Although best known in materials handling for its burn testing of pallets, Underwriters Laboratories has branched out, opening a facility for structural testing of plastic, wood, corrugated and metal pallets in Northbrook, Ill.

"Structural testing is the next step for determining the safety of pallets," says Dan Steppan, senior project engineer, UL's Fire Protection Division. The 4,500 square foot facility tests the structural integrity of pallets under extreme heat (to 140F), cold (to -40F), vibration and impact.

Although no standards yet exist for structural integrity of pallets, UL currently has a draft out for review. Steppan expects that review will be completed a year from now.

Burn testing of pallets is performed in an adjacent building. Currently, seven plastic pallet manufacturers have conducted tests there and have received flammability ratings for their products.