Standardizing Agency
The National Wooden Pallet and Container Association or NWPC is the sole agency mandated by law to create guidelines to ensure that all wooden pallets are safe for use. These guidelines stipulate how pallets should be manufactured to ensure performance and reliability. The description of components, dimensions, moisture level and repair information are also included in these guidelines.
Sanitation of Wooden Pallets
As stated in NWPC standards, wooden pallets must adhere to the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures Publication No. 15 (ISPM 15) that aims to prevent the spread of pests or diseases through wooden pallets. The agency recommends that all packaging materials made of wood must undergo heat treatment for sanitation purposes. The treatment involves subjecting the wood to a temperature of 56 degrees for a minimum of 30 minutes. Other disinfection treatment includes fumigation with chemicals for 24 hours.
Performance
Wood pallets in Denver should undergo a definitive test to scale its performance. NWPC promotes the ISO 8611-1:2011 method as the ultimate evaluation of the pallets capacity to handle materials. The evaluation includes:
• Nominal load testing
• Durability testing
• Maximum effective working load
• Proof testing
These series of tests will determine the pallet's load safety factor exceeding of which will not be safe anymore.
Pallet Size
The size of the pallet is a key determinant of the amount of weight it can carry. Pallet manufacturers prefer to adopt the universally accepted pallet standard size of 40 inches by 48 inches. Although each company has the option to customize their pallets to satisfy any purpose that serves them best, the standard size is used by a majority of companies.
Manufacturing Standards
Pallets can be manufactured in various types depending on how they can be accessed by mobilization equipment. These are:
• Two Way Pallets – Also referred to as "unnotched" pallets, these types are manufactured with the provision on two ends to be accessed by forklift.
• Partial Four Way – These are pallets made with the openings fit for a forklift on two ends with smaller opening to the other sides.
• Four Way Pallets – These are pallets with provision for forklift access on all four sides
You put your trust on the pallets to safeguard your products. It may sound funny, but the fate of your business relies on the hands of these lifeless pieces of woods. It's important to confirm that the pallets you are using adhere to the standards set by organizations so that your products will arrive at its destination safely and intact.
