CPSCGeneral Alert
Recall to Repair: Whitco Company LP Stadium Light Poles Can Fall Over, Posing Ri...
Published: July 6, 2010Recall ID: 10295Category: generalCountry: US
Reason for Recall / Hazard
Collapse
Product Description & Identification
This recall to inspect and repair involves Whitco Co. LP outdoor steel stadium light poles from about 70 to 135 feet and weigh from about 1 to 4 tons. The poles are constructed of steel with a galvanized coating and were manufactured between 2000-2005.The poles can be found at facilities such as recreational parks and fields, schools and outdoor stadiums. Note: This release does not affect Whitco Pole products.
Affected Products
Whitco Company LP poles 70 feet tall or higher
Additional Source Details
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| U R L | https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2010/Recall-to-Repair-Whitco-Company-LP-Stadium-Light-Poles-Can-Fall-Over-Posing-Risk-of-Serious-Injury-and-Death |
| Title | Recall to Repair: Whitco Company LP Stadium Light Poles Can Fall Over, Posing Risk of Serious Injury and Death |
| Images › 1 › U R L | https://www.cpsc.gov/~/link/c129c39a2b714d1992e3f9b764748816.jpg |
| Images › 1 › Caption | Upright stadium light pole |
| Images › 2 › U R L | https://www.cpsc.gov/~/link/a89dc1d75ab54c7e8d6f927871fe4d71.jpg |
| Images › 2 › Caption | Fallen stadium light pole |
| Images › 3 › U R L | https://www.cpsc.gov/~/link/d3f8866ee677421ca09968ae3cd50c08.jpg |
| Images › 3 › Caption | Fallen stadium light pole |
| Images › 4 › U R L | https://www.cpsc.gov/~/link/4e2730335d6e4a55ab2e71739bdba5cc.jpg |
| Images › 4 › Caption | Stadium light pole fallen through gymnasium roof |
| Images › 5 › U R L | https://www.cpsc.gov/~/link/4ec2c9a1d23a40bd8e127ec61d55079d.jpg |
| Images › 5 › Caption | Base plate of stadium light pole |
| Images › 6 › U R L | https://www.cpsc.gov/~/link/b37bb56798b946d180be2b330d673581.jpg |
| Images › 6 › Caption | Close-up – crack near weld that joins the pole to its base plate |
| Hazards › Name | Collapse |
| Injuries › Name | As of June 2010, CPSC has confirmed eleven incidents in which Whitco Co. LP poles fell. In one incident, a pole fell through the roof of a school gymnasium causing significant property damage. In two other incidents, the poles fell onto outdoor bleachers causing significant property damage. The latest incident occurred at Integrity Park Inc. in Argyle, Texas. The majority of incidents occurred in Texas with others in several other states where Whitco Co. LP poles have been installed. To date, CPSC is not aware of any injuries. However, some incidents have been close calls, with people exiting the area just minutes before a pole fell. CPSC has also identified more than 50 Whitco Co. LP poles that have not yet fallen, but inspections revealed fractures and/or cracks next to the weld that joins the pole to its base plate. The fallen and cracked poles were located near or around school football stadiums and gymnasiums. |
| Products › Name | Whitco Company LP poles 70 feet tall or higher |
| Products › Type | Outdoor Electric Lighting Equipment |
| Products › Category I D | 68467 |
| Products › Number Of Units | More than 2,500 |
| Recall I D | 288 |
| Remedies › Name | To reduce the risk of injury, Whitco Co. LP light poles should be inspected by an engineer or a Level II non-destructive testing technician immediately to identify cracking at or near the weld connecting the pole to the base plate flange. A visual examination with the naked eye or with a magnifier will not determine the extent of any cracking. Non-destructive techniques such as magnetic particle inspection, dye penetrant, or ultrasonic inspection techniques are recommended. If any cracking or fracturing is found, immediately have the affected poles repaired or replaced by a qualified professional. A design analysis to assess the stresses placed on the pole is also recommended. CPSC recommends that all outdoor steel stadium light poles be routinely inspected by a professional. As the manufacturer has become bankrupt, individual owners of the poles must arrange for inspection. |
| Retailers › Name | Lighting contractors nationwide from 2000 through 2005. |
| Recall Date | 2010-07-06T00:00:00 |
| Description | This recall to inspect and repair involves Whitco Co. LP outdoor steel stadium light poles from about 70 to 135 feet and weigh from about 1 to 4 tons. The poles are constructed of steel with a galvanized coating and were manufactured between 2000-2005.The poles can be found at facilities such as recreational parks and fields, schools and outdoor stadiums. Note: This release does not affect Whitco Pole products. |
| Recall Number | 10295 |
| Manufacturers › Name | Whitco Company LP, of Fort Worth, Texas (which is out of business) |
| Consumer Contact | For additional information, please contact CPSC's Hotline at (800) 638-2772 anytime or send an e-mail to info@cpsc.gov |
| Last Publish Date | 2014-05-23T00:00:00 |
| Manufacturer Countries › 1 › Country | United States |
| Manufacturer Countries › 2 › Country | Mexico |
Overview
- Recalling FirmWhitco Company LP, of Fort Worth, Texas (which is out of business)