Issue link: http://palletcentral.uberflip.com/i/685770
Fire Code Update On the evening of April 19, 2016, the ICC International Fire Code Committee voted unanimously to approve the NWPCA proposal for the storage of wood pallets and wood composite pallets at manufacturing and recycling facilities. This is a significant step on the road to finalizing language for both the International Code Council (ICC) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Through the tremendous work of our consultants and the entire team, multiple groups joined NWPCA and Brambles at the microphone testifying in support of the proposal. The ICC Committee specifically acknowledged industry's initiative and commitment to come back to them with a proposal on the issue that they originally began discussing three years ago (if you'll recall – this is the same committee that passed the proposal that we defeated in Atlantic City). There was no opposing testimony during the public hearing. The next step includes a public comment period and then the Final Action Hearing (October 17- 21 in Kansas City, MO), where the entire voting membership of ICC will participate. The ICC proposal is now at a similar stage as the proposal we submitted to NFPA, with the two operating on different timelines. The public comment period for NFPA will have closed on May 16th, while ICC's comment period will close in July. At press time, our fire code consultant was reviewing and will advise on any comments NFPA receives related to our proposal. Depending on the issues raised (if any) he will help define the next steps. Look for timely NWPCA E-News is this regard for additional updates and information. Also, an important part of this process, and our success, is showing these code bodies our ongoing, long-term commitment to enhance fire safety within the industry. To this end, NWPCA has begun the development of a "compliance document" to help facilities understand and comply with the prospective code. A draft outline has been developed by fire code experts that matches the code proposal, along with a cover sheet that was used in communication to the ICC committee. As we move forward, NWPCA will look to the industry to help put the "meat on the bones" of this document. NWPCA is working with the ICC because the organization is in the process of updating its model fire code, and that policy impacts our industry. We participate in the rule development process to help inform a code that suits the requirements of fire officials, protects first responders and employees, and fully considers existing best practices at member facilities. Any questions regarding the fire code issue can be directed to Dr. Brad Gething at bgething@palletcentral.com. 8 PalletCentral • May-June 2016 palletcentral.com INSIDE NWPCA N W P C A A N N O U N C E M E N T S A N D U P C O M I N G E V E N T S Patrick Atagi, Jeff Stoddard, Ela Schmidt and Jeff Carr.