The Helmet Update
Volume 19, #3 - August 20, 2001
All issues index
World Industries Recalls Skateboard Helmets
World Industries and CPSC have announced a recall of skateboard helmets that did not meet the CPSC standard. The helmets
were labeled with the World Industries brand, and would have been legal for sale in the US as skateboard helmets, since
skateboard helmets do not legally have to meet any standard here. But World Industries had labeled them as meeting the
CPSC bicycle helmet standard, and CPSC testing revealed that they did not meet the impact requirements. You can read the
CPSC press release below for further details.
Fortunately only about 10,000 helmets are involved here, but very few of them will be returned in the recall. They were
on the market for seven months before someone--probably a competitor--ratted them out to CPSC and started the recall
process going, apparently taking another two and a half months to get to the press release stage. It appears that we have
a ways to go in the regulation of this essential safety equipment.
NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207
August 20, 2001
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Helmets Recall Hotline: (888) 338-4562
CPSC CONTACT: Nychelle Fleming
Release # 01-220
(301) 504-0580 Ext. 1192
CPSC, World Industries Announce Recall of Skateboard Helmets
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), World Industries Inc., of
Huntington Beach, Calif., is voluntarily recalling 10,000 skateboard helmets. These helmets failed impact testing
required under CPSC's Safety Standard for Bicycle Helmets. Riders wearing these helmets are not adequately protected from
falls and could suffer head injuries or death.
CPSC and World Industries have not received any reports of injuries. This recall is being conducted to prevent the
possibility of injuries.
The recalled helmets come in black, blue and white and have the name "World Industries" printed on the chin strap, the
back of the helmet, and the inside padding. On the sides of the helmet, yellow and blue cartoon characters can be seen
shooting fire from a gun. Two labels inside of the helmet read in part, "Certified CPSC 16CFR1203," "Warning This Helmet
Is Not For Motor Vehicle" and "Made in China."
Retail outlets, chains and catalogs nationwide sold the helmets from October 2000 through May 2001 for about $40.
Consumers should stop using these helmets immediately and return them to the stores where purchased for a full refund.
Consumers also can call World Industries toll-free at (888) 338-4562 between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. PT Monday through
Friday.
The press release and photos of the helmets can be found on
the CPSC website.
We also keep
a list of all of CPSC's helmet recalls.
The Helmet Update - Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute
Randy Swart, Editor
4611 Seventh Street South
Arlington, VA 22204-1419 USA
(703) 486-0100 (voice)
(703) 486-0576 (fax)
www.helmets.org