Wooden pallets are important to businesses that store products in warehouses and load and move large amounts of product. Unused and idle pallets can create a fire hazard, so proper storage is necessary. Follow the national safety regulations to ensure safe storage.
Separate Storage
Store wooden pallets away from the main building in a structure that's of lesser value.
Eliminate Extras
If you must store pallets in the main building, pare down the number that regularly goes unused. Keep only enough wooden pallets for one day's operations.
Location
Avoid storing idle pallets between aisles or racks. If a fire occurs, the pallets will spread the flames more rapidly.
Stack
Stack wooden pallets no more than six feet high. Store them flat, and don't stack them on end.
Pile Guidelines
Each pallet pile should include no more than four stacks per pile. Keep the piles at least eight feet apart and at least 25 feet away from any commodities in the building.
Be Prepared
Make sure the building's sprinkler system is functioning properly and meets fire safety codes.
References
Resources
Writer Bio
Laura Rico has been a journalist for more than five years in Michigan and California. She began her career as a staff writer at two community newspapers before accepting an assistant editor position in Northern California. She currently works as a page designer/copy editor and freelance writer in Holland, Mich.