ISO 4115:1997

Overview

ISO 4115:1997 is an International Standard that defines dimensional, structural and environmental requirements for air/land pallet nets used in freighter and air/land pallet operations. The standard establishes configuration, construction, hardware, performance and marking requirements intended to ensure reliable cargo restraint and operational durability in handling and transport environments.

The standard:

• Specifies five basic pallet net sizes (nominal lengths: 3 m, 5 m, 6 m, 9 m and 12 m) and designs for pallet nets up to 3 m (10 ft) in height for many units.
• Requires the net assembly to include netting, adjustment hardware and pallet attachment fittings and to be constructed to minimize incorrect installation and entanglement.

Key Topics

• Configuration and construction: Nets must include attachment fittings and adjustment hardware. Net construction is to be rugged and weather-resistant to minimize maintenance and life-cycle cost. All fittings and appurtenances shall be within the net's maximum outside dimensions.

• Hardware and fittings: Hardware must be easily operated in confined areas, secured to prevent loss, and provide stops for free ends passing through adjusting buckles. Pallet attachment fittings are required to conform to related standards such as ISO 7166 or ISO 9788.

• Materials and environmental criteria: Materials (commonly polyamide or polyester) must meet regulatory requirements, be treated to reduce shrinkage and UV degradation, and be protected against corrosion for metal parts. The net's structural integrity must be maintained across a wide temperature range (from −55 °C to +70 °C).

• Performance and testing: Net assemblies are to be tested to demonstrate compliance with applicable performance requirements (ISO 8097 referenced). Structural strength must resist static loads and impact shocks encountered in normal carrier service.

• Adjustment, marking and usability: Vertical adjustment ranges and user operability are specified (e.g., 610 mm to 3 m for certain units). Nets must be clearly marked with manufacturer, part number, date of manufacture, service life and tare weight, and marked to facilitate rigging (top/bottom, inside/outside).

Applications

ISO 4115:1997 applies to organizations designing, manufacturing, certifying or operating pallet nets for air cargo and mixed air/land freight. Typical uses include:

• Restraining palletized cargo in freighter aircraft and air/land pallet platforms
• Specifying procurement requirements for durable, weatherproof cargo nets
• Guiding maintenance, inspection and marking practices for ground handling and airline operations

Benefits include improved cargo security, reduced installation errors, consistent interface with pallet fittings, and prolonged service life through material and corrosion protection requirements.

Related Standards

Relevant normative and informative references cited within or associated with ISO 4115:1997 include:

• ISO 8097 - Minimum airworthiness requirements and test conditions for certified air cargo unit load devices
• ISO 4117 - Air and air/land cargo pallets (specification and testing)
• ISO 7166, ISO 9788 - Pallet fittings and components
• ISO/TR 8647 - Environmental degradation of textiles used in air cargo restraint
• ISO 4170, SAE AS 1130, SAE AS 1113 (bibliography/informative)

For procurement, design verification and operational guidance, refer to ISO 4115:1997 together with the above related standards to ensure compliant, safe and durable pallet net solutions.