8.1.1 Purpose
The purpose of these tests is to determine the bending strength (Test 1a) and bending stiffness (Test 1b) of
the pallet in racking situations.
8.1.2 Procedure
8.1.2.1 In order to establish the weakest pallet support dimension, test one pallet across the length of the
pallet and then a second pallet across the width of the pallet. There is no requirement for further tests on the
stronger dimension unless the result was within 15 % of the weaker.
8.1.2.2 This having been established, place a fresh pallet across its weakest side, top deck uppermost,
on pallet supports positioned with their centrelines 75 mm from the outer edges of the pallet. The load
applicators shall be positioned at 0,25 L1 or 0,25 L2, when measured as shown, where L1 or L2 is the distance
between the centre lines of the pallet supports (see Figure 1).
8.1.2.3 Load applicators and supports shall be flush with or project beyond the edges of the pallet. Edges
shall be relieved with 2 mm ± 1 mm radii. Where load applicators coincide with gaps between deckboards,
in-fill pieces of equal thickness to deckboards with 3 mm to 6 mm overall clearance on each shall be used.
Place on the pallet deck the load applicators and the load board, then apply the rest of the test load.