ISO/TC 51 - Pallets for unit load method of materials handling

This document specifies the test methods available for evaluating new flat pallets for materials handling. The test methods are split into groups for: — nominal load testing; — maximum working load testing; — durability comparison testing. This document does not apply to pallets with a fixed superstructure or a rigid, self-supporting container that can be mechanically attached to the pallet and which contributes to the strength of the pallet. NOTE Specific tests for determining load capacity do not replace the value of conducting field tests on specific pallet designs.

This document specifies the performance requirements to establish nominal loads for new flat pallets. It also specifies the tests required for new flat pallets in various handling environments and the performance requirements for tests with payloads. This document does not apply to pallets with a fixed superstructure or a rigid, self-supporting container that can be mechanically attached to the pallet and which contributes to the strength of the pallet.

ISO 18613:2014 specifies the maximum defects and damage allowed before a flat wooden pallet shall be repaired, and defines the minimum repair criteria that shall be used. ISO 18613:2014 is applicable to wooden flat pallets repaired with wood based components.

ISO 18333:2014 gives guidance on minimum recommended timber quality characteristics. It is applicable to new stringers, stringerboards, blocks, and deckboards used for flat wooden pallet assembly. ISO 18333:2014 does not address the phytosanitation and safety problems, if any, associated with the use of these components.

ISO 8611-4:2013 presents a procedure for predicting creep responses in stiffness tests for plastic pallets to shorten the test period. Based on regression analyses, deflections during full load and relaxation periods are predicted. ISO 8611-4:2013 is for use with the static stiffness tests such as tests 1b, 3b, 4b, 5b, and 7b referred to in ISO 8611-1:2011, and is for application at ambient temperature only.

ISO 445:2013 defines terms relating to pallets for unit load methods of materials handling. It also includes informative annexes listing terms relating to unit load handling and slipsheets.

ISO 13194:2011 specifies the definitions, principal requirements and test methods for box pallets of all materials. It applies to box pallets, including post pallets and cage pallets, but is not intended to apply to tank and silo pallets as defined in ISO 445. It also applies to box pallets which can be stacked and handled by forklift trucks or pallet trucks, but excludes other lifting devices. ISO 13194:2011 addresses the performance of the box pallet only, and not its contents.

ISO 8611-3:2011 specifies the determination of maximum working load for new flat pallets with known payloads in different handling environments. It is not intended to apply to pallets with a fixed superstructure or a rigid, self-supporting container that can be mechanically attached to the pallet and which contributes to the strength of the pallet.

ISO 18334:2010 gives guidance on the minimum quality criteria concerning the assembly of new wooden pallets. This includes component placement accuracy, fastening schedules and fastener placement, the clinching of fasteners, and guidelines for the placement of components the characteristics of which impact pallet performance. ISO 18334:2010 does not address safety problems, if any, associated with pallet assembly.

ISO 12776:2008 specifies slipsheets used for arranging commodities into a unit-load, and also for loading, unloading, transporting and storing unit-load commodities mainly handled by forklift trucks equipped with a push-pull device.

ISO 6780:2003 specifies the principal dimensions and tolerances for new single-deck and double-deck, reversible and non-reversible flat pallets, of all entry types and made of any material, related to their transportation and handling by pallet trucks, fork-lift trucks and other appropriate equipment. The requirements for features such as openings, clearances, chamfers and wings that are required for efficient handling are also included. The applicability of ISO 6780:2003 to reversible pallets can be affected by their use in field conditions.

ISO 12777-3 specifies methods of determining the resistance of pallet joints primarily to static load by determining the strength and stiffness of nailed or stapled joints, wood to wood, wood to wood-based materials, wood to plastics or plastics to plastics. This part of ISO 12777 is applicable to joints with all types of nails up to 7 mm diameter (including plain shank, helical, annular ring, barbed and twisted) and with staples.

ISO15629 gives guidelines on nails and staples used in the assembly of new and repair of used wooden flat pallets. For the purposes of this International Standard the term fasteners applies to nails and staples only. ISO 15629 is prescriptive and performance-based and contains physical descriptions of fasteners as well as minimum recommended performance levels.

Describes test methods for the determination of the bending resistance of pallet nails, staples and other dowel-type fasteners. Includes test for the ultimate strength in static bending and impact bend resistance. These test methods apply to all types of nails.

ISO 8611-2:2011 specifies the performance requirements to establish nominal loads for new flat pallets. It also specifies the tests required for new flat pallets in various handling environments and the performance requirements for tests with payloads. It is not intended to apply to pallets with a fixed superstructure or a rigid, self-supporting container that can be mechanically attached to the pallet and which contributes to the strength of the pallet.

ISO 8611-1:2011 specifies the test methods available for evaluating new flat pallets for materials handling. The test methods are split into groups for nominal load testing, maximum working load testing and durability comparison testing. It is not intended to apply to pallets with a fixed superstructure or a rigid, self-supporting container that can be mechanically attached to the pallet and which contributes to the strength of the pallet.

ISO 445:2008 defines terms relating to pallets for unit load methods of materials handling. It also includes an informative annex listing general terms relating to materials handling.

ISO/TS 8611-3:2005 proposes relevant test methods to determine a range of maximum working loads for different payloads and loading and support conditions, which depend on the nature of the load being carried.

ISO 8611-2:2005 specifies the performance requirements and the selection of tests for flat pallets of all materials being subjected to the tests defined in ISO 8611-1. It is not intended to apply to pallets with a fixed superstructure or a rigid, self-supporting container that may be mechanically attached to the pallet and which contributes to the strength of the pallet.

ISO 8611-1:2004 specifies test methods of existing and prototype flat pallets for materials handling for all types of use It cannot be used to evaluate a pallet to normative ISO requirements without the additional application of ISO/TS 8611-2 and ISO/TS 8611-3.

ISO 18613:2003 specifies the maximum defects and damage allowed before a flat wooden pallet shall be repaired, and defines the minimum repair criteria that shall be used. This European Standard is applicable to wooden flat pallets repaired with wood based components. NOTE The maximum allowed defects and damage for pallets are described in this standard and the annexes A to D show examples of defects and damage which make the widely used pallets unacceptable for use. For other pallet types similar criteria should be set up. The repair criteria for pool and rental pallets are controlled by their respective controlling operators/owners, and may be subject to a licence.

ISO 18334:2003 gives guidance on the minimum quality criteria concerning the assembly of new wooden pallets. This includes component placement accuracy, fastener schedules and fastener placement, the clinching of fasteners and guidelines for the placement of component characteristics which limit their affect on pallet performance. ISO 18334:2003 does not address the safety problems, if any, associated with pallet assembly.

ISO 18333:2002 gives guidance on minimum recommended timber quality characteristics. It applies to stringers, stringerboards, blocks and deckboards used for flat wooden pallet assembly. The purpose of ISO 18333:2002 is to establish internationally recognized minimum acceptable quality levels for the above-mentioned wooden parts commonly used for the assembly of timber pallets. The properties of these components affect pallet performance. ISO 18333:2002 does not address the safety problems, if any, associated with the use of these components.

Defines terms to slip sheets used as bases for the assembly, handling, storing and transporting of products and goods as unit loads. Gives details of typical materials and designs. Specifies requirements to dimensions and performance.

Gives information on the faults and features which may affect sawn wood used for the construction of pallets and provides guidance on their effects in relation to the physical and mechanical properties of both components and complete wooden pallets.

Contains amendments to ISO 6780-1988, which specifies overall dimensions for single-deck and double-deck non-reversible pallets for through transit of goods, and dimensions related to their handling by pallet trucks, fork lift trucks and other appropriate handling equipment.

Clause 2: correct the title of ISO 2244 as follows: ISO 2244:1985, Packaging - Complete, filled transport packages - Horizontal impact tests (horizontal or inclined plane test; pendulum test).

Specifies test methods, particularly appropriate for pallet prototypes. The tests are principally intended for the evaluation of existing pallets or of new designs of pallets in relation to their designed load capacity. The tests may be valuable in point of manufacture quality assurance and field testing of pallets, but not for research purposes.

Specifies the phytosanitary requirements for wooden pallets to reduce the transmission of insects and plant diseases in international and intercontinental trade.

Specifies recommended levels of performance for pallets tested in accordance with ISO 8611. The performance levels relate to two grades of pallets: - Grade N ("normal") is a minimum requirement suitable for a large number of pallets; grade S ("special") is a minimum requirement suitable for a large number of pallets, for example two-way pallets, partially four-way pallets. Annex A gives a tabular summary of the recommended performance levels in relation to test specified in ISO 8611.

Provides guidance on the relationship between the design rating of a pallet (R) and its maximum working load in practice which depends on the nature of the load being carried. Applies to general-purpose flat pallets whose rating has been determined by testing in accordance with ISO 8611.

Specifies overall dimensions for single-deck and double-deck non-reversible pallets for through transit of goods, and dimensions related to their handling by pallet trucks, fork lift trucks and other appropriate handling equipment.