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PMS 448

Thermometer – Infrared, Digital, Non-Contact

NFES #
009989
Category
Camp
Updated
Storage and Shelf Life Checks
None

Initial Inspection/Disposal Criteria

  1. Bring thermometer to room temperature before proceeding with refurbishment. Allow 15 to 20 minutes at room temperature.
  2. Inspect for obvious damage to plastic casing or sensor. If any, dispose of properly following local disposal guidelines.
  3. Press the power button and ensure thermometer turns on. If it fails to power up, replace batteries, and try again. If still not working, dispose of thermometer.
  4. Following manufacturers instructions, test thermometer by taking temperature of skin. If not reading correctly, or displaying error message, refer to manufacturer for calibration procedures if any. If unable to properly display temperature, dispose of thermometer.

Refurbishing Procedures

A. Cleaning

  1. Wipe outside of thermometer with disinfectant wipes or medical alcohol and a soft cotton swap or cloth and allow to air dry. If any stains, smudges, or writing can not be removed gently, then dispose of thermometer.
  2. Take extra precaution when cleaning the sensor area of the thermometer. Even minor scratches or cleaner residue can affect the accuracy.

B. Repair

  1. Follow manufacturers recommendations to calibrate thermometer. Many thermometers can not be calibrated and must be removed from service.

C. Testing for Performance

  • Test thermometer by measuring skin temperature. Follow manufacturer recommendations for acceptable temperature variations.

D. Repackaging

  • Must be placed in sealed plastic bag and have manufacturer-specific instructions included. There are many different brands and models available, and they are not all interchangeable.
  • Do not store with batteries in thermometer unless battery is integrated into thermometer by manufacturer and cannot be removed.
  • Carton and count is cache optional.

 

NWCG Latest Announcements

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

Updated NWCG Standards for Water Scooping Operations, PMS 518

Date: December 19, 2024
Contact: Water Scooper Operations Unit

The NWCG Standards for Water Scooping Operations, PMS 518 establishes the standards for dispatching, utilizing, and coordinating water scooping aircraft on interagency wildland fires. These standards should be used in conjunction with the NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision (SAS), PMS 505, and any local, state, or geographic/regional water scooping plans.

References:

NWCG Standards for Water Scooping Operations, PMS 518

Updated NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision, PMS 505

Date: December 19, 2024
Contact: Interagency Aerial Supervision Subcommittee

The Interagency Aerial Supervision Subcommittee has updated the NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision, PMS 505. PMS 505 establishes standards for aerial supervision operations for national interagency wildland fire operations. 

References:

NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision, PMS 505