While pallets provide an ideal transport system for manufacturers and retailers, they are increasingly found among homeowners and other people looking for cheaper, free wood to be used on construction projects, firewood, etc. Pallet use is widespread, which has resulted in a significant increase in fatalities. The following blog will describe some important tips to keep your wooden pallets safe and avoid any injuries that may be caused by them.

Safety is paramount no matter the position. The use of pallet equipment is essential for the prevention and treatment of common injuries such as sprains or broken ankles and toes while working.

Read the Codes

Choose an EPSA-based system. The one with EUR refers to an older railway system. Using EPAL-approved products is acceptable. It also has heating treatment (HT). In Europe, it has been banned by the United Kingdom. The pallet is able to hold up to 500kg. A pallet might be seen without indicating it. It is generally a single pallet. The stronger ones are used in construction equipment (brick, cement, etc.) science equipment, and machinery. It is free of chemicals and can be reused safely and efficiently.

The Different Types of Pallets and Are they safe?

Pallet rentals provide pallets for re-utilization. Colored pallets are produced by companies and the color identifies the durability and type of pallets. Color pallets (blue pallets, brown pallets, and black pallets) have been criticized in the past. The pallets are treated with methyl bromide. Some pallet rentals use international shipping, so there may be some concerns. Some states fumigate every single pallet they receive. Most countries don’t follow international standards at all. It is possible to distinguish the four major pallet pool manufacturers in different colors.

CP Pallet Markings

The CPC Pallets Scheme was established in the early 90s by the Chemical Industries Association of Germany. Therefore the pallets are designed to serve the Chemicals industries only. It is part of the pallet system that is easily repaired and replaced. Standard CP describes wood quality measurement marks and repairs. The pallet block is marked with the manufacturer’s or repairer’s name and the date of the repair. The pallet can be heated according to ISPM or IPPC requirements or can be dried at kilns. CP Pallet comes in nine different sizes so there will be CP 1, CP2, or CP3.

Pallet Stamps and Marks

Wood pallets meet IPPC standards. A certified agency should provide the necessary markings and certifications for these items. However, it’s crucial that you know the meaning behind the coding to eliminate the toxic or harmful option. USDA indicates the combinations of qualities on the pallet that include: Source [MB] indicates the wood has been treated using methyl bromide. Even if it is a wood pallet that is only yours, avoid handling it with bare hands. The pallet can contaminate the home if exposed to toxic substances. These stamps were originally referred to as heat treatment.

Things to Look For in a Pallet Stamp

Avoid contaminated pallets for your safety. Use them cautiously! Pallets can be completely safe without the stamp logo, but it’s difficult for you to see the details. The following are some key details for checking the pallet stamp. The second letter on the stamp indicates which country the pallet was manufactured in according to the ICAE code, followed by identifying regions and the unique registration code. Identifying such details on a pallet stamp is highly important because it lets you know which ones to purchase.

Choosing the Safe Treatment Method

Wooden pallets manufactured in Canada or the U.S. undergo a pest control treatment called heat treating (HT) which involves heating the pallet at a minimum temperature of 56°C for softwoods and 60°C for hardwoods for 30 minutes in an HTP pallet is harmless for both the body and the environment. The use of kiln-dry lumber reduces wood moisture content (18% – 11%). The coding is used for controlling swabbing, fungal growth, and other properties. Typically wood drying ovens do not reach the 133 degrees Fahrenheit (55 degrees Celsius) temperature a thermal treatment would require.

Avoid MB Pallets

Methylbromide fumigation has been linked to human health problems as well as depleting ozone layers. Methyl bromide fumigation eliminates pests such as pine beetles invasive. The 1987 Montreal Protocol was a measure that was meant to restrict the use and production of methyl bromide along with other substances that had the effect. These treatment methods have been banned in many countries because they pose serious health dangers to workers who handle pallets. It’s also available to be viewed elsewhere.

MB Pallets Are Not Safe

Methylbromide has broad spectral pest control applications to kill the weed and parasitic organisms including pathogens and rodents. The use of methyl bromide was first used for soil fumigation and also for commodity quarantine treatment, structural fertilizer, and structural fertilization for agricultural products.

Methyl bromide enters a person’s bloodstream through the air through the skin or eyes. Inhaling methyl bromide causes skin irritation, itching, and burns. Dielectric heating is used to treat wood packing material, whether it is new, old, previously built, repaired, or remanufactured.

Don’t Be Fooled by Old Appearances

The cure temperatures of woods like cherry or oak cause the release of saps from within. Sap covers wooden boards with dark stains making them look old and wearable. Heat-treated containers and boxes are able to remain stable without damage. KDD pallets are safe. New or used wood package materials may be cooled by dielectric heating and treated with DH codes.

Understanding Chemistry

Various researchers have confirmed that toxic substances like methyl bromide are not safe for humans to use. After prolonged exposure to MeBr, neurological disorders may occur. Toxicopedia has found pesticides to reach humans through air or eyes. Its classification is highly acute. An alternative method of treating wood pallets is heat treatment (HT), which is an efficient and acceptable treatment method that heats a package to a minimum temperature of 56° C. for 30 minutes.

Pallet Treatment

IPPC developed an innovative approach that helps mitigate the risks associated with spreading infectious agents to other plants. The isp 15 phytosanitary measures require that pallet manufacturers use appropriate handling to quarantine pest infestations that have been shown to be harmful to forest health and biodiversity and prevent further exploitation of timber. According to the USDA, the current standard for WPM treatments includes MeBr (Methyl Bromide) fumigation and HT heat treatments.

Hazards to Avoid When Using Pallets

Our research suggests that many people hurt themselves when using pallets for home-building projects or other unattended purposes. Often the pallet is damaged by deconstruction. Deconstruction of pallets involves taking apart different boards by pulling, trimming, or smashing.

Each method presents some risks and extra precaution is necessary to prevent getting hurt while removing boards. It would be highly recommended to not hit any of the pallets in the attempt to take out parts. Remove damaged pallets from your workplace to reduce injury.

European Pallets

Depending on where in the US and Canada the pallet may be made, it is different. The Euro pallet is represented by two different names: EUR or EPPAL. Europe prohibits chemical treatments of wood and it can easily be used on the pallet. But in the case when stamps mention EUR, they originate in older versions of the rules, and the easiest way to avoid the pallet should be avoided.

What Happens if Pallets Don’t Have Stamps? Is It Safe?

When pallets don’t have stamps they are categorized as national pallets. National pallets can be used for domestic transportation across your country. Most domestic pallets do not contain chemical substances so should be the safest. But we have to be cautious.

What Are Safety Tips for Pallets?

Make sure the pallet is packed at the same weight with varying loads. Keep pallets away from any area that needs access, including doors, emergency exit points, smoke detectors, emergency lighting, and electrical outlets. Avoid dumping the pallet. Anyone attempting to disassemble a wooden pallet should be aware that the majority of them employ specialty nails that are quite challenging to remove. In order to make pallets endure longer, pallet nails typically feature a “screw shank,” which is difficult to remove without specialist tools.

Conclusion

When you go to the market to purchase any appliance, it is important that you have some prior knowledge of the product. With pallets, its the same case. As a business owner who requires pallets, you should know all the precautionary measures that need to be taken before and making any purchase. Other than that, handling something every business owner should be aware of. Pallet safety precautions should taken, a safe working environment is typically the result. Whether you’re running a business or you’re an employee somewhere that pallets are regularly used, be sure the proper procedures are taught and reinforced.

Unaka Forest Products specializes in manufacturing thee highest quality wooden pallets. The treatment processes we use are safe and according to safety standards. We also provide pallet repairing services. Our pallets are reliable and durable. Contact us today to place an order!

When it comes to storing food items, there are many options that a business can resort to. Some options are considered unsafe for the storage of such items because they can cause contamination. Wooden pallets have been the go-to for the food industry for storage and transport. We will look at the major reasons why wooden pallets are considered safe for the food industry and how to properly use them to avoid contamination.

Apart from wooden pallets, there are also other materials that can be used instead. Plastic pallets are commonly preferred over wooden pallets as they are much more durable and don’t cause much contamination. But there are other harmful effects that can be caused by using plastic pallets. Wooden pallets can be sterilized to offer safety to your edible goods. Hence, it is a much safer option than plastic pallets. 

Reasons Why Wooden Pallets are Safe For Food Storage

The relationship between wood pallets and food safety has come under scrutiny in recent years from consumers and supply chain decision-makers alike. There are various reasons why wood pallets are best for food safety. Wood pallets are safe for transporting food in many different ways. Not only that but they are affordable and reliable. Some of the reasons why you should prefer a wooden pallet instead of any other material are listed here:

It Doesn’t Hold Pathogens

A wooden pallet, when properly sterilized, is highly safe to store food in. After sterilization, the wood does not harbor any harmful substances or pathogens. So if you’re wondering that the wood may have termites or other microorganisms that could harm the food, you’re wrong. When wood is treated before the formation of a pallet, all the pathogens are removed and no harm can be done to the food. 

The Surface of the Wood is Clean

As mentioned above, when the wood is sterilized, all the harmful contaminants are cleared out and none remain on the surface of the wood. For the majority of food businesses, wooden pallets are used to store raw materials, store work in progress or store finished product. 

After heat treatment, the contaminants inside the wood are also removed so it is completely safe to be used. However, if you plan to store the food for a longer period of time, then it is suggested not to store it in a wooden pallet. Because as we know, food doesn’t have a long shelf life hence, it can contaminate the wood.

Wood Pallets Keep the Packaging Safe

When you purchase wooden pallets from a well-reputed pallet company, your packaging will not be damaged. In most cases, the packaging gets damaged because of the poor build quality of the pallets. However, a good quality pallet will keep your goods safe and in good condition throughout the transportation. The safety of goods in food transportation is a major concern for many manufacturers and wooden pallets provide the safety you need. 

Wooden Pallets are Designed to Meet Food Industry Standards

It may not be possible for a lot of food companies to eliminate wooden pallets in their production site. So control measures are implemented to avoid contamination of the finished product and raw materials. The design of wooden pallets is specific to accommodate food transportation. The pallets are free of any damage and nail heads sticking out that can damage the goods. When pallet manufacturers design these pallets, they make sure the edges are cut out properly to ensure the safety of the food items. 

Food Safety Modernization Act

The Food Safety Modernization Act stipulates that food cannot be harmed by pallets. When used as tertiary packaging, pallets of a specific material are not required, nor is their sanitization for applications involving indirect food contact. Pallet providers are increasingly creating procedures to make sure that pallets are maintained as dry and clean as possible until they are delivered to the client. Users of pallets are also urged to adhere to a set procedure to guarantee that pallets are handled carefully and inspected before being put under load.

Safety Measures for Buying Used Pallets Used pallets are a great option, but it is still important to follow FDA and Food Safety Modernization Act regulations for dry, clean, damage-free pallets. If you buy used, make sure to get good quality pallets that adhere to those regulations and check for codes to avoid unsafe food storage.

No Evidence of Wood Pallets Causing Contamination

There is no proof of wood pallets causing a substantial outbreak of food-borne illness. According to some studies, wood pallets are actually safer than alternatives because contaminants are absorbed into the wood, as opposed to non-absorbent material pallets, which would leave contaminants on the surface of the pallet where they provide a higher danger of cross-contamination.

Heat Treatment Process For Wooden Pallets

Wooden pallets are heated as part of the heat treatment process in a dedicated chamber until the core reaches 132.8 degrees Fahrenheit (56 Celsius). Before cooling down, it must remain at this temperature for at least 30 minutes. When the procedure is finished, a stamp indicating compliance with ISPM 15 requirements is applied.

Advantages of Heat Treatment

There are several reasons why this wood pallet treatment is desirable. The ability to ship internationally is essential since heat will kill any wood-boring insects and shield the wood from infestation. All insects and larvae will be eliminated if the core is kept at a high temperature for 30 minutes. As a result, insects are kept from spreading and colonising new places, especially those where they are not native. 

Wooden pallets that have undergone heat treatment also weigh less than untreated pallets. The savings on freight alone might be substantial. Additionally, you won’t sacrifice quality because heat treatment will make your wooden pallets survive even longer. They are resistant to organisms that contribute to wood and less prone to decay.

Unaka Forest Products is a well-reputed pallet manufacturing company. We produce high-quality pallets that are capable of supporting heavy loads. Our products will fulfill the needs of every sort of business. Whether you want pallets that can bare heavy or light loads, we have both! We guarantee our customers a long life-span of our products. Contact us today and make your purchase right now!