Including 24 of 32 poles lighting up a Bothell sportsfield, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued an advisory regarding utility poles manufactured by a now-defunct Texas firm.
Installed in 2002 at Bothell’s North Creek Athletic Field on North Creek Parkway South, certain pole models carry a risk of developing fractures or cracks and toppling over, according to the Safety Commission.
The poles are described as over 70 feet tall, weighing anywhere from one to four tons.
Bothell Public Information Officer Joy Johnston said local officials became aware of potential issues with the poles last year and immediately had those at North Creek inspected.
“We saw no signs of any problems,” Johnston said.
She stated the city began arranging for what she called more formal inspections after the Safety Commission warning was released. Johnston later added those inspections should happen this week.
In a press release, the commission reported 11 confirmed incidents in which the poles involved fell.
In one incident, a pole fell through a school gymnasium causing significant property damage. In two other incidents, the poles fell onto outdoor bleachers, again causing significant damage.
The Safety Commission released its formal warning July 6. As of that date, the commission noted it knew of no injuries related to issues with the poles.
“However, some incidents have been close calls, with people exiting the area just minutes before a pole fell,” the commission notice reads in part.
The Safety Commission notice recommends immediate inspections that go beyond a visual look, suggesting poles be tested with, for example, ultrasonic equipment or dyes. If any cracking or fracturing is found, the commission states the poles should be repaired or replaced.
The warning or recall affects some 2,500 poles produced by Whitco Co., LP of Fort Worth, Tx. Judging from a list of potentially affected locations, the poles were sold throughout the country, though the Safety Commission said most problems seem to have occurred in Texas.
