Responding to industry concerns and proposed rules governing fire protection requirements for plastic pallets in warehouses, the Reusable Plastic Container and Pallet Association (RPCPA) has released a Fire Test Task Group Report that shows little or no change in fire classifications is needed for most plastic pallets in use today. The report states that most plastic pallets can be protected properly using the same K-11.2 sprinklers that are used in facilities holding wood pallets.

This counters proposals before the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) that is seeking to change the classification for plastic pallets and would require greater sprinkler coverage.

The RPCPA funded a series of fire tests in coordination with two testing organizations, TVA Fire Security Life Safety and Underwriter's Laboratories, Inc. The results of the tests will be forwarded to NFPA, which is hearing comments on classification changes.

The full report may be downloaded for free at www.rpcpa.org.