Question

Which of the following is NOT a step in the proper use of a portable fire extinguisher?

A. Pull the pin between the two handles.
B. Squeeze the handles together.
C. Sweep from side to side.
D. Aim at the top of the fire

Answer 1

The incorrect step in using a portable fire extinguisher is to 'Aim at the top of the fire.' The correct technique involves aiming low at the base of the fire, where the fuel source is, after pulling the pin and before squeezing the handle and sweeping from side to side.

Step-by-step explanation:

The step that is NOT a part of the proper use of a portable fire extinguisher in the given list is D. Aim at the top of the fire. The correct procedure, remembered by the acronym PASS, includes the following steps:

1. Pull the pin to break the tamper seal.
2. Aim low, pointing the extinguisher nozzle (or its horn or hose) at the base of the fire.
3. Squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing agent.
4. Sweep from side to side at the base of the fire until it appears to be out.

Aiming at the top of the fire would not be effective in extinguishing the flames, as it is the base of the fire where the fuel source is located, and this is what needs to be targeted to effectively put the fire out.