Documentation & Safety
The PASS Method and 4 Fire Safety Principles Every Hospital Should Know
Why hospitals are higher risk
Patients may not be able to walk unaided. Facilities often contain oxygen systems, electrical equipment and medical gases, alongside generators, kitchens, laboratories and electrical rooms — plus large numbers of visitors and, in some areas, flammable materials.
Four basic principles
Prevention — identify and remove fire hazards before they become incidents. Detection — keep alarm and detection systems functional. Response — make sure staff know exactly what to do when a fire occurs. Evacuation — move patients and staff safely, according to the facility's emergency plan.
The PASS method for extinguishers
Pull the pin. Aim at the base of the fire. Squeeze the handle. Sweep from side to side. Staff should only attempt firefighting when trained, the situation is appropriate, and a safe escape route is available.
Fire drills test more than the alarm
A fire drill isn't just an activity to satisfy a requirement — it tests whether staff actually know what to do. Good drills check alarm activation, staff response, communication, patient movement, evacuation routes, equipment, the assembly point, department coordination and time taken. After every drill: identify gaps, correct them, document the corrective action, and follow up.
Frequently asked questions
- Is a Fire NOC the same as basic fire safety arrangements?
- No — they're related but not the same thing. Fire safety arrangements (like extinguishers and staff preparedness) are day-to-day practice, while a Fire NOC / certification is a separate regulatory requirement that depends on the specific site.
- What does PASS stand for?
- Pull the pin, Aim at the base, Squeeze the handle, Sweep from side to side.