By John Swanson

Codes & Standards Specialist

IFC and NFPA 1’s Focus on High-Piled Combustible Storage

The International Fire Code and NFPA 1, Fire Code regulate storage hazards primarily through application and enforcement of the high-piled storage requirements in their respective documents. High-piled storage refers to commodities stored in close stacks on pallets, racks, or shelves where the top of storage exceeds a specified height (typically 12 ft). However, high-hazard commodities—such as Group A plastics and idle pallets—may be considered high piled storage at much lower heights (6 ft) based on the adopted fire code.

Plastic pallets fall within the definition of combustible storage because many common plastics can burn intensely. Therefore, when stored in piles above the designated height (6 ft.), they trigger the high-piled storage provisions in the IFC and NFPA 1.

IFC and NFPA 1 Specific Pallet Provisions

The IFC, NFPA 1, and NFPA 13 contain language that modifies commodity classification based on pallet type:

• Unreinforced plastic pallets increase the commodity classification by one class.
• Reinforced plastic pallets increase the commodity classification by two classes, often up to high-hazard grouping.
• Other plastic pallets (not common materials like polypropylene or HDPE) are typically increased by two classes unless specific testing is conducted.
  (“Reinforced” and “unreinforced” refer to manufacturer design and fire behavior testing.)

significant because it may prevent an otherwise higher commodity classification.

NFPA 13: How Sprinklers Protect Plastic Pallet Storage

While the IFC and NFPA 1 decide when fire protection systems are required and determine commodity classification, NFPA 13 tells designers how to design sprinkler systems to control or suppress fires given a particular hazard.

Designed Protection for Plastic Pallets

NFPA 13 (2025 edition) includes a specific section on plastic pallets. Under Section 20.17.2.1:

• Plastic pallets may be stored outdoors or in detached structures.
• When stored indoors, they must be arranged and protected according to NFPA 13’s specified criteria in accordance with Section 20.17.2.2.

Application of the IFC and NFPA 13: Practical Compliance

The IFC and NFPA 1 include mandatory sprinkler requirements when:

• Storage reaches high-pile thresholds based on occupancy classification and commodity hazard,
• The area of storage is above a defined square footage,
• A higher-hazard arrangement exists where the storage exceeds 6 ft. in height.

Once the IFC or NFPA 1 triggers sprinkler requirements, NFPA 13’s rules apply to the design of the system. Understanding both documents is essential because:

• The IFC classification determines which hazard category applies.
• NFPA 13 dictates the sprinkler density, sprinkler type, arrangement, storage height limits, and other configurations based on the hazard.

Why Pallets Matter More Than They Seem

In storage design, even non-plastic commodities can be elevated in hazard class simply because they are stored on plastic pallets. Likewise, using plastic pallets of a certain design could change the required sprinkler design criteria and possibly offer enhanced engineered protections for the sprinkler designer and building owner. Design professionals, sprinkler designers, and fire safety officials must work together to analyze the hazards associated with the storage accurately, choose acceptable pallet types, and ensure corresponding sprinkler design compliance.

Conclusion: Integrated Fire Safety for Plastic Pallets

Plastic pallets are functional – but from a fire protection perspective, they’re complex. Compliance with fire code standards requires understanding how the International Fire Code or NFPA 1 classifies the particular hazard(s) and when it triggers sprinkler requirements, and then how NFPA 13 requires the sprinkler system be designed and installed.

In summary, the following should be considered when evaluating fire protection requirements for plastic pallets:

• Plastic pallets may increase the hazard category of stored materials.
• Listed and tested plastic pallets can be treated like wood pallets in certain circumstances.
• NFPA 13 provides multiple pathways to protect indoor plastic pallet storage, which includes criteria for ESFR, CMSA and CMDA sprinklers, along with other design strategies for the design professional and building owner to consider.
• Close communication with designers, facility owners, and fire officials is vital to meet both IFC and NFPA 13 requirements efficiently.

Fire safety isn’t optional – especially where large fuel sources like plastic pallets are involved. Thoughtful planning and adherence to both codes and standards create safer environments for people, property, and help ensure continuity of operations for the building owner and employees.

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