Skip to main content

PMS 448

Net – Cargo, 12’ X 12’, Polypropylene, 3000 lbs. Capacity

NFES #
000531
Category
Aviation
Updated
Storage and Shelf Life Checks
None

Initial Inspection/Disposal Criteria  

  1. Inspect for fraying or deterioration of lines. Ultra violet exposure is the most important factor in the degradation of the strength of the cargo nets constructed from polypropylene rope, not use or age. There is no visual or other field inspection technique that will guarantee that a cargo net is free from degradation due to ultraviolet exposure. However, if the net is free of brittleness, has no more than 10 percent broken strands in any two adjacent cycles, and there is no chalking or other visible damage, then the net is probably safe for further use.
    • Inspect for more than 10 percent of strands in any two adjacent cycles of the net being broken.
    • Inspect for brittleness by bending several areas of the nets rope 180° back on itself. If more than 2 strands break per bend, dispose of net or return to manufacturer for repair.
    • Inspect for chalking by running a lightly grasped hand over several of the ropes in the net. If small, white, chalk-like fragments of the rope come off in your hand then chalking has occurred. If chalking is present, it is likely that the net has received enough ultraviolet exposure to cause embrittlement and the net must be further inspected for broken strands.
  2. Inspect all ropes for fraying, burns, or wear points.
  3. Inspect netting for contamination by fuel oils or other liquids considered degenerative to netting.
  4. Verify an identification tag is attached to every net. If a tag is not attached, attach one but only if the chain of custody can be verified. There are many companies that make similar looking nets that are not of the same capacity. If the chain of custody cannot be verified, the net must be taken to a net manufacturer and proof tested to twice its Work Load (e.g. tested to 6,000 lbs. for a 3,000 lb. net. (Note: It has been found that the cost to perform this test for a net missing its tag is about ¾ the cost of new net. The custodian of the net should consider the economics before sending the net out for proof testing.)
    • Replacement tag info should include NFES #, Working Load Limit (WLL) in pounds, i.e., 3,000 lbs. /6,000 lbs., cache identifier and date.
    • Inspect loop thimbles for cracks, wear, and deformation. Ensure thimbles are not loose from net and easily removed.
    • On some heavy cargo nets (NFES #000458), the mesh intersections are fixed with molded plastic crosses. These should be visually inspected for cracks and missing parts. Remove from service if broken or missing components are identified.
    • Any NFES #000795 net that is constructed of black mesh must be taken out of service.
    • Return to stock if items pass inspection, are clean, and in unused condition.
    • Refurbish if deemed necessary through inspection and repairs economically feasible.
    • Dispose of item if refurbishment or repair will not correct deficiencies identified during the inspection process.

Refurbishing Procedures

A. Cleaning

  1. Clean all dirt from netting.
  2. Remove all flagging, string, and rope.
  3. Hang or stack polypropylene nets and clean with water from high-pressure hose.
  4. Dry completely before packaging.

B. Repairs

Any repairs should be completed by net manufacturers. 76 NFES #000531 NFES #000458

C. Testing for Performance

none

D. Repackaging

Suggested cartons are: 

  • NFES #000531, package 1 each in NFES #002006 carton (23” X 19” X 10”).
  • NFES #000458, package 1 each in NFES #002007 carton (24” X 16” X 16”).
  • NFES #000795, package 1 each in NFES #008064 carton (10” X 8” X 6”).

 

NWCG Latest Announcements

NWCG Risk Management Committee Releases Safety Bulletin: 24-001 Use of Respirators on Wildland Fires

Date: November 7, 2024
Contact: Risk Management Committee

The Risk Management Committee (RMC) has released Safety Bulletin: 24-001 Use of Respirators on Wildland Fires. As wildland fire respirators are available through several established vendors, wildland fire personnel need to understand regulations and limitations of respirator use in the workplace.

Safety Bulletin 24-001 outlines the following topics regarding respirator use for wildland fires:

  • Requirements for Respirator Use
  • Voluntary Respirator Use
  • Current Respirator Options
  • Unknown Risks of Respirator Use

This bulletin also provides mitigation recommendations to help reduce smoke exposure for wildland firefighting efforts.

References:

NWCG Safety Bulletin: 24-001 Use of Respirators on Wildland Fires

NWCG Smoke Management Guide for Prescribed Fire, PMS 420-3

VIDEO: Protecting Wildfire Personnel from Smoke - How Incident Management Teams Address Smokes Risks

VIDEO: Smoke, Knowing the Risks

The Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book are now available for Medical Unit Leader (MEDL)

Date: October 16, 2024
Contact: Incident Medical Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Medical Unit Leader, PMS 350-39 and NWCG Position Task Book for Medical Unit Leader (MEDL), PMS 311-39 are now available.

The Performance Support Package, which for MEDL includes the Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book, were developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort. The Performance Support Package will support trainees, those qualified in the position, and evaluators.

References:

NWCG Medical Unit Leader Position Page

NWCG Incident Position Standards for Medical Unit Leader, PMS 350-39

NWCG Position Task Book for Medical Unit Leader (MEDL), PMS 311-39

The Wildland Fire Learning Portal is Now Available

Date: October 9, 2024
Contact: Wildland Fire Learning Portal

The Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP) is back online following a migration to a new learning management system (LMS) application. The WFLP team is actively addressing any issues that may arise as a result of the update, and appreciates your patience as the team works to enhance your experience. NWCG will share information from the WFLP as it is available.

Should you have any issues with accessing or using the WFLP, please use the link below to submit a ticket through the Help Center.

References:

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

Wildland Fire Learning Portal Help Center

NWCG Equipment Technology Committee Releases New Equipment Bulletins

Date: September 27, 2024
Contact: Equipment Technology Committee

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) has released three new Equipment Bulletins:

  • ETC-EB-24-003 Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) in fuel containers.
  • ETC-EB-24-004 Two-compartment fuel and oil container (Dolmar) unavailable in the United States (US) and reminders for upkeeping current inventories.
  • ETC-EB-24-005 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Inspection, Care, and Maintenance.

These bulletins remind field going personnel of important issues related to equipment for wildland firefighting efforts.

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC-EB-24-003 Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) in fuel containers

ETC-EB-24-004 Two-compartment fuel and oil container (Dolmar) unavailable in the United States (US) and reminders for upkeeping current inventories

ETC-EB-24-005 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Inspection, Care, and Maintenance