How to determine if a wood pallet is safe for use

I've noticed recently that there is a lot of incorrect or outdated information regarding wood pallets.

My company makes dozens of pallets each day so I thought I would clear the air in regard to new pallets in the U.S.

Step 1: NPPO/IPPC Standars

More companies are starting to build one-time-use pallets or using heat treatment rather than Methyl Bromide fumigation.

Pallets now require an IPPC logo which certifies that the pallet was heat-treated or fumigated with Methyl Bromide.

The standard is a 2 letter country code (xx), a unique number (000) assigned by the National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO), HT for Heat Treatment or MB for Methyl Bromide, and DB to signify debarked.

The logo in the first image shows that it was produced in the U.S., the material was provided by 11187 (Unique number assigned to the producer), it was heat treated (HT) and was verified by PRL (Package Research Laboratory)

Step 2: Things to consider

The logo in the second images shows that it has also been debarked

This pallet is about as clean as they get. It was heat treated, produced in the U.S. and debarked.

There are some additional codes that can go on pallets but the main one to watch out for is MB. It means it was treated with Methyl Bromide.

If you don't see an IPPC logo then you know not to use it. While a pallet may be perfectly safe without the logo, it could also mean it was treated with chemicals.

Another issue is what has spilled on the pallet. I'd be careful, personally, about oily pallets or ones that have clearly had something spilled on them.

Step 3: Reference

Here are some links to the laws:

Federal Mandate

IPPC Standards FAQ

ISPM 15

Also, keep in mind that many pallets are used for international shipping. While most industrialized countries have an NPPO, not all do. That means the country may not comply with the standards of other countries.

For the most part, if you stick by these guidelines and don't make a food cutting board from a pallet, you should be safe using them for projects.

As with any project involving cutting wood, you should always use a mask to keep from breathing in particles and pollutants.

Comments

[copperaxe]

Good job I love it when people on the inside of whatever drop some info to the public. Methyl Bromide, gonna have to look that up but I think thats what is being used now instead of the old (better working though) arsenic composition used years ago for preservative/ pest control in lumber.

**Never burn treated lumber in a fireplace, plywood and OSB/ particle included**

[Beuna]

Thanks for sharing! Having worked with pallets I would recommend always using gloves. Protect yourself from splinters plus I have found black widows on them.

[moonchylde]

Thanks for this info! I've seen so many panicky comments on every instructable that involves pallets, it's nice to finally see someone who knows what they're talking about.

[MrBillG59]

Yes, great, no chemicals were used in the making of the pallet. But you have NO idea what was transported on the pallet. Who knows what kinds of leaking barrels were carried on top of the pallet and what kinds of chemicals were in them.

[RTD1954]

Thanx. I typically use pallets for firewood. Can I assume that if it says HT, that it has no chemicals and can be used for firewood (open fire pit, back yard or camping... not indoors)

[minnecrapolis]

If it says HT then, by law, that means Heat Treated and no chemicals.

I know many people burn pallets. I don't see why you couldn't. I guess you just have to hope the company producing the pallet is being honest.

[kz1]

Very useful information. Thank you for clearing that up for us.

[ajdeb]

Cool thanks great information, wouldn't have even thought about the chemical treatment until now. Will be looking for the HT ones then, just googled Methyl Bromide and think best not to use for furniture or compost bins or anything that you touch.

http://union.org.nz/news/2010/methyl-bromide-ban-needed-now-26110

[HBU]

Thank you. this is one of those little pieces of information that can make all the difference. have a great easter

[heywood]

Great information. Thanks!

[Lorddrake]

thanks for the concise information.

[CementTruck]

When I was in the military we had wood pallets with a "P" either burned into the wood, or spray painted. I was told it was pressure treated with some really bad stuff. Stories circulated about an airman in one of the Air Bases in Spain who took pallets home to use in his fireplace and the fumes killed he and his entire family.

[pfred2]

Think about the guys that had to burn the "P"s onto the pallets. I guess their jobs sucked!

[oakback]

Well done! I'm no longer afraid to use pallets for projects.