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Blower – Mist, Leaf Blower

NFES #
007040
Category
Small Engine Equipment
Updated
Storage and Shelf Life Checks
Yes
Storage and Shelf Life Procedure
Date Last Tested (DLT) not to exceed 12 months.

Initial Inspection/Disposal Criteria

  1. Visually inspect for evidence of use (dust, oil, starter seal broken), damage or missing parts.
  2. Return to stock if there are no signs of use or damage and date last tested (DLT) does not exceed 12 months.
  3. Refurbish as necessary if the unit has been used or fueled, damaged, or shelf life is exceeded.
  4. Dispose of the unit if it is not economically repairable.

Refurbishment procedures

A. Cleaning

  1. Remove dirt and oil using compressed air or detergent and shop towels as necessary.
  2. Use pressure washer and degreaser to remove heavy deposits of oil and grease.
  3. Equipment should be repaired and tested as quickly as possible after pressure washing to minimize rust formation on metal parts.

B. Repair

  • This equipment is primarily serviced at a “factory authorized” repair facility. Ensure that the servicing repair facility has a copy of this refurbishment standard.

C. Test for Performance

  1. Refer to the owner’s manual for operations and specifications information specific to blower model.
  2. Check condition of fuel mix; ensure fuel is fresh and the correct mix oil ratio is used prior to starting the engine. Use a fuel stabilizer in fuel during testing to help ensure proper operation of engine at post storage start up.
  3. Ensure recoil starter functions properly. Check for damage or fraying of pull cord; repair or replace as necessary.
  4. Engine should: Start easily, run smoothly, be free of fuel leaks, and provide sufficient power to the blower attachment.
  5. Ensure all engine operational controls are functioning properly; stop switch, throttle and choke.
  6. Ensure fuel geyser danger sticker is present and legible. Reference cache memo 17-2 below.
  7. Test for blower performance (see owner’s manual for specific performance data).
  8. Should any function fail a test, refer to the manufacturer’s repair manual and troubleshooting guide to correct the problem.
  9. Remove all gasoline from fuel tank and run engine until carburetor is completely empty of fuel.

D. Repackaging

  1. Use a nylon “zip-tie” to tie off (seal) starter rope to the handle grip.
  2. Attach a certification tag that indicates date last tested (DLT), property #, and name of inspector certifying the performance.
  3. Ensure that all identification (property #, serial #, owner ID) is affixed and legible.

 

NWCG Latest Announcements

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS 212, and Next Generation Position Task Book for Basic Faller Are Now Available

Date: April 14, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Hazard Tree and Tree Felling Subcommittee

The updated NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS 212, and NWCG Position Task Book for Basic Faller (FAL3), PMS 311-19 are now available.

The NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS 212 includes position standards designed to be used in conjunction with the Next Generation Position Task Book (Next Gen PTB). The Next Gen PTB for Basic Faller (FAL3) includes an evaluation guide with suggested rating elements to consider when assessing trainees.

References:

NWCG Standards For Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS 212

NWCG Position Task Book for Basic Faller (FAL3), PMS 311-119

NWCG Basic Faller (FAL3)

RMC Memo 25-01: Summary of Updates to Safety Officer Positions

Date: April 9, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
RMC Member Eric Fransted

The Risk Management Committee (RMC) serves as the position steward for all Safety Officer incident positions and continues to improve position standards, training, and naming conventions. The implementation of Complex Incident Management (CIM) required changes to position titles. RMC collaborated with the NWCG Incident Position Standards Committee (IPSC) to propose and implement these updates. 

References:

RMC Memo 25-01: Summary of Updates to Safety Officer Positions 

NWCG Position Catalog

Updated, NWCG Guide to Wildland Fire Origin and Cause Determination, PMS 412

Date: April 8, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Wildland Fire Investigation Subcommittee

PMS 412 provides guidance for wildland fire investigations. This guide outlines recommended procedures, practices, techniques, and methods to promote a systematic approach. The last update to this publication was in 2016.

References:

NWCG Guide to Wildland Fire Origin and Cause Determination PMS 412

Updated NWCG Standards for Airtanker Base Operations, PMS 508

Date: March 31, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Airtanker Base Operations Unit

The updated NWCG Standards for Airtanker Base Operations (SABO), PMS 508 standardizes operations and procedures at interagency airtanker bases to ensure safe, efficient, and effective operations in support of interagency goals and objectives.

References:

NWCG Standards for Airtanker Base Operations, PMS 508