BS EN ISO 8611-2:2022

What is ISO 8611-2 – Performance requirements for flat pallets?

Pallets allow supply chain operators to move several products in one trip using material handling equipment, such as forklifts.

ISO 8611-2 is the second part of the ISO 8611 International Standard multi-series, and focuses on requirements and selection tests for flat pallets. ISO 8611-2 specifies the performance requirements to establish nominal loads for new flat pallets. ISO 8611-2 specifies the tests required for new flat pallets in various handling environments and the performance requirements for tests with payloads.

Note: ISO 8611-2 does not apply to pallets with a fixed superstructure or a rigid, self-supporting container that can be mechanically attached to the pallet and which contributes to the strength of the pallet.

Who is ISO 8611-2 - Performance requirements for flat pallets?

ISO 8611-2 on performance requirements for flat pallets performance is useful for:

• The manufacturing industry
• The logistics industry
• Forklift operators
• Transportation service providers
• Pallets design engineers
• Goods packaging and distribution industries
• Warehouse managers
• Quality control personnel
• Testing laboratories

Why should you use ISO 8611-2 - Performance requirements for flat pallets?

Pallets are the primary interface of a unit load. They protect the product, absorb the stresses, hold the weight, encounter fork truck impacts, and safeguard goods traveling through the supply chain. Testing ensures that the pallets are capable of handling these stresses.

The test procedures described in ISO 8611-2 are approximate simulations of pallet use. These tests help the pallet designer to establish an initial acceptable balance between the cost and the performance of a pallet design. ISO 8611-2 guides you to confirm and verify all results of tests performed using this protocol before the publication of performance or the commercial implementation of a new pallet design.

ISO 8611-2 helps to understand the safe working load of pallets for use in racking and stacking by implementing test guidelines.

What’s changed since the last update?

BS EN ISO 8611-2:2022 supersedes BS EN ISO 8611‑2:2012+A1:2016, which is withdrawn. BS EN ISO 8611-2:2022 includes some technical changes with respect to BS EN ISO 8611‑2:2012+A1:2016. These include:

• Separate performance/deflection limits for the internal and external spans were specified for tests 2a and 2b
• It was clarified that test 5 applies for both twin-track conveyors and narrow span beam racking
• It was clarified in Table 2, that tests 4a,b should be conducted for a pallet without racking or stacking but only on the top deck.
• The determination of nominal load was clarified in Table 3
• A list of all parts in the ISO 8611 series can be found on the ISO website

You can view the latest version of this standard here.