During its annual meeting in May, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) approved changes to the NFPA 13 standards affecting the fire ratings of certain plastic pallets used in warehouses. These standards are the basis for most state fire code laws.

Until now, facilities that stored loads on plastic pallets required a one-class upgrade in fire protection above that needed for storage of loads on wooden pallets. The new rules require a two-class upgrade in fire protection for warehouses that store reinforced polypropylene and polyethylene plastic pallets. Unreinforced plastic pallets continue to require a one-class upgrade over wooden pallets.

The change was made because unreinforced plastic pallets melt fairly easily in a fire and often smother flames, while reinforced plastic pallets are considered to be a higher risk.

"The reinforced pallets hold their structure and integrity longer," says Christian Dubay, a fire protection engineer with NFPA . "This allows air gaps to remain longer within the pallet, which fuels the flames and creates a more intense fire."

There are some exceptions to the new standards, however. Facilities that have sprinkler systems with an Early Suppression Fast Response (ESFR) 17 rating or higher are exempt from the upgrade requirement. The new rules also do not apply to pallets for which there is specific testing data, such as that collected by Underwriters Laboratories, that proves the pallets qualify for a lower rating. Some plastic pallet manufacturers already have qualified for an exemption for products that significantly improve fire resistance. (See "New plastic pallets may counter fire-rating changes," MMH, March 2002)

The NFPA plans to issue its final document updating the standards on July 19, after which there will be a 15-day appeal period. Unless the new rule is successfully appealed, states and federal agencies will begin adopting the new standards in August. Users of plastic pallets should check with local authorities to find out when new code requirements will take effect.

NFPA is an independent organization that includes fire officials, manufacturers, enforcement personnel and others involved in promoting fire safety. The organization studies fire-related issues, publishes its findings, and issues fire-protection standards.
For more information, visit www.nfpa.org.