31 August 2016 PRODUCT RECALL Chinese Poles MA11 and MA21
All Chinese poles from CircusConcepts manufactured between June 2013 and July 2016 must be re-called for inspection and/or maintenance due to possible long term fatigue failure. This problem has been resolved on any newer pole models.
The problem seems to be a long term failure, due to fatigue stress. You can read more about this topic here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fatigue_(material)
Fatigue stress is, if simplified, a crack that grows with repeated loading, even if the loading is under the maximum strength the item can bear. We have resolved this issue in our current Chinese Pole models. The final result of our test conclude that long term fatigue stress could cause critical failure of the chinese poles we manufactured during those years. The problem can go un-noticed for a while until enough play is created that with all the downward pressure on the pole, and a side pressure, one of the joint pieces separates from the pole.
We will work with each one of you to find the best solution for you to keep using our product safely in the years to come.
If your pole has been bought between June 2013 and July 2016, please contact us urgently if we have not been in touch already.
- If possible, do not use the pole until further notice
- If you are using your pole, please do a thorough inspection of the pole.
Here are the steps to inspect your pole:
- Inspect each MALE joint one by one. To do so, have the pole disassembled.
- With gloves (to not get your hands dirty), hold the pole near it's joint with one hand, and put your other hand on the end of the conical part. Have someone else hold the other end of the pole securely.
- Try to move it in every direction. If you feel any movement in any direction, please contact us immediately and stop using the pole. If you feel no movement Lay the pole flat on 2 chairs (one chair at each end).
- Hold your pole on the male part, on the rubber (same as before). Put your other hand further and use this other hand to shake the pole in every direction.
- If you feel any movement (not in the joint) of the male part under the rubber, contact us immediately and stop using the pole.
We are warning you as early as we can to avoid further issues. As mentioned, it is a long term issue and will probably not happen to all poles, but we cannot be certain and due to the rubber over the pole, it is very hard to inspect the poles. We will ask for your patience and help in this process. We hope that you can understand that this is a major issue for a small company like CircusConcepts, and we would like to ask your help in this issue. Since we have customers around the world, it is quite a task and can bring tremendous expenses.
This safety concern is our priority and this is a very specific problem, it does not apply to other items from any of our production. We will update you as our research progress onto the necessary steps.
Thank you for your understanding. Best Regards, Hugo Noel, Owner and an artist just like you.