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PMS 448

Shovel – with Plastic Sheath, Size #1

NFES #
000171
Category
Tools
Updated
Storage and Shelf Life Checks
None

Initial Inspection/Disposal Criteria

  1. Inspect for damage to cutting head, step plate, and handle.  Check for loose head and handle.  Ensure blade is 3 ¾” from center to the edge at the base of the shovel and the shovel has not been modified, bent or distorted.  Handle should be straight and free of cracks, chips, open grain, or residues (tar, sap, paints, etc.).
  2. Return to stock if item is clean and has not been used.
  3. Refurbish if item is unmodified and is repairable.
  4. Dispose of item if blade is less than 7 ½” wide, shows blue or burned edges, or has been welded, cut or otherwise modified and cannot be taken back to original shape and condition.

​Refurbishing Procedures

A. Cleaning

  • Wash and wipe dry.

B. Repair       

  1. Sand handle if it is chipped, dinged, rough or has tape residue. 
  2. Wipe handle with linseed oil after sanding.
  3. Apply rust inhibitor to tool head.  Local cache option for painting tool head.  Black paint only.
  4. Sharpen cutting edge, using tool sharpening gauge NFES #000510.
  5. Blade to be at least 7 ½ “wide.  USE NFES #000510.

C. Testing for Performance

  • None

D. Repackaging

  1. Install plastic sheath NFES #001853.
  2. 10 each in NFES #000337 carton (55” x 12 ½” x 11 ¾”).

 

NWCG Latest Announcements

Updated NWCG Standards for Water Scooping Operations, PMS 518

Date: December 19, 2024
Contact: Water Scooper Operations Unit

The NWCG Standards for Water Scooping Operations, PMS 518 establishes the standards for dispatching, utilizing, and coordinating water scooping aircraft on interagency wildland fires. These standards should be used in conjunction with the NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision (SAS), PMS 505, and any local, state, or geographic/regional water scooping plans.

References:

NWCG Standards for Water Scooping Operations, PMS 518

Updated NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision, PMS 505

Date: December 19, 2024
Contact: Interagency Aerial Supervision Subcommittee

The Interagency Aerial Supervision Subcommittee has updated the NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision, PMS 505. PMS 505 establishes standards for aerial supervision operations for national interagency wildland fire operations. 

References:

NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision, PMS 505

New Job Aids Available: Packing Lists for Wildland Fire Fireline Personnel and Support Staff, J-101 and J-102

Date: December 3, 2024
Contact: NWCG TRAINING

Two new job aids are now available: Packing List for Wildland Fire Fireline Personnel, J-101 and Packing List for Wildland Fire Support Personnel, J-102, should serve as a baseline for items needed on a wildland fire assignment. These lists will help personnel prepare for a 14 to 21-day assignment on the fireline or in a support role.

References:

Job Aid Catalog

NWCG Packing List for Wildland Fire Fireline Personnel, J-101

NWCG Packing List for Wildland Fire Support Staff, J-102

NWCG Equipment Technology Committee Releases Safety Warning: 24-001 Stihl Chainsaw Toolless Fuel Cap Spill Prevention

Date: November 14, 2024
Contact: Equipment Technology Committee

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) has released Safety Warning: 24-001 Stihl Chainsaw Toolless Fuel Cap Spill Prevention. Misaligned toolless fuel caps on Stihl chainsaws have led to recurring fuel spillage, fuel ignition, and burn injuries during wildland fire management operations.

This Safety Warning is intended to highlight the details and recommended procedures for the installation of a Stihl chainsaw toolless fuel cap, as well as how to identify and correct a misaligned, damaged, or broken fuel cap to help prevent fuel spillage.

References:

NWCG Safety Warning: 24-001 Stihl Chainsaw Toolless Fuel Cap Spill Prevention

Advertencia de equipos 24-001: Prevención de derrames de la tapa de combustible sin herramientas de la motosierra Stihl

NWCG Alerts