scope:

This standard sets fire performance requirements for pallets and other material handling products so that they can be classified as equivalent to wood pallets. This standard is not intended to determine the use and application of the material handling product. It is the responsibility of the manufacturer to determine the suitability of the product for it end use and for the end user to confirm the product meets their needs.

This standard specifically addresses pallets and other material handling products. Totes, boxes and similar products are not included in the Scope of this Standard.

Sprinkler protection requirements for pallets and other material handling products that are classified as equivalent to wood are not included or determined in this standard. See FM Global Data Sheets for guidelines.

The maximum size of the pallet or other material handling products is 16 ft² (1.5 m²) and the maximum aspect ratio of length to width is 1.35. The maximum aspect ratio limits are due to the development of fire spread in the research testing that was used to develop this Approval Standard. The requirement is to ensure pallet test geometry that is reasonably close to the originally tested geometry. "Half" and "quarter" size pallets may be tested and Approved by testing multiple stacks of pallets provided that the test area is less than or equal to the maximum allowed area or aspect ratio. The material handling product cannot collect water or liquids.

Purpose

This standard states Approval requirements for the classification of pallets and other material handling products as equivalent to wood pallets.

Approval criteria includes, but are not limited to, performance requirements, marking requirements, examination of manufacturing facility(ies), audit of quality assurance procedures, and a surveillance program.