Issue link: http://palletcentral.uberflip.com/i/522141
30 PalletCentral • May-June 2015 palletcentral.com n 2013, the NWPCA learned a 'simple' proposal was submitted to modify the International Fire Code developed by the International Code Council (ICC). The document proposed a new section that would cover the outdoor storage of pallets. Unfortunately, that proposal wasn't simple, and it would have severe negative implications for our industry. The ICC is one of two major organizations that develops building and fire codes that are enforced by state, county, and city officials and fire marshals. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is the other leading code development organization. Background The understood goal of the 2013 ICC proposal was to reduce the threat of fire from spreading to adjoining properties as well as structures on-site. It included several measures that would reduce the overall storage capacity in the storage yard (by up to 60% in the worst cases) and contained stipulations that could significantly hinder how pallet facilities conduct daily business. NWPCA staff and more than a dozen members attended a code hearing in Atlantic City at the end of 2013. The delegation made it clear to the code officials that the industry was not consulted in the development of the code, and passage would ICC Outdoor Pallet Storage Fire Code: An Update By Dr. Brad Gething MANUFACTURING I