Stadium Light Pole Warning
The New York State Consumer Protection Board (CPB) is urging all municipalities, counties, school districts, and other entities that have installed stadium light poles manufactured by Whitco Company LP of Fort Worth, Texas, to immediately inspect the poles for cracking or fracturing.
The CPB advisory follows an urgent recall notice by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) for stadium light poles that have been installed at fields and outdoor stadiums across the nation. The light poles, which are between 75 and 130 feet tall, can develop cracks and fractures, causing the poles to fall and pose a risk of serious injury or death.
A visual inspection 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 fracturing or cracking is found, the light poles should immediately be repaired or replaced by a qualified professional. For further information, see CPSC press release.
Prevent Window Falls This Summer
Every year, many children fall out of windows -- especially during the warm weather months. Some of the children die, and others are badly hurt. That's why the New York State Consumer Protection Board (CPB) is partnering with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on a public safety campaign to raise awareness about this risk. The campaign promotes the use and proper installation of window guards and stops, urges parents and caregivers to keep furniture away from windows to discourage climbing, and offers the important reminder that screens are good for keeping bugs out, but not for keeping kids in.
For more information and safety tips about preventing window falls, see the press release and view the safety poster.
See more information on the New York City window guard law.
Drop-Side Crib Warning
Since 2005, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has announced 12 recalls involving more than 9 million drop-side cribs due to suffocation and strangulation hazards. The CPB is assisting the CPSC in alerting consumers to this potential hazard through a new consumer advisory. The CPSC has proposed a rule that would ban the manufacture and sale of drop-side cribs. For more information regarding crib safety, see the CPSC's press release.