What is the first step in the response protocol for a detected gas leak?

The first step in the response protocol for a detected gas leak is to evacuate the area immediately. This action is crucial because the presence of a gas leak poses an immediate danger to the health and safety of everyone in and around the affected area. Evacuating helps ensure that individuals are removed from potential harm, such as the risk of explosion, fire, or exposure to toxic gases. Safety should always be the top priority in emergency situations, especially when it involves hazardous materials like gas.

The other options, while relevant to gas leak management, do not take precedence during the initial response. For instance, notifying the gas supplier is indeed important for resolving the leak, but it should only occur after ensuring that personnel are no longer in danger. Informing the media is not necessary during the first response phase and could complicate the situation. Checking inventory logs may help in assessing the situation later but does not address the immediate risk presented by the leak. Prioritizing evacuation ensures that safety is always the first consideration in emergency response protocols.