How to use a fire extinguisher with the PASS method: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep

Fire safety in a workshop isn’t a lecture you forget after class. It’s a practical habit you carry with you every time you grab a wrench. In auto environments, fires can start from oil leaks, fuel vapors, overloaded electrical systems, or overheated brakes. When minutes feel like hours, knowing how to use a fire extinguisher quickly and correctly can make the difference between a small scare and a serious disaster. The simplest, most reliable guide people reach for is the PASS method. Let me break it down and connect it to real-life shop scenarios.

What PASS stands for—and why it matters in the shop

PASS is an acronym that keeps the steps to using a fire extinguisher clear under pressure. It stands for:

• Pull

• Aim

• Squeeze

• Sweep

Think of it as your quick checklist when you’re inches from a small flame under a car hood or near a spilled solvent spill gone smoky. The beauty of PASS is its simplicity. You don’t need fancy training to memorize four actions that you can perform safely in seconds, even if your heart’s racing a little.

Pull a pin, not a panic

The first move is “Pull.” That means pulling the safety pin from the handle. It’s like opening a valve of opportunity—now the extinguisher is ready to do its job. The pin protects the extinguisher from accidental discharge, which is why you never skip this step during a genuine emergency. In a workshop, where a sudden spark can come from a shorted relay or a hot exhaust pipe, this step buys you the control you’ll need next.

Aim for the base of the fire

Next up is “Aim.” Direct the nozzle at the base of the flames, not the top or the middle. Flames leap and dance, but what stops them is hitting the source of the fire. In auto shop terms, you’re aiming for the fuel source or the material that’s feeding the blaze—oil pooled on concrete, a hot engine component, or a soaked rag near a hot manifold. Targeting the base gives you the best chance of shutting down the fuel and smothering the fire at its root.

Squeeze the lever, steady as you go

“Squeeze” is the moment you release the extinguishing agent. Squeezing the handle or lever should be a smooth action, not a jerky yank. You’ll keep a better aim and prevent splashing or waste. In a workshop, where the extinguisher might be a dry chemical type, the material can obscure your vision briefly. A steady squeeze helps you keep the nozzle on the base of the fire while you work.

Sweep from side to side

Finally, “Sweep” means moving the nozzle in a slow, side-to-side motion as you direct the extinguishing agent across the fire. You want to cover the entire base area and push the flames back. If you see smoke thinning out, it’s a good sign you’re gaining control. If, after a few passes, the fire stays stubborn, or you can’t get close enough to the base, back away to a safe distance and call for help. Your safety, and that of others in the shop, matters more than finishing the job solo.

What a practical fire extinguisher looks like in an auto shop

Most auto shops stock multipurpose dry chemical extinguishers labeled ABC. They’re designed to tackle common workshop fires: A (ordinary combustibles like paper and wood used for rags and packaging), B (flammable liquids like gasoline, oil, solvents), and C (electrical fires). In an automotive setting, you’ll want one that’s easy to grab, clearly labeled, and within easy reach. Some shops place extinguishers near the service bays, another near the welding area, and a few in storage rooms for quick access.

If you’re working on a vehicle with electrical components and a small fire starts, a CO2 extinguisher can be good for electrical fires because it leaves no residue. But in mixed environments—where solvents and oils are present—a dry chemical or a foam extinguisher is often the safer, more versatile choice. It’s worth having a quick look at the label, checking the pressure gauge, and making sure the pin isn’t bent and the hose isn’t cracked. A little preventive maintenance goes a long way.

Safety first: when to use PASS and when to step back

Here’s the thing: PASS is for small, incipient fires—the kind you can control before it becomes a big, dangerous blaze. If flames are climbing toward the ceiling, smoke is filling the room, or you don’t have a clear exit behind you, your safety—and everyone else’s—comes first. In those moments, evacuate, alert others, and call emergency services. A fire extinguisher helps, but it’s not a miracle cure. Your judgment matters as much as the tool you’re using.

In a shop, you might also notice these safety habits that complement PASS:

• Know where the exits are, and keep them unobstructed.

• Check extinguishers monthly for a pressure reading in the green and a clear tag with last inspection date.

• Keep a fire blanket in areas with quick-flammable liquids, like near the paint booth or solvent storage.

• Turn off machinery if you can do so safely and unplug power when appropriate, reducing the risk of reignition.

Common missteps—and how to avoid them

People new to using a fire extinguisher sometimes make a few predictable mistakes. Here’s a quick heads-up so you don’t stumble when it matters most:

• Aiming at the flames instead of the base. It looks intuitive to "hit the fire," but you’ll cover the flames without depriving the fuel of its source.

• Getting too close. If you’re within a couple of feet and a sudden flare erupts, you could be scorched by heat. Back off to the recommended distance and approach cautiously.

• Over-squeezing or grabbing the wrong handle. A controlled squeeze works best, and some extinguishers have separate discharge levers; know which one you’re using.

• Forgetting to sweep. A few short bursts won’t cool a base of fire effectively; you need a steady sweep to cover the area.

• Trying to fight a fire that’s beyond your capacity. If in doubt, remove yourself from danger and call for help. There’s no shame in that.

Real-world flavor: stories from the shop floor

In a busy shop, you’ll hear the hum of air compressors, the clatter of wrenches, and sometimes the hiss of overheated brakes. I’ve watched a technician grab an extinguisher—calm, quick, deliberate—when a small oil flare popped up near a workbench. The pin came out with a sharp click, the nozzle found the base of the flames, and in moments the fire was under control. A few smooth sweeps and the glow faded. No dramatic sound track, just steady hands and a clear plan. That’s what PASS is supposed to feel like: practical, not cinematic.

Choosing the right extinguisher for your space

If you’re responsible for a shop’s safety equipment, you’ll want at least a couple of dependable units. A common setup might include:

• ABC dry chemical extinguishers for general use across the shop.

• A CO2 extinguisher near sensitive electronic work areas if residual damage is a concern.

• A lightweight, easy-to-handle model for quick grabs, placed near bays and near the front of the shop for fast access.

Label reading matters. Look for the type, the operating instructions, the date of last service, and a pressure gauge that’s in the green. If the gauge sits in the red, replace or service the unit. It’s a small cost for big peace of mind.

A little training goes a long way

Most shops host brief, hands-on demonstrations. It’s not about memorizing a script; it’s about feeling the motion. A quick drill with a live extinguisher (on a controlled, powered-down setup) can reduce hesitation when a real flame appears. Even a short refresher helps. If you’re a student of auto technology, you’ll appreciate how this kind of training mirrors the practical nature of the work: learn by doing, not just by reading.

Relatable takeaways you can carry into any repair bay

• Keep PASS in your pocket as you work. It’s a simple set of steps, but it translates across scenarios—from oil-soaked rags to a spark near a battery.

• Treat the extinguisher as a tool you inspect regularly. A machine shop is full of heat, solvents, and metal—conditions that test equipment. A quick check before each shift keeps you prepared.

• Pair safety with your routine. Wash hands, clean up spills, and store rags properly. Reducing fuel sources reduces risk, and that’s a habit every mechanic should respect.

• Remember that knowledge plus caution equals safety. You can know the steps and still choose to evacuate if the fire is growing. It’s not about bravado; it’s about staying safe.

Bringing it all together

Fire safety in an auto shop boils down to a handful of practical habits and a four-step response that most of us can memorize under pressure. PASS—Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep—gives you a clear path to act. It isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being prepared, calm, and capable. In the car shop, where grease, oil, and electrical sparks coexist, having this method in your mental toolbox makes sense.

If you’re curious about where to find reliable, easy-to-use extinguishers and how to run a quick safety check, look for reputable brands like Kidde or First Alert, and review local safety guidelines. A small investment in good equipment and a quick refresher can pay off in a big way if something goes wrong. And if you’re ever unsure, remember: your safest move is to step back, get everyone to safety, and call for help. The car can wait a minute; people can’t.

So the next time you step into the bay, let PASS be your quiet partner. It’s not flashy, but it’s remarkably effective. And in a world where a single spark can change everything, that kind of practical wisdom is worth keeping close at hand.