25.07.2014

Sutphen issues stand down

Ohio-based emergency response vehicle manufacturer Sutphen has instructed its customers to stand down all of its five-section aerial platforms from service until further notice.

The announcement comes after several incidents where the booms of Sutphen aerial platforms dropped suddenly. In the cases we are aware of, the sudden descent stopped sharply before reaching the ground, causing some serious injuries. The models affected by the stand down include all SPH 100, SP 110, SPI 112 and SAI 110 models.

The latest incident involved a SPH 100 aerial lift being used on a training exercise in Gainesville, Georgia, when the boom dropped six metres, injuring three firefighters. The cause is still unknown, although a number of theories are circulating.
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The SPH 100 aerial lift used in Gainesville, Georgia which injured three fire fighters

Sutphen had issued a recall notice for more than 150 aerial platforms last September after a similar incident occurred in Arizona in 2012. In that instance the company reported that ‘the main cables were worn out, weakened by rubbing against guide-wheels that stopped spinning when the bearings seized up’. It also said ‘lack of proper maintenance is what caused the bearings to fail’.
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In previous instances the boom's main cables were worn out

It is not known if these incidents share the same cause however early reports suggest that the latest incident was not a result of poor maintenance.

In a press release Sutphen said:

“Sutphen Corporation has announced that the company is instructing customers to remove all SPH 100, SP 110, SPI 112, and SAI 110 aerial devices from service, until further notice, effective immediately.

“The company states that customers are instructed to use the affected apparatus in the capacity of an engine or support vehicle only. The company will stay in close contact with its customers to report details and when the units may be place back in service.

“The company states that it will be contacting customers with the affected units personally to inform them of the events that have occurred and the steps that are being taken to get the units back in to service in a timely manner.”

Sutphen president Drew Sutphen added: “At this time, our priority is the safety of our firefighters. In light of the recent incidents, we recognize there is an immediate need to take precautionary action. I would rather take every precaution necessary than to put firefighters at risk. We feel the need to personally assure our customers that we are working to investigate and correct the situation.”