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Generator – Gasoline Engine, 3 to 6 KW w/Ground Rod

NFES #
000709
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 is no sign of use or damage and date last tested (DLT) does not exceed 12 months.
  3. Refurbish as necessary if 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

  • Remove dirt and oil using compressed air or detergent and shop towels as necessary.

B. Repair

  1. Check condition of engine oil. If engine is equipped with an engine oil filter; replace the filter at each oil change.
  2. Check condition of spark plug and air filter, clean or replace as needed. Foam type air filters can be cleaned, re-oiled with “foam filter oil” and reinstalled.
  3. Inspect power-head (engine) for freeness of all moving parts, ensuring that the crankshaft, piston/cylinder and all engine bearings are not damaged.
  4. Check for loose and/or missing parts or mounting hardware; tighten or replace where needed.
  5. Inspect exhaust system; make sure there are no cracks and or leaks.
  6. Clean spark arrestor screen of excess carbon build up, replace if screen is damaged.
  7. Inspect fuel tank, filler cap, fuel line and fuel filter; clean, repair and/or replace as needed.
  8. Ensure that the recoil starter operates properly and that the rope is not frayed or Ensure proper condition of battery (if equipped).
  9. Ensure all decals (operations and warning) are affixed and legible.

C. Test for Performance

  1. Refer to the owner’s manual for operations and specifications information specific to generator model.
  2. Ensure gasoline is fresh 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 from fuel leaks, and provide sufficient power to the electrical generator.
  5. Ensure all engine operational controls are functioning properly; stop switch, throttle and choke.
  6. Test for engine performance and electrical output (see owner’s manual for specific performance data).
  7. Should any function fail a test, refer to the manufacturer’s repair manual and troubleshooting guide to correct the problem.
  8. Remove all gasoline from fuel tank and run engine until carburetor is completely empty of fuel.

D. Repackaging

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

 

NWCG Latest Announcements

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

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