Date: September 14, 2009

Attention: ASCIP Members

Subject: Stadium Lighting Pole Failures

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On August 24, 2009, The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced an alert regarding Whitco Co. LP Stadium Light Poles. The alert notice states that the subject poles are prone to fracturing and/or cracking resulting in a fall over risk. There have been 9 fall over incidents between 2000 and 2006, with another 50 poles being identified as having fractures/cracks.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends that all consumers of the subject light poles immediately inspect the poles for fractures and/or cracks. The inspection should be performed by a qualified professional (licensed structural engineer) as visual inspection with the naked eye may not sufficiently identify deficiencies in the poles.

While Whitco Co. LP was specifically named in this alert, all outdoor lighting poles should be inspected for fracturing and/or cracking, with particular attention being given to areas of welds or other joints.

In California, all architect plans for lighting poles on school properties measuring 35 feet or greater are required to be submitted to the Division of the State Architect (DSA) for approval as regulated by Title 24, Part 1, Section 4-314. While DSA may approve a specific plan, the approval does not warrant nor does it guarantee that a specific product will not fail in the future.

To view the original U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission alert notice, please visit http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09321.html

ASCIP staff is available to assist in addressing potential communicable disease exposure concerns as they may arise.