Issue link: http://palletcentral.uberflip.com/i/1503288
30 PalletCentral • May-June 2023 palletcentral.com You mentioned that pallet stack heights should be three-quarters the height away from the building. Does this also apply to lumber storage? Koffel: No, this guideline does not apply to lumber storage. ere is a separate section in the code that addresses lumber storage and sets out distinct separation requirements, which I believe are in Chapter 28. e rationale behind the three-quarters rule for pallets was based on research examining how a stack of pallets of a certain height is likely to become unstable and fall. is rule is designed to prevent fire in piles from spreading to the property line or against an important building. However, the definition of an "important building" may vary. For instance, a utility shed or a storage unit on site might not be deemed important, whereas administrative offices would typically be classified as such. e first thing you should do is determine the applicable code at your location. is isn't straightforward because there are different fire codes, like the ICC (International Fire Code) and NFPA 1, developed by private entities. ese codes only become regulatory when adopted by a regulatory agency, and this adoption varies from state to state, sometimes even at local level. I suggest contacting your local or state fire marshal to determine which fire code and which edition of that code is in effect at your facility at a particular point in time. ese codes are updated every three years, so it's important to know which version is applicable. Does NFPA trump other codes? Koffel: Generally, no, NFPA does not automatically supersede other codes. An exception might occur if there's a secondary authority, like an insurance carrier, that requires compliance with both the International Code and NFPA. In such instances, NFPA could potentially take precedence. However, this is usually the exception rather than the rule.