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PMS 448

Helmet – Safety, Plastic, w/Chin Strap

NFES #
000109
Category
PPE
Updated
Storage and Shelf Life Checks
Yes
Storage and Shelf Life Procedure
Inspect annually for service life compliance.

Initial Inspection/Disposal Criteria

Note:   National Incident Support Caches consider helmets a consumable item.  Helmets returned to caches removed from their original packaging will be considered used and will not be refurbished or reissued.  Helmets that have been issued but not removed from their original packaging will be subject to the Wildland Firefighter’s Helmet Serviceability Guide and Inspection process below to determine serviceability.

 

  1. Wildland Firefighter’s Helmet Serviceability Guide:
    1. Has it been more than 10 years since the helmet’s date of manufacture (DOM)? If yes then remove from service.  If it is less than 10 years since DOM, Inspect the helmet.
    2. Helmet is less than 10 years from DOM:  Inspect the helmet using inspection criteria in #2.  Does the helmet pass inspection?  If yes, return to stock.  If no, remove from service.
  2. Inspection

The shell should be inspected routinely for dents, cracks, nicks, gouges, and any damage that might reduce protection. Any helmet that shows signs of worn or damaged parts should be removed from service immediately.

The shell material may be degrading if the shell becomes stiff, brittle, faded, or appears dull or chalky. With further degradation, the shell's surface may flake or delaminate.  A hardhat should be replaced at the first sign of any of these conditions.

  1. Compress the shell from both sides about 1 inch with your hands and release the pressure without dropping the shell.  The shell should return to its original shape quickly, exhibiting elasticity.  Compare the elasticity with that of a new shell.  If the shell being tested does not have as much elasticity as the new shell, or if the shell cracks, it should be replaced immediately.
  2. Inspect the suspension system closely for cracks, cut or frayed shell straps, torn headband or size adjustment slots, loss of pliability, or other signs of wear.  Remove and replace any suspension that is damaged.
  3. Inspect for cracks, chips in shell, scuff marks and discoloration, and if so dispose of.
  4. Ensure that all attachment clips are present (chin strap, headlamp, liner, neck and face shroud).
  5. Inspect for markings, drawings or labels, if any dispose of.
  6. All certification labels (ANSI, etc.) must be present in helmet, if not dispose of.
    See also: Inspection Guidelines: From Your Hardhat: Inspection and Maintenance 0267 2331. Missoula, MT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Missoula Technology and Development Center. 4p.  
  7. Return to Stock if helmet complies with the Wildland Firefighter’s Helmet Serviceability Guide and passes initial inspection.
  8. Refurbish helmet if it complies with the Wildland Firefighter’s Helmet Serviceability Guide the passes initial inspection but requires cleaning and or repair.
  9. Dispose of helmet if it fails inspection or the Wildland Firefighter’s Helmet Serviceability Guide.

 

Refurbishing Procedures

A.  Cleaning

  • Wash with soap and water, rinse, and air dry.

B.  Repair

  1. Replace with new liner and new chin strap.
  1. Attach front 2 suspension clips to helmet to ensure proper fit.
  2. Add or replace reflective strips.
  3. Add or replace Velcro strips
  4. Velcro strips 1½” x 2¼” and placed at center at rear of helmet and 9½” around curvature of helmet on each side.
  5. The adhesive used shall be approved by the manufacturer for use on the helmet.

 

C. Testing for performance

  • none

D. Repackaging

  • Local cache option.

 

Reference

<p>
<strong>Velcro available from:</strong><br />
Textrol Systems Inc.,<br />
435 Meadow Lane, Carlstadt, NJ 07072<br />
Phone: 800–624–8746<br />
Part #193973 (Part B-male)</p>

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<p>
<img alt="Wildland Firefighter;s Helmet Serviceability Guide" height="657" src="http://fs-dev-nwcg.s3.us-gov-west-1.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/2023-06/e…; usemap="#button2" width="390" /><map name="button2"><area alt="This link will take you to the etc-determine-dom.pdf" coords="19,100,179,140" href="http://fs-dev-nwcg.s3.us-gov-west-1.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/2023-06/e…; shape="rect" target="_blank" title="Link to ETC Determin DOM pdf." /> <area alt="This link will take you to the etc-helmet-notice.pdf" coords="18,350,180,391" href="http://fs-dev-nwcg.s3.us-gov-west-1.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/2023-06/e…; shape="rect" target="_blank" title="Link to ETC Helmet Notice pdf." /></map></p>

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NWCG Latest Announcements

Updated NWCG Standards for Course Delivery, PMS 901-1 and NWCG Training Course Completion Certificate, PMS 921-1

Date: July 17, 2024
Contact: Training Delivery Committee 

The Training Delivery Committee (TDC) has updated the NWCG Standards for Course Delivery, PMS 901-1 to reflect changes in the standards for course management and delivery. These changes have been reviewed and approved by the members of TDC over the past year. Significant updates include additional delivery methods, updated definitions, and instructions for the use of digital signatures on training certificates. The NWCG Training Course Completion Certificate, PMS 921-1 has been updated to lock after an electronic signature has been applied.

References:

NWCG Standards for Course Delivery, PMS 901-1

NWCG Training Course Completion Certificate, PMS 921-1

IBC Memo 24-01: OF 297 Signature Order and 2024 Fire Season Use IBC Memo 24-02: Summary of Changes for SIIBM, PMS 902

Date: July 15, 2024
Contact: Incident Business Committee 

The NWCG Incident Business Committee (IBC) has recently released two memorandums. The first provides direction on the use of the Emergency Equipment Shift Ticket, OF 297 for the 2024 fire season. Due to delays in hard copy printing, both the 2024 revision and the older version of the Emergency Equipment Shift Ticket, OF 297 are acceptable for use during the 2024 fire season.

The second memorandum documents the updates of the newly revised NWCG Standards for Interagency Incident Business Management (SIIBM), PMS 902. The summary of changes attached to the memo covers the major updates and process changes from the 2022 version.

References:

IBC Memorandum 24-01: OF 297 Signature Order and 2024 Fire Season Use

IBC Memorandum 24-02: Summary of Changes for the NWCG Standards of Interagency Incident Business Management, PMS 902

IBC Memorandum 24-02 Attachment: Summary of Changes

NWCG Standards for Rapid Extraction Module Support, PMS 552

Date: July 10, 2024
Contact: Incident Medical Unit Subcommittee 

A new publication from the Incident Medical Unit Subcommittee is now available. The NWCG Standards for Rapid Extraction Module Support, PMS 552 will be used as a guide and as an opportunity to begin to build out Rapid Extraction Module Support (REMS) modules for the remainder of Fire Year 2024. These standards will be fully implemented as the minimum standard starting in January 2025.

NWCG Standards for Rapid Extraction Module Support outlines the roles, duties, qualifications, and equipment pertinent to REMS. A REMS team, strategically stationed at wildland fires, plays a pivotal role in prioritizing swift access and medical treatment to injured or ill firefighters for safe and efficient egress off the fireline. This ensures their rapid transport to definitive medical care in cases of emergency during firefighting operations, highlighting the invaluable contribution of the REMS team to firefighter safety and well-being.

References:

NWCG Standards for Rapid Extraction Module Support, PMS 552

National Wildland Firefighter Day

Date: July 2, 2024
Contact: National Interagency Fire Center 

The National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) would like to recognize July 2, 2024, as National Wildland Firefighter Day (NWFFD). Established in 2022, NWFFD honors the dedication of wildland firefighters and support personnel. This day falls within the 2024 Week of Remembrance (June 30 - July 6), providing an opportunity to renew our commitment to wildland firefighter safety while remembering those who have fallen in the line of duty.

NWCG continues to provide leadership to enable interoperable wildland fire operations among federal, state, local, Tribal, and territorial partners. NWCG standards and training establish common practices to contribute to safe, effective, and coordinated national interagency wildland fire operations.

References:

NWCG.gov

Week of Remembrance

National Wildland Firefighter Day