Issue link: http://palletcentral.uberflip.com/i/842358
palletcentral.com PalletCentral • May-June 2017 13 What code body applies to me? Jurisdiction of each code depends on the state and potentially the locality of your facility(s). NWPCA has a map online (PalletCentral.com) to see which code applies in your state. As always, consult with your local fire official with your questions. When are they changing? For the ICC code, the final changes for the 2018 edition of the IFC have been approved and will be published in June of 2017. For NFPA, the NFPA1 committee has accepted the changes, but voting of the full NFPA membership will occur in June of 2017. It is expected that the proposed language will pass the full vote, and be published by year end 2017. While new versions of the codes may be published, it is up to the state and in some cases, local authority to choose which version (new, existing, or past) that they enforce. You should consult your local fire official to understand exactly the adoption process. What is specifically changing? To this point, only NFPA had code language that regulated the general outdoor storage of wood pallets. It was a highly prescriptive code that limited pile size to height to 15 ft. high and NWPCA Code Compliance Manual The 2018 Editions of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA 1) and the International Fire Code will contain revised requirements for the storage of wood and composite wood pallets at manufacturing and recycling facilities. NWPCA was actively involved in the development of the revised requirements and was influential in ensuring that one of the underlying principles of the revised requirements is to address the fire risk with sound operating practices. As such, the new requirements refer to the need for a defined site plan, a fire prevention plan, a fire safety and evacuation plan, and a security management plan. This document provides the necessary information facilities need to achieve compliance with the revised requirements. The document also includes templates and checklists that facilities can use to facilitate drafting the required plans and maintaining the needed documentation. While these revised requirements may not yet be in effect in your jurisdiction, the document will help you prepare for the pending changes. In addition, the sound operating procedures will benefit any facility by helping them manage their fire risk. iStockphoto.com/s-c-s iStock.com/zdravkovic our Workers & Communities