When  you  are  using  the  container  to  return parachutes to supply or to transfer the assembly to another activity, ensure that th eold tags and labels  on  the  container  are  removed  or  marked out.  Ensure  that  the  proper  tags  and  labels  are attached  and  properly  filled  out  on  the  trans- ferring  container.  Tags  and  labels  are  shown  in figure  1-12. STORING To place a parachute assembly into temporary storage,  proceed  as  follows: NOTE: This procedure is for parachute assemblies that are in a ready-for-issue (RFI)  status  only. 1. Inspect the parachute assembly, ensuring that it is in an RFI status. Check the nameplate information with the recorded information on the parachute   history   card.   Fill   out   an   Aircraft Equipment   Condition   Tag,   indicating   the   as- sembly  name,  serial  number,  and  part  number. 2.  Remove  and  disarm  the  automatic actuator.  (This  is  an  explosive  device  used  to automatically   pull   the   ripcord   on   certain parachutes.) 3.   Remove   cartridges   from   all   other   car- tridge-actuated devices (these are other explosive devices used to assist in opening certain types of parachute  canopies).  Store  the  cartridges  from explosive   devices   in   accordance   with   existing instructions. 4. Release all snap fasteners, open all slide fasteners,  and  remove  one  end  of  each  of  the parachute  container  spring  opening  bands. 5.  Chain  the  parachute  suspension  lines. 6.  Remove  the  manual  ripcord  cable  as- sembly and place it in a small paper or plastic bag. 7.  Examine  the  shipping  container  for  con- dition. Remove or mark out all old tags or labels on  the  container. 8.  Place  the  ripcord  assembly  in  a  side pocket  of  the  parachute  bag  or  at  the  bottom  of the  container.  Spread  one-eighth  pound  of naphthalene  flakes  on  top  of  the  parachute container. Insert the suspension lines loosely and fold  in  the  canopy;  then  sprinkle  one-fourth pound of naphthalene flakes into the canopy fold. Lay the pilot parachute into the shipping container uncompressed. 9.  Close  the  shipping  container;  if  a  card- board  box  is  used,  tape  the  flaps  closed. 10.  Place  the  parachute  into  storage  according to  local  requirements. PERSONNEL   PARACHUTE INSPECTIONS As a PR you have one of the most important jobs in naval aviation. The type of equipment you will  be  working  with  is  lifesaving  equipment. Unlike  the  other  components  that  make  up  the naval  aircraft,  the  parachute  has  no  backup system. If all other parts fail, the parachute must function to prevent serious injury or death to the aircrewman. Parachutes  are  primarily  designed  to  allow pilots  and  aircrewmen  to  escape  from  disabled aircraft. The nature of this lifesaving system leaves no  margin  for  error  in  the  work  of  the  PR. Parachute   inspections   must   be   carefully conducted,   ensuring   security,   rapid   positive functioning,  airworthiness,  and  comfort  of  the entire  assembly. Procedures  for  working  with  parachutes  are different   from   other   types   of   work   because whenever  a  critical  operation  is  performed,  the rigger’s  work  must  be  inspected  and  his  per- formance  verified  and  recorded  by  a  designated inspector before work continues. Continuing with a   procedure   without   obtaining   the   required inspection  is  prohibited.  Although  this  constant interruption  of  work  may  seem  inefficient,  you must  appreciate  how  important  it  is  to  the parachute  user  that  every  step  is  done  exactly right. REASONS  FOR  INSPECTING PARACHUTES Depending on its use, a parachute is exposed to a large number of potentially destructive forces and  agents.  A  parachute  consists  of  many  parts and is a complex and sometimes fragile assembly, so  there  are  many  chances  for  something  to  go wrong.  Once  a  parachute  has  been  inspected, repacked,   and   placed   in   service,   it   is   moved around, sat on, leaned against, and in many ways subjected to forces that can cause chafe and wear. When installed in an aircraft or being worn, the parachute  may  be  contaminated  by  a  number  of potentially  harmful  fluids  such  as  perspiration, lubricants  and  hydraulic  fluids,  chemicals,  and salt  water.  Dampness  can  also  get  into  the components   from   humid   conditions. Aside  from  inspecting  for  damage,  new parachutes  are  inspected  before  being  placed  in service because it is possible for a mistake to be made  when  many  persons  are  involved  in  a manufacturing  process.  A  parachute  may  also 1-14