Skip to main content

PMS 448

PMS 448

PMS 448

Introduction

COVID-19 Refurb Guidelines

References

All Categories

Aviation

Camp

Clothing

Cordura

Fuel Handling

Kits

Medical

Miscellaneous

PPE

Small Engine Equipment

Tools

Water Handling

Deleted Items

Tool – Combination Shovel and Grub Hoe

NFES #
001180
Category
Tools
Updated
Storage and Shelf Life Checks
None

Initial Inspection/Disposal Criteria

  1. Inspect for structural damage to pick, hoe blade or both that cannot be repaired or serviced by replacing components.
    1. Inspect pick for the following:
      • If bent or twisted.
      • If shorter than 4½” long in extended position.
      • If cracks or enlarging exist around hinge leg bolt hole.
    2. Inspect hoe blade for the following: 
      • Cracks or looseness in the area of the hinge leg rivets.
      • If hinge leg bolt hole is enlarged or cracked.
      • If shorter than 6” (measure from turn step to blade tip).
    3. Inspect handle for the following:
      • Cracked, bent, twisted, or has open grain.
      • Has been shortened (except for detachable handle smokejumper version, which has a 4” shorter handle).
      • Has a nonstandard handle.
  2. Return to stock if item passes initial inspection, is clean, sharp and in unused condition.
  3. Refurbish if damage is repairable or replaceable, or if handle reconditioning or tool sharpening are required.
  4.  Dispose of tool if it fails initial inspection or has been modified such that it cannot be return to like new condition.

Refurbishing Procedures

A. Cleaning

  1. If friction nut does not turn freely, flush with water. Blow clean with air gun. (Wear safety glasses). If the nut does not turn freely after flushing, remove the hinge leg bolt and friction nut and clean the threads inside.  Do not use oil on the friction nut threads or hinge bolt, since oil attracts dust and debris.
  2. If tool head cannot be tightened, inspect hinge leg surface contact with friction nut. Remove hinge leg bolt; grind hinge legs as needed so they meet flush with friction nut.
  3. Clean handle to remove dirt, tree sap, or other foreign debris.
  4. Wash tool head with water and mild detergent.  Dry completely before storage.

B. Repair

  1. Sharpen both blade and pick at 45 degree angle per hand tool.  Refer to tool sharpening gauge NFES #000510.
  2. Tighten handle in ferrule by peening rivet head.
  3. Sand handle if it is chipped, dinged, rough or has tape residue. 
  4. Wipe handle with linseed oil after sanding.
  5. Apply rust inhibitor to tool head.  Local cache option for painting tool head.  Black paint only.
  6. Handle replacement:
    1. Grind off end of rivet. 
    2. Punch it through the handle.  Remove the handle from the ferrule.
    3. Place the new handle in the ferrule and drill hole through handle.
    4. Replace the rivet with #6 x 1-13/16 inch long rivet.  Tap rivet with a hammer to mushroom the rivet head or until the handle is tightened.  Replacement handles are available from DLA (NSN 5120-01-296-3592).

C. Testing for Performance

  1. Extend hoe blade and pick at right angles to tool handle.
  2. Tighten friction nut (wear gloves). Move blade and pick up and down and further tighten friction nut.
  3. Repeat process to ensure that the blade and pick can be maintained tight by the friction nut.

D. Repackaging

  • 10 each in NFES #000384 carton (46” x 11” x 8”).   

 

Print PDF

NWCG Latest Announcements

2025 Wildland Fire EMS Awards

Date:  June 12, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Emergency Medical Committee

The NWCG Emergency Medical Committee (EMC) announces the recipients of the 2025 Wildland Fire Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Awards. EMC annually recognizes individuals and groups who have demonstrated outstanding actions or accomplishments that are above and beyond the expectation of one’s normal mission or job duties.

Congratulations to all the awardees and nominees. Through leadership and initiative, they have made significant contributions to the safety of the wildland fire community. These awards are well deserved.

References:

2025 Wildland Fire EMS Awards

Emergency Medical Committee

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Book Now Available for RAMP

Date:  June 12, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Airtanker Base Operations Unit

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Book are now available for Ramp Manager (RAMP).

The Performance Support Package for this position was developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization effort. These resources support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators in their respective roles.

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1, scheduled for release in January 2027.

References:

NWCG Ramp Manager Position Page

National Interagency Aviation Committee

Make an Impact: Serve the Wildland Fire Community as an IPTM SME!

Date:  June 11, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: NWCG SME Specialist

Note: Positions with an * will last approximately 6 months.
Positions with ** will last 12 - 18 months.

NWCG is seeking experienced wildland firefighters and support personnel to serve as Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) for the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) initiative. IPTM aims to transition NWCG’s training and qualification system to a performance-based model by updating position descriptions, Incident Position Standards, Next Generation Position Task Books (Next Gen PTBs), and training where needed.

NWCG is currently recruiting SMEs for the Fall 2026 positions listed below:

  • Equipment Manager (EQPM)*
  • Fixed Wing Parking Tender (FWPT)**
  • Mixmaster (MXMS)*
  • Public Information Officer Complex (PIOC)*
  • Retardant Crewmember (RTCM)*
  • Strike Team Leader Crew (STCR)*
  • Strike Team Leader Engine (STEN)*
  • Strike Team Leader Heavy Equipment (STEQ)*
  • Task Force Leader (TFLD)**
  • Wildland Fire Investigator (INVF)** 

Projects begin October 2026. Sign up by July 10, 2026, at the link below and review the attached document for additional details. 

References:

NWCG SME Interest Sign-up

IPTM Subject Matter Expert Duties and Expectations Document

Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM)

RMC Safety Bulletin 26-001: Rhabdomyolysis in Wildland Firefighters

Date:  May 28, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Risk Management Committee

The Risk Management Committee (RMC) has issued Safety Bulletin 26-001: Rhabdomyolysis in Wildland Firefighters. Research from 2016 to 2025 shows that 88 cases of rhabdomyolysis (rhabdo) were reported. Analysis of reports from eSafety, the Safety Management Information System (SMIS), and the Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center (LLC) indicates that rhabdo is common during this time of year due to Work Capacity Tests and contributing factors such as weather, hydration, nutrition, and medication or supplement use.

RMC issued this safety bulletin to raise awareness in the Wildland Fire Community, and to provide research findings and educational resources that support reducing future cases of rhabdo.

References:

NWCG Alerts

RMC Safety Bulletin 26-001: Rhabdomyolysis in Wildland Firefighters