R2 ENGINE COMMITTEE MEETING NOTES
JANUARY 12TH-13TH, 2000
CUSTER, SD
ATTENDEES:
Brian Sines, BKF Ty Webb, PSF
Willie Boyer, R2 Mike Erk, NBF
Dave Clement, R2 Todd Pechota, BKF
Bobby Sutton, SHF Sue Webber, BHF
ITEMS COVERED:
q Dave Clement and Willie Boyer provided a background of the engine program in R2 over the last 8-10 years and how the Model 52 was selected as the standard for R2 Engines.
q Willie Boyer gave and overview of the National Engine Committee. There are currently DRAFT Forest Service Standards available for comments.
Action Item: Willie to distribute DRAFT Document to Forests for Comments.
q Reviewed the recently approved charter of the committee. Nobody felt changes where needed at this time and that the 10 items needing to be addressed where appropriate for the time being.
q Group felt that the primary mission of the Committee will be to produce a Engine Standards Guide Book to be utilized in the Region.
q Dave Clement would like to see a method for distributing information on engines. This information would be specific to mechanical type of information relating to both chasis and the Model 52.
Action Item: Willie and Dave will serve as clearinghouse for this type of information.
q All forests represented on the Committee gave a brief overview of their respective programs. Number of engines varies greatly from forest to forest. A common theme that developed was that with new NFMAS most forest will be adding some positions if the dollars truly materialize.
q Discussed Item #1 from Charter. Group felt in large part that the 9900 GVW chasis was the most desired for Type VII engines while the 15K GVW was the choice for Type VI Engines. Discussion on Engine Package and what are some of the benefits: Key point is, that the Model 52 may have some problems but based on costs and reliability it remains the engine package of choice.
Action Item: Willie will develop list of chasis standards for both Type VI and VII Engines.
Action Item: Willie will add a section that address loading the slip-on to address load distribution.
Action Item: Todd will develop a paragraph/sentence in the Guidebook that addresses site-tubes are required on all engines with a list of some recommended brands and models that have proven track records.
Action Item: Brian will compile a list of needed modifications and relay to the M-52 Shop in Missoula.
q Discussed Item #2 from Charter. One key point of this discussion centered around the poor quality tires that come on new chasis from the manufacturer. Group felt that a minimum standard of tire needs to be addressed in terms of sidewall and tread.
Action Item: Wille to work on addressing tire specs as well as gathering information chasis standards in terms of GVW Crew Cabls, Engines, transmissions, bed types, tires and weights.
q Discussed Item #3 and #4 from Charter. Group felt that this information was already in existence in the form of owners manuals, PM Inspections and other checklists used by some units.
Action Item: Ty and Brian will develop a chasis and slip-on checklists.
q Discussed Item #6 and #7. Group felt MINIMUM standards as listed were adequate and leave units room to add other equipment as they see fit.
Action Item: Todd will add Pump Kits, 2 Pair of Saw Chaps, GPS (tie in with MTDC), Cell Phone, 2 Programable Radios and and extra set of PPE as suggested items to exisiting minimum standards.
q Discussed Item #8. Each unit is basically doing there own thing with regard to Light Bars. It will be required that all engines in R2 at least carry a strobe light and light bars are optional equipment. If utilizing light bars with red lights will follow direction in 7134.1.
Action Item: Sue will research and recommend strobe lights that will meet our needs.
q Discussed Item #9. Discussed road test and vehicle training. Agreed to adopt BLM Proficiency Drills as R2 Standards. Will adopt 310-1 Training for Engine Modules.
Action Item: Bobby Sutton will develop a written and practical test for M-52’s.
q Discussed Item #10. Dave will take the apprentice program forward. Make it a standard that R2 Engines will be staffed with 3 person effective crews during defined fire season of the unit. List in Guidebook that GS-6’s are standard for Grades for Engine Foreman.
All Action Items should be completed in Microsoft Word. We set a timeline of having all Action Items completed by March 1, 2000 with a draft document available by June 1, 2000
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