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PMS 448

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”).   

 

NWCG Latest Announcements

Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book Available for Firing Boss, Single Resource

Date: April 30, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Fuels Management Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Firing Boss, Single Resource, PMS 350-105, and the NWCG Position Task Book for Firing Boss, Single Resource (FIRB), PMS 311-105, are now available. 

These resources, part of the Performance Support Package developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators. 

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

 

References:

NWCG Firing Boss, Single Resource Position Page

NWCG Incident Position Standards for Firing Boss, Single Resource, PMS 350-105

NWCG Position Task Book for Firing Boss, Single Resource (FIRB), PMS 311-105

Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book Available for Helicopter Crewmember

Date: April 28, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Interagency Helicopter Operations Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Helicopter Crewmember, PMS 350-22, and the NWCG Position Task Book for Helicopter Crewmember (HECM), PMS 311-22, are now available.

These resources, part of the Performance Support Package developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators.

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

References:

NWCG Incident Position Standards for Helicopter Crewmember, PMS 350-22

NWCG Incident Position Standards for Helicopter Crewmember, PMS 350-22

NWCG Position Task Book for Helicopter Crewmember (HECM), PMS 311-22

Updated NWCG Standards for Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations, PMS 515

Date: April 23, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Interagency Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Subcommittee

The NWCG Standards for Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations, PMS 515 standardizes processes and procedures for the interagency use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), including pilot inspections and approvals. This updated publication provides the aviation community with standards to ensure UAS are used safely, effectively, and efficiently in support of fire management goals and objectives.

References:

NWCG Standards for Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations, PMS 515

NWCG National Interagency Aviation Committee

ETC Bulletin 25-001: Retrofitted Hot/Cold Beverage Kits - 2025 Field Season

Date: April 16, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee

Due to spout failures and the associated risk of burn injuries, manufacturers have retrofitted the Hot/Cold Beverage Kits using a heat-shrinking band to secure the black spout at the insertion site. The updated kits feature a fluorescent label on each full kit assembly for easy identification. Catering units are encouraged to confirm the clear heat-shrinking bands are intact around each spout before filling.

ETC Bulletin 24-001 regarding Hot/Cold Beverage Kits has been archived and replaced by ETC Bulletin 25-001 for the 2025 season.

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC-EB-25-001 Retrofitted Hot/Cold Beverage Kits