What the classification says
A board is broken transversally or diagonally.
How to spot it
Look for cracks that run across the grain. The 2023 poster shows a crossways break, partly or completely through the board.
Why it matters
A broken board is a crack across the grain, often where forks strike. EPAL's 2023 poster shows a crossways break, whether it goes part of the way or all the way through. A crack that runs along the grain is splitting, which is treated more leniently. If you are sorting a mixed stack, turn each pallet over: broken bottom boards are easy to miss when pallets are stacked deck-up.
Effect on the pallet's class
Not exchangeable; not fit for use. See Not fit for use for the full criteria.
Repair
Licensed repair only.
If no licensed repairer is practical, sell sound timber as non-EPAL wood or send the pallets for recycling.