ANSI/ASME MH1-2005

Pallets, Slip Sheets, and Other Bases for Unit Loads

This Standard is divided into ten Parts: Part 1 provides definitions and terminology associated with the construction and use of pallets and related structures, such as skids and pallet containers. Part 2 provides a series of the most common sizes of wood pallets recommended as bases for assembling, storing, stacking, handling, and transporting goods as unit loads. Part 3 of this Standard applies to all lumber-deck and panel-deck pallets, either new or repaired, as well as the lumber components, panels, and fasteners. Part 4 of this Standard presents the phytosanitary requirements for regulated wood packaging materials (WPM) such as pallets, skids, etc. Part 5 is based on technological developments in the pallet and pallet-fastener fields and emphasizes the benefits of use of the fastener withdrawal and shear indexed as means of rating fastener performance. Part 6 provides the protocol for measuring the quality of pallet nails and staples. Part 7 describes laboratory test procedures for evaluating the anticipated performance of expendable and reusable pallets. Part 8 is applicable to the assembling, handling, storing, and transporting of products and goods in unit load form, with a unit, placed on a slip sheet, being a collection of one or more pieces of a product whose mass or weight is too great for a single person to handle without using a mechanical device. Part 9 applies to light- and heavy-duty, limited- and multiple-use wood pallets used by the Department of Defense and DOD contractors. Part 10 of this Standard is applicable to any new, used, or reconditioned pallets designed and fabricated from any materials including wood, plastic, metal, or paper, that are intended for use in automatic unit-load material handling systems.