What is the first step in the P.A.S.S. technique for using a fire extinguisher?

The first step in the P.A.S.S. technique for using a fire extinguisher is to pull the pin. This action is crucial as it unlocks the extinguisher and allows you to use it. Without pulling the pin, the extinguisher will not operate, making it impossible to extinguish the fire. Pulling the pin ensures that the safety mechanism is disengaged, enabling the next steps in the P.A.S.S. method – aiming, squeezing, and sweeping – to be executed effectively. This foundational step sets up the correct use of the extinguisher and is vital for anyone trained to respond to a fire emergency.