EIPS Mtg Minutes, Oct. 19, 2000

Attendees:

Bob Sanders (IBM), Erich Guenter (IBM), John Clarke (VTU), Richard Hoffman (UNL)

Minutes / Notes:

EIPS Specification draft 9-27-00 was submitted for review and comments by the membership. Much of the new new and revised content was provided based on a thorough review by Ron Johnson (thanks RON!).... Another draft dated 10-19-00 is now available for review which removes the previously deleted text for convenience and also re-orders some of the sections.

John Clarke reported that VTU was closer to an inspection guideline to assist inspectors for identifying wood species. This is in reaction to known problems in China whereby some species of hardwoods (notably Aspen, Alder, and Yellow Poplar) are being confused for coniferous (softwood) species. While this is slightly out of scope for this project it may prove beneficial to all of us.

Marking Procedures: We discussed the procedures currently in place and questioned ourselves on whether we should be emphasizing Coniferous vs. Non-Coniferous instead of SW vs HW. It is clear that the use of the hard vs. soft terminology creates considerable confusion. We invite your input on that point. For example instead of HT SOFT it could be HT CON. Also, HT non-CON vs. HT HARD or HT DEC vs. HT HARD?? Any other ideas? We also need an EIPS symbol to differentiate the various types of pallets that meet the spec and are certified. This would be similar to the Chemical Industry Nomenclature (example CP1, CP2, etc.). However, we would also want to distinguish pallets approved for export (ref. infestation). E-EXP1, E-DOM1?? Color coded Green for "GO" meaning OK for export and Red for "Stop" meaning not OK for export (domestic use only). I encourage your input on those aspects of this.

The concern I'm having now is that it may be getting too complicated considering that we are already asking for supplier name, month/year, material classification and now an EIPS certification. Date and supplier are forced on us by the paper trail reqmts of heat treatment. Of course, much of that would only be used on wooden pallets. Non wooden pallets would only be getting the EIPS marking.

(See attached file: EIPS Specification 10-19-00.pdf)

Next Meeting: Thursday, Nov. 16, 2000 Dial: 712-271-3804, passcode 96707#