What does the letter 'A' in the acronym P.A.S.S. signify?

The letter 'A' in the acronym P.A.S.S. actually stands for "Aim the nozzle." This is a critical step when using a fire extinguisher. Aiming the nozzle at the fire is essential for effectively directing the extinguishing agent at the base of the flames, where the fuel source is located. Proper placement increases the likelihood of successfully extinguishing the fire or preventing its spread.

This step follows the initial step, which is to pull the pin, and precedes the actual act of squeezing the handle to release the agent. Aiming correctly helps to ensure that the fire extinguisher is used to its fullest potential, making it an indispensable part of the fire safety procedure.