What you have been doing in the past when it comes to pallet storage and fire safety may not work in the future. The reason is that new fire code standards have been developed by fire safety experts in cooperation with the National Wooden Pallet & Container Association (NWPCA). Do you know what you might need to update in terms of your pallet storage and fire policy?
The NWPCA understands that the best way to get broad industry adoption of the new standards is through education and resources that can facilitate compliance. And the NWPCA is in the process of developing a Fire Code Compliance Manual to address the revised requirements for outdoor pallet storage.
The new requirements are part of the 2018 editions of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA 1) and the International Fire Code (IFC) of the International Code Council that specifically address the wood and composite wood pallet manufacturing and recycling facilities.
Coinciding with the NWPCA’s “Year of Safety,” President/CEO Brent McClendon stated, “The release of the manual just reinforces our commitment to safety of the entire industry, their workers, and first responders.”
The NWPCA was influential in the development of the revised standards to address the fire risk with sound operating practices. McClendon added, “Our members practice safety first. The new manual will help this industry tremendously by outlining best practices for use in their facilities, while complying with the new fire codes coming their way.”
The new NFPA 1 and IFC code requirements highlight the need for a defined site plan, a fire prevention plan, a fire safety and evacuation plan, and a security management plan. The NWPCA Fire Code Compliance Manual will include:
• Outline of specific steps each facility will need to take to comply with new fire codes and code regulations.
• Templates and checklists that facilities can use to assist in drafting required plans and maintaining documentation.
• Additionally, the manual will provide the necessary information facilities need to achieve compliance with the revised fire code requirements.
Annette Ferri, vice president of communications for the NWPCA, said, “Our ultimate goal for industry is mitigate fires and protect the life safety of first responders, employees and those in the communities where wood pallet manufacturing facilities exist. Educational outreach and broad distribution of the manual will help educate on best practices for the entire industry.”
The NWPCA Fire Code Compliance Manual is scheduled to be published and released in the fall of 2017. Interested businesses and organizations can sign up to receive updates about the Code Compliance Manual’s release on www.PalletCentral.com/ComplianceManual.
