Officials Warn of Potential for Injuries From Falling Stadium Lights

Just as high school and college football seasons are about to kick off, the Consumer Product Safety Commission is warning school officials and other authorities about the risks of outdoor stadium light poles breaking and toppling over, causing death and severe injuries to spectators.

Steel stadium light poles made by Whitco Co. LP, of Fort Worth, Texas may crack, fracture, and fall over, the CPSC said. As a result of those risks, product-safety officials are urging a close inspection of all Whitco stadium poles to determine whether they are properly maintained in a safe condition.

The CPSC said it has confirmed nine incidents of Whitco poles installed between 2000 and 2006 falling over. One pole fell through the roof of a school gymnasium, causing extensive property damage, while in two others, poles toppled over onto outdoor bleachers, which thankfully were not occupied at the time.

The CPSC is not aware of any injuries which have been caused by falling Whitco stadium light poles, the agency said in its warning. The poles are made of steel with a galvanized coating, can be up to 135 feet tall, and weigh from about one to four tons, the CPSC said.

Most of the incidents of falling lighting poles have happened in Texas, but Whitco poles also have been installed at stadiums in other states, the CPSC said.

Cracked Lighting Poles a Concern

In addition to the nine incidents in which stadium light poles have fallen, the CPSC said it also has identified about 50 Whitco poles that have not fallen, but have developed fractures and cracks in the welding that connects the base plate on the ground to the pole. These damaged lighting poles, which are situated near school football stadiums, public parks, recreational areas, and gymnasiums, are at increased risk to fall, the CPSC said.

Many of the lighting poles that are at risk of falling or have fallen were installed nine to three years ago. Whitco Co. has since gone out of business, the CPSC said.

Close Inspections of Lighting Poles Encouraged

The CPSC is recommending that all Whitco Co. outdoor steel stadium light poles be inspected by a qualified professional immediately to reduce the risk of poles falling over and crushing a patron or bystander. Also, the areas in and around all welds joining a pole to its base plate should be inspected for signs of cracking, fractures, or deterioration, the CPSC said.

If any of these conditions are found, consumers should immediately have the affected poles repaired or replaced by a qualified professional, officials said.

The CPSC is conducting an investigation concerning these poles and other outdoor steel stadium light poles that may pose a similar concern. CPSC recommends that all outdoor steel stadium light poles, regardless of the manufacturer, be routinely inspected.

No related posts.