Hot Work & Fire Prevention
Portable Fire
Extinguisher — PASS
Extinguisher — PASS
NFPA 10 · NYC FC §906.2 · OSHA 1926.150 — Monthly Inspection by CSFSM Required
Every NYC construction site is required to have portable fire extinguishers accessible at all times. Knowing which type to use and how to operate it correctly can contain a small fire before it becomes a catastrophe — but only if you know the PASS technique cold, before you ever need it.
Know Your Extinguisher Types
- Class A: Ordinary combustibles — wood, paper, drywall, cardboard (water or stored pressure)
- Class B: Flammable liquids — gasoline, diesel, paint, solvents
- Class C: Energized electrical equipment
- ABC extinguisher (dry chemical): Required on all NYC construction sites — minimum 10-lb capacity. This is the most common type you'll see on site.
- Class K: Cooking oils — not typically on construction sites; know the difference
The PASS Technique
- P — Pull the safety pin from the handle. The pin is tamper-sealed; a broken seal without use means inspect immediately
- A — Aim the nozzle at the BASE of the fire, not the flames. Hitting the flames does nothing
- S — Squeeze the trigger handle slowly and evenly. Test briefly before committing
- S — Sweep side to side at the base of the fire. Move closer as the fire diminishes
When NOT to Fight the Fire
- The fire is larger than a waste basket — call 911, activate pull station, evacuate
- You don't have the right extinguisher type for the fire class
- Your exit route is blocked — never let a fire cut off your way out
- The fire involves flammable gas (propane, acetylene) — evacuate immediately, call 911
NYC Site Requirements (NFPA 10 / NYC FC §906)
- Extinguisher within 75 feet of every point on every floor — verify placement daily
- Monthly inspection documented by CSFSM — recorded on PL-017 (Fire Extinguisher Monthly Log)
- Annual service by licensed NYC fire suppression contractor — tagged on device
- After ANY use — even partial — extinguisher must be recharged or replaced before returning to service
Discussion Questions
- Walk us through PASS. What does each letter stand for and what exactly do you do?
- If you discover a fire extinguisher with a broken tamper seal and full gauge, what do you do?
- The fire is burning a running diesel generator — which extinguisher type do you reach for?
- Name two situations where you should NOT attempt to fight the fire and should just evacuate.
Sign-Off
Project Address
Date
Time
Foreman / Supervisor
SSM / SSC Name & License No.
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