When:
Approximately 3 hours long, whenever convenient for you
Where:
IAFC Academy (online, login required. You’ll be prompted to create an account if you don’t already have one.)
Prerequesite:
Propane Emergencies Training for Awareness-Level Responders
Cost:
$0
This program prepares operations-level responders to manage propane incidents by combining technical knowledge with structured decision-making. Participants learn how propane’s physical and chemical behavior, combustion byproducts, and atmospheric monitoring influence risk, entry, ventilation, and withdrawal decisions. The program also emphasizes how to organize incidents using ICS principles, evaluate hazards, and develop risk-based response strategies, including selecting PPE, establishing site control, and managing incident actions through termination.
In addition, responders learn how propane container components behave under stress and how to apply appropriate tactics to support container stabilization without exceeding their role. Overall, the program equips responders to make deliberate, informed decisions that protect people, property, and the environment while maintaining safety and operational boundaries.
Module 1: Propane Behavior and Monitoring
This module provides Operational-level knowledge about propane and propane-related hazards and contains three lessons. The goal is to build a working understanding of propane behavior and atmospheric monitoring so responders can make informed entry, ventilation, and withdrawal decisions.
Learning Objectives
- Describe how propane’s physical and chemical behavior under operational conditions influences responder risk and tactical limitations.
- Explain how combustion conditions and byproducts, including carbon monoxide, affect respiratory protection requirements and entry decisions.
- Explain how to interpret gas-monitor readings to make smart tactical decisions, including when to enter, ventilate, recognize ignition risks, or back out.
Module 2: Risk-Based Operations
Operations-level responders are responsible for organizing the incident, evaluating risk, and selecting actions that protect responders, the public, and critical infrastructure. This module focuses on how those decisions are made, not just what the eight steps are. The goal is to equip you to make deliberate decisions that protect people, property, and the environment.
Learning Objectives
- Describe how incident organization and site control are established using Incident Command System (ICS) principles to support coordinated, risk-based operations at propane incidents.
- Evaluate hazards and operational risk to select an appropriate response posture and develop an initial Incident Action Plan (IAP).
- Select appropriate PPE, integrate decontamination operations, and manage incident termination to protect responders and the public.
Module 3: Container Conditions and Operational Limits
This module focuses on tactical approaches to incident response. The goal is to enable you to recognize container conditions and apply appropriate operational tactics that support stabilization while maintaining safety and scope.
Learning Objectives
- Identify how critical propane container components interact with exposure conditions that increase failure risk.
- Apply operations-level tactics that support container stabilization while maintaining safety and role boundaries
Module 4: Integrated Operational Scenarios
In this module, you will apply operations-level principles to complex propane incidents through structured case review and operational application. The focus is on disciplined decision-making grounded in atmospheric monitoring, container behavior, and risk recognition.
Learning Objectives
At the completion of this training, first responders will:
- Explain how atmospheric monitoring guides decisions
- Differentiate vapor and liquid releases
- Analyze container behavior under fire conditions
- Identify when defensive posture or withdrawal is required.
Background
The Propane Emergencies online training program was created by International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and the Propane Education and Research Council (PERC). The IAFC and PERC are partnering to expand awareness of critical information and issues related to propane training and to enhance and improve preparedness for hazmat response involving incidents with propane.