BS EN ISO 8611-1:2022

What is ISO 8611‑1 - Flat pallet test methods about?

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

ISO 8611‑1 is an International Standard that discusses pallets for materials handling.

ISO 8611‑1 is the first part of the ISO 8611 multi-series, and specifies the test methods available for evaluating new flat pallets for materials handling.

The test methods are split into groups for:

• Nominal load testing
• Maximum working load testing
• Durability comparison testing

Note 1: ISO 8611‑1 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.

Note 2: Specific tests for determining load capacity do not replace the value of conducting field tests on specific pallet designs.

Who is ISO 8611‑1 - Flat pallet test methods for?

ISO 8611‑1 on flat pallet test methods is useful for:

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

Why should you use ISO 8611‑1 - Flat pallet test methods?

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 8611‑1 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 8611-1 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.

Other tests for durability evaluation are specified in ISO 8611-1.

ISO 8611-1 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BS EN ISO 8611‑1:2022 supersedes BS EN ISO 8611‑1:2012, which is withdrawn. BS EN ISO 8611‑1:2022 includes some technical changes with respect to BS EN ISO 8611‑1:2012. These include:

• The use of the deflection at the datum load was clarified
• It was clarified that the average of the maximum deflections recorded for each replicate will need to be reported
• It was clarified that test 5 applies to both twin-track conveyors and narrow span beam racking
• It was clarified that the minimum of the ultimate load recorded for each replicate needs to be reported
• For test 11, the point where the leading edge of the pallet needs to touch the blade was changed from 100 mm to 250 mm ± 25 mm to 200 mm ± 25 mm