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PMS 448

Net – Cargo, 10’X10’, 300 LB Capacity, Lightweight

NFES #
000795
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

NEW! S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended) Available Now

Date: Aug 15, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that the S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended) training is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal. S-290 (Blended) training combines online training and instructor-led training components that support individuals working towards any Single Resource Boss or Fire Effects Monitor incident qualifications.

This second course in the series collectively serves to develop fire behavior prediction knowledge and skills, and provides more detailed information on fuels, weather, and topography that affect wildland fire behavior for safety purposes.

Students are required to finish the prerequisite S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, before enrolling in S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended).

References:

S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended)

S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

NEW! S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) Now Available

Date: Aug 14, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Interagency Helicopter Operations Subcommittee

The S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) is now available. Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Helicopter Crewmember (HECM) incident qualifications. 

S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) training combines online training and instructor-led training components. This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the duties of the HECM position, as described in the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Helicopter Crewmember, PMS 350-22.

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 January 2026.

References:

S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended)

NWCG Helicopter Crewmember (HECM) Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for FBAN and LTAN

Date: Aug 13, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN) and Long Term Fire Analyst (LTAN).

The Performance Support Packages for these positions were developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) 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 January 2026.

References:

NWCG Fire Behavior Analyst Position Page

NWCG Long Term Fire Analyst Page

ETC/RMC Safety Bulletin: 25-001 New Guidance on Laundering Wildland Fire Clothing to Reduce Contamination

Date: Aug 8, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee
 Risk Management Committee

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) and the Risk Management Committee (RMC) have issued Safety Bulletin 25-001: Laundering to Decontaminate Wildland Fire Clothing. Recent research revealed that wildland fire flame-resistant pants and shirts can be contaminated with chemicals from combustion byproducts, including carcinogens, and that common laundering practices can effectively remove these harmful contaminants from wildland firefighter clothing more effectively than previously understood. It is recommended to decontaminate wildland fire clothing as frequently as possible. 

Frequently Asked Questions about this new information and how to implement recommendations can be found on the NWCG Alerts page. Read the complete ETC/RMC Safety Bulletin: 25-001 to learn more. 

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC Safety Bulletin: 25-001

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Laundering to Decontaminate Wildland Fire Clothing

Equipment Technology Committee

Risk Management Committee