base, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep side to side.
Question 2: At what distance should you initially position yourself when discharging a portable fire extinguisher?
- 1 to 2 feet from the fire
- 6 to 8 feet from the fire (Correct answer)
- 10 to 15 feet from the fire
- 20 or more feet from the fire
Correct answer: 6 to 8 feet from the fire
Operators should begin discharge from approximately 6 to 8 feet away, then move closer as the fire diminishes.
Question 3: Which class of fire involves flammable liquids such as gasoline or oil?
- Class A
- Class B (Correct answer)
- Class C
- Class D
Correct answer: Class B
Class B fires involve flammable liquids, gases, and greases.
Question 4: Why should you never use a water extinguisher on an electrical fire?
- Water evaporates too quickly to be effective
- Water conducts electricity and can cause electrocution (Correct answer)
- Water spreads the electrical charge to other areas
- Water reacts chemically with electrical equipment
Correct answer: Water conducts electricity and can cause electrocution
Water is a conductor of electricity, so using it on a Class C fire creates a serious electrocution hazard.
Question 5: A CO2 extinguisher works primarily by which mechanism?
- Cooling the fuel below its ignition point
- Displacing oxygen and smothering the fire (Correct answer)
- Chemically interrupting the combustion chain reaction
- Coating the fuel surface with a dry powder
Correct answer: Displacing oxygen and smothering the fire
Carbon dioxide extinguishers displace oxygen around the fire, removing the oxidizer needed for combustion.
Question 6: When sweeping the extinguisher nozzle during discharge, where should the stream be directed?
- At the tops of the flames
- Directly into the center of the fire
- At the base of the fire (Correct answer)
- Above the fire to create a blanket effect
Correct answer: At the base of the fire
Aiming at the base of the fire attacks the fuel source, which is the most effective method for extinguishment.
Question 7: After a fire extinguisher has been partially discharged, what must be done?
- It can be returned to service if pressure gauge reads green
- It must be recharged or replaced before returning to service (Correct answer)
- It only needs a visual inspection before reuse
- It should be stored horizontally until fully empty
Correct answer: It must be recharged or replaced before returning to service
A partially discharged extinguisher must be recharged immediately because it may not have enough agent to fight another fire.
F-01 F-01 Fireguard Portable Fire Extinguisher Use 2
What does the acronym PASS stand for when using a fire extinguisher?