Gas Leak Tactical Decision Game
Th
is gas leak tactical decision game places company officers at a suspected propane leak inside a renovated commercial building. You are dispatched to a possible propane leak at the LEAP facility in Farmington, Maine. Maintenance personnel report a worker feeling lightheaded in the basement and the smell of gas outside the rear door, although no odor is detected inside. The building was evacuated prior to arrival, but the source and extent of the hazard remain uncertain.
Initial operations require disciplined size-up and cautious investigation. Officers must consider multiple operational constraints, including:
- Recently renovated structure with multiple basement areas
- Exterior propane tank showing frost accumulation
- No visible smoke or fire conditions
- Conflicting sensory cues and monitor readings
- Potential for explosive gas accumulation below grade
- Limited staffing on initial units
Incident Video
There is no incident video associated with this gas leak TDG. Instead, the scenario relies on documented findings and after-action information from the explosion. Participants must interpret atmospheric monitoring data and physical indicators to guide decisions. This approach emphasizes recognition-primed decision making by forcing officers to act on subtle cues rather than dramatic conditions. It mirrors real gas incidents where hazards are often invisible until catastrophic failure occurs.
Important Lessons
Gas leak incidents inside structures can deteriorate rapidly without warning. In this case, personnel entered the basement after detecting elevated readings, and an explosion occurred approximately 30 seconds later. One officer was killed and several firefighters were injured. The absence of gas odor did not indicate safety, as propane is naturally odorless and odor fade may occur. Frost on the propane tank suggested active release and auto-refrigeration. The PDF includes an additional learning section covering odor fade, propane behavior, and indicators of significant leak conditions.
Learn more about how to use 10-Minute Training and find additional tactical decision games in the 10-Minute Training Library.
