Falling Light Poles Pose Safety Risk At Schools

By Kirk H. Hays

At least nine steel stadium light poles manufactured by Whitco Co. LP of Fort Worth Texas have collapsed. One fell through the roof of a school gymnasium and another two fell on studium bleachers. Nearly another 50 have been found with significant cracks prior to falling.

This has caused the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to issue an alert warning of the danger of this product. Cracks and fractures are developing next to the weld that joins the pole at its base plate. The CPSC warns that a visual inspection may not be sufficient to identify potential failures and recommends that the areas of, and next to all welds joining a pole to its base plate for these products be inspected by a qualified professional immediately.

Whitco Co. is no longer in business.

For more information contact the CPSC's Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or e-mail info@cpsc.gov.