Storing idle pallets safely
Empty pallets, wood or plastic, burn readily and stacks of them are a known fire concern. Fire codes and insurers set limits on how and where idle pallets are stored. Ask your insurer and local fire marshal what applies to your building before a reuse program makes stacks grow.
Who sets the limits
Storage limits for idle pallets come from the fire code your jurisdiction has adopted, from your sprinkler design, and from your insurer. They differ by building. We don't summarise code sections here because we haven't checked the current editions against the source; your fire marshal can tell you which apply.
Practical steps
- Ask your insurer and fire marshal for the limits that apply to idle pallets at your site.
- Keep stacks away from building walls, exits and fire lanes, and out of racks.
- Set a maximum stack count, and schedule pickups so you stay under it.
- Store plastic and wood pallets as the guidance for each requires.
A reuse program helps
Frequent, scheduled pickups keep the pile small. Tell your reuse company your maximum, and agree a call-out when you reach it.