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PMS 448

Tank – Propane, Fuel, LPG, 20 lb.Tank (5GL)

NFES #
000491
Category
Camp
Updated
Storage and Shelf Life Checks
Yes
Storage and Shelf Life Procedure
1. Store in secured (no-smoking) area. Tanks will vent fumes when they get hot. Store out of direct sun.
2. Refer to Forest Service Health & Safety Handbook, OSHA, NFPA, and local direction.

Initial Inspection/Disposal Criteria

  1. Check for rust, dents, punctures, broken valves, and weak valve handle. Verify handle type to ensure that tank meets current specifications for “OPD” valve
  2. Confirm test date on propane tank. See link to “Requalification Guidance for Propane Cylinders” under Reference.
  3. Return to stock if unused and recertification is valid.
  4. Refurbish item if tank is undamaged.
  5. Dispose of item if unable to refurbish.

Refurbishing Procedures

A. Testing for performance

  1. Apply soapy water to valve area, watch for bubbles indicating leaks.
  2. If leaks are detected, tag immediately for repair or remove from service.
  3. Safely dispose of tank contents per local HAZMAT disposal policy. Deliver tank to local LPG provider for tank testing, repairs, or disposal.

B. Cleaning

  • Power wash tank and let dry.

C. Repair

  1. Replace any broken handles.
  2. Ensure warning labels are visible and replace as necessary. Cylinders must be marked in accordance with NFPA 704 when used in industrial or commercial applications using labels: HZ-116 or CYL 3 in 1.
  3. A painted stencil or decal reading “NOT FOR INDOOR USE” must be located in a highly visible location on the propane tank with red lettering at least 3/4 inches tall in size.
  4. Install plastic cap or plug in valve opening if missing.
  5. All other repair will be done by and authorized facility.
  6. Follow local cache protocols for refilling empty tanks.

D. Repackaging

  1. Ensure valve is in the “OFF” position before transporting.
  2. Place on pallets and secure with wrap or ties to ensure tanks do not fall or tip over. 

 

NWCG Latest Announcements

Task Group Volunteers Needed to Update the Property Loss or Damage Report, OF 289

Date: February 5, 2025
Contact: Julie Bennett, Incident Business Committee Chair

The Incident Business Committee (IBC) is requesting volunteers for a new task group to revise the 1981 version of the Property Loss or Damage Report, OF 289 and create an incident replacement job aid. The volunteers may be recruited from within or outside the Geographic Area Incident Business Committees.

References:

IBC Memorandum 25-02

IBC Correspondence

2025 Updates to the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1

Date: February 4, 2025
Contact: Incident and Position Standards Committee

The NWCG Incident and Position Standards Committee has updated the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1. 

These updates address changes to incident position names and requirements for qualification, training, and experience. Updates related to the implementation of Complex Incident Management (CIM) are also included.  

The NWCG Wildland Fire Position Qualification Flowchart, PMS 308 has also been updated to reflect the recent changes.

References:

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1

NWCG Wildland Fire Position Qualification Flowchart, PMS 308

NWCG Memo: 2025-01 January 2025 Updates to the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Positions Qualifications, PMS 310-1

NWCG Equipment Technology Committee Releases Safety Warning: 25-001 Non-specification fire shelters

Date: January 15, 2025
Contact: Equipment Technology Committee

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) has released Safety Warning: 25-001 Non-specification fire shelters. Non-specification fire shelters claiming to meet Forest Service (FS) fire shelter specification 5100-606 were first found in February of 2023. As of September 2024, non-specification shelters are again being advertised and sold on the open market.

This Safety Warning outlines details and recommended procedures to purchase FS specification shelters made with materials and components that meet performance criteria and toxicity testing requirements outlined in FS Specification 5100-606. 

For additional information on identifying non-specification shelters, please view ETC Safety Warning 23-01.

References:

ETC Safety Warning 25-001: Non-specification fire shelters

NWCG Equipment Technology Committee

ETC Safety Warning 23-01

Paul Gleason Lead by Example Awards

Date: January 14, 2025
Contact: Leadership Committee

The NWCG Leadership Committee has awarded the 2023 Paul Gleason “Lead By Example” awards to individuals in the categories of Initiative and Innovation, Mentoring and Teamwork, and Motivation and Vision, as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Congratulations to the awardees:

  • Sam Bowen, Superintendent of the Mark Twain Veteran Crew with the U.S. Forest Service.
  • Greg Titus, Zone Fire Management Officer for the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
  • Renae Crippen, Manager of the Blue Mountain Interagency Dispatch Center with the U.S. Forest Service.
  • Eric Carlson, Instructor with OMNA International.

References:

Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Interview with Paul Gleason