REVlSIONS

SYM DESCRIPTION DATE APPROVAL

Classification of Defects

In lieu of classification of defects identified in ASME MH1b-2000, 

Part3, MANDATORY APPENDIX A3--B, Description of Growth-RelatedDefectsWhich Affect the 

Quality of Pallet Components, the following defect classifications will be used for the 

inspection of wood components, nails, and assembled pallets specified in ASME 

MH1b--2000, Part 9, Wood Pallets for Military Use 

A) Wood Components:(Major Defects)

1. Incorrect wood species or "wood-species class" (see MH1, Part 3)

(Requirements are listed in ASME MH1, Part 9)

2. Components not in accordance with requirements of ASME MH1, Part 3

para I-5 (Materials) and I-6 (Manufacture)

3. Incorrect stringer or blockdimension(s)

4. Incorrect deckboard width or thickness dimension(s)

5. Fork notches and/or strapping slots missing or incorrectly placed, as

specified

6. Brittlehart present (applicable to eucalyptus robusta species only)

7. Presence or evidence of insect infestation or decay

8. Deckboards not chamfered as specified

9. Wood components not completely free from bark

B) Nails : (Major Defects)

1. Helically-threaded-shank pallet nails not used (nails as specified in ASME,

MH1, Part 3, Table 2 for multiple-use pallets)

2. incorrect length, shank diameter, head diameter, point,thread angle or

number of flutes

3. Nails of incorrect hardness

4. Nails not in locations shown on drawings or of incorrect number

DR. BY 

J. Dressel

CHECK BY TITLE 

CLASSIFICATION OF DEFECTS

(PALLET) 

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY 

DEFENSE SUPPLY

CENTER PHILIDELPHIA

DWG. NO. 03204

CODE IDENT. NO 14153 

SHEET 1 OF 2 

Approved

ENGINEER: Tim Keller

DATE: 11-22-00

UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED 

TOLERANCES SHALL BE

FRAC D EC. A NG.

DWG SIZE A SCALE: N/A

DISC Form 1547
C) Assembly: (Major Defects)

1. Pallets of improper class, type, size, or style

2. Pallets not square or flat within specified tolerances

3. Deckboards not spaced as specified

4. Stringers not of number or spacing as specified

5. Stringers and deckboards not connected (nailed) with the number of nails

as specified

6. Nails not completely driven below surface of deckboards or

nail points protruding

7. Pallets not treated with correct wood preservative, if specified

8. Incorrectly applied preservative

9. Incorrect or illegible marking information

10. Any allowable defect or combination of defects occurring in a location that

impairs the strength and durability of thepallet

11. Moisture content of wood prior to preservation does not meet specification

requirements

12. Moisture content of non-pressured treated wood pallets prior to shipping

does not meet specification requirement

 D) Disassembled Pallets Only: (MajorDefects)

1. Pallet assembly instructions not included with bundle

2. Hardwood deckboards not predrilled, whenrequired

3. Incorrect or illegible marking information

4. Incorrect moisture content (too high) per Part 9, Table 4

 E) Assembly: (Minor Defects)

1. Incorrect deckboard length dimension(s)

2. Stringers (or blocks) not cut square on end, or protruding beyond

deckboards after assembly

3. Defects or imperfections that interfere with the prescribed assembly

4. Through splits that exceed the width of component

5. Shake that equals the length of component

6. Deckboards not surfaced, where required (except forchamfers)

7. Interior deckboards not parallel to edge deckboards

8. Warp (that affects overall pallet dimensions)

9. Knots

10. Wane

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

DEFENSE SUPPLY 

CENTER PHILADELPHIA

DWG. NO. 03204

CODE IDENT. NO 14153 

SHEET 2 OF 2