Commodity Classification of Wood Chips, Mulch?

7/28/2023

What is the most appropriate Commodity Classification for wood chips (used for grilling) and wood mulch (used for pet bedding)?

The packaging consists of sealed paper bags that are palletized and secured with stretch wrap (plastic film) to stabilize the load onto the pallet.

My initial thoughts would be a Class III Commodity, but NFPA 13 2019 Table A20.4(b) mentions "wood patterns" as being Class IV. I'm not certain of the definition of "wood patterns".

Your input and wisdom is much appreciated.

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7 Comments

Glenn Berger

7/28/2023 08:14:10 am

An argument can be made for various different type of commodities. Be careful of the plastic film wrapping in the analysis of storage material.

Also consider what else is being stored here and how much flexibility do you want to give to the building owner in terms of locking them down to specific storage type and configuration.

The question posed does not supply information on maximum proposed storage height or size of storage facility.

Dan Wilder

7/28/2023 08:39:51 am

Wood (lumber), wood chips, charcoal (basic)... all fall into Class III (13-22' - 20.4.3 + Annex)
The individual paper bagging keeps it at Class III along with minimal packaging described. If it gets placed into a double or triple ply cardboard box with multiple layers of separation, this will affect classification (NFPA 13-22 A.20.3 has a decent chart for this).
You did not indicate pallet style & type, that may increase the classification 1 or 2 levels (13-22 - 20.3.2)

Encapsulation will just change the density and in-rack requirements along with the storage arrangement considerations (solid pile, shelf, rack, depth, flue space..)

My thought on "Wood Pattern" is the base products used for laminate wood or the wood pattern sheets that are described below that under "Wood Products".

Craig Hanson link

7/28/2023 08:44:28 am

20.4.3.1
A Class III commodity shall be defined as a product fashioned from wood, paper, natural fibers, or Group C plastics with or without cartons, boxes, or crates and with or without pallets.

20.4.3.2
A Class III commodity shall be permitted to contain a limited amount (5 percent or less by weight of nonexpanded plastic or 5 percent or less by volume of expanded plastic) of Group A or Group B plastics.

Anthony

7/28/2023 08:45:33 am

Sounds like palletized, class 3, encapsulated.

Per NFPA 13-16 Table A.5.6.3:

Wood products (e.g., toothpicks, clothespins and hangers) -- Class III

Per FM 8-1

2.2.4 Class 3
2.2.4.1 Classify stored materials that meet the following criteria as Class 3 commodities:
A. Cellulosic materials, such as wood, paper, or natural textiles, on wood or FM Approved pallets. Products may or may not be stored in corrugated cardboard cartons.

B. Classes 1, 2, and 3 materials containing no more than 5% plastic (unexpanded, expanded, or a combination of the two) by either weight or volume.

PER NFPA 13-16:

3.9.1.11* Encapsulation. A method of packaging that ether consists of a plastic sheet completely enclosing the sides and top of a pallet load containing a combustible commodity, a combustible package, or a group of combustible commodities or combustible packages, or consists of combustible commodities individually wrapped in plastic sheeting and stored exposed in a pallet load.

When I'm iffy on an NFPA definition I like to cross check with FM data sheets. I think in this case per FM's clarification you're in class 3.

Pete H

7/28/2023 09:08:49 am

I'd go class III.

Wood Products (E.g. fiberboard, lumber, particle board, plywood, pressboard with smooth ends and edges); unbundled or non-solid blocks)

Or Wood Products (e.g. toothpicks, clothespins, and hangers).

Not too worried about wood patterns. Pretty sure that refers to things like woodworking kits (think like those little signs that say "home sweet home" or those entirely wood built toy cars). Like dress patterns, but wood.

Dave

7/28/2023 11:34:12 am

I have always assumed "wood patterns" were the library of wood master pattarns used in creating the sand molds in the foundry industry..

Franck

7/28/2023 12:01:08 pm

I would go to class III (and then possibly add penalties for packaging. pallets as indicated above).
I won't be too conservative with considering it as encapsulated just because the chips are in plastic bags. Encpsulated is for the entire pallet, covering homogeneously the top, which is probably not the case here. And the plastic film will melt very easily if involved in the fire.
The good news is that it is free flowing and easily wetted, so less problematic than wood planks (free flowing products tend to self extinguish by suffocation of the flame).
The bad news is that you may have deep seated fire where the sprinkler will not impregnate. So all good as long as the fire is from the outside. And need adequate manual firefighting, just in case...

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Commodity Classification of Wood Chips, Mulch?

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