Reusable Plastic Container and Pallet Association (RPCPA) Releases Fire Test Task Group Report
(Charlotte, NC-June 28, 2003) The Reusable Plastic Container and Pallet Association (RPCPA) announces the release of the Fire Test Task Group Report. This report is the result of an initiative begun in 2001 when six member companies of the RPCPA joined together to fund the fire testing of plastic pallets in coordination with TVA Fire Security Life Safety and Underwriter's Laboratories, Inc. (UL). This initiative was in response to concerns that plastic pallets were a potential fire hazard in facilities and a proposal to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 13 that sought to increase protection for in-use plastic pallets. RPCPA's research objectives demonstrated that the most prevalent pallets used in today's marketplace need either a no-classification upgrade or no more than one classification upgrade. In addition, the most prevalent pallets used in today's marketplace can be protected the same as wood pallets using K-11.2 sprinklers.
The full report can be downloaded for free from the RPCPA web site as http://www.mhia.org/psc/pdf/rpcpa/FireTestingSummaryReport.PDF.
RPCPA is the Reusable Plastic Container & Pallet Association, a Product Section of Material Handling Industry. Member companies represent industry leaders in the reusable/returnable industrial plastic container, pallet and packaging material industry. RPCPA was established in 1987, with a mission that includes the development of physical and performance guidelines for the safe design, integration and implementation of plastic products in material handling systems; to encourage high standards of quality and performance among suppliers of plastic products; and to broadly promote the features, advantage and benefits of properly utilized plastic products in material handling.
MHIA is an international trade association that has represented this industry since 1945. MHIA members include material handling equipment and systems manufacturers, integrators, consultants, publishers, and third party logistics providers. Member companies come from all areas of material handling and various parts of the world, making MHIA a strong national and international representative for the material handling industry. Much of the work of the industry is done within its product-specific sections, councils and affiliates. The association also sponsors trade events, such as ProMat and NA 2004 to showcase the products and services of its member companies and to educate industry professionals on the productivity solutions provided through material handling and logistics. Visit http://www.mhia.org for more information.
