Work Item
ASTM WK81182

New Specification for Beach Umbrellas and Anchor Devices

1. Scope

1.1 These test methods are intended for evaluating beach umbrellas (BUs) to determine the suitability of the BU in a use environment on the basis of wind safety and durability.
1.1.1 Procedure A is a safety scenario intended to test the structural strength of the BU and anchoring device and method to a uniform wind force generated by a wind tunnel.
1.1.2 Procedure B is a wind durability scenario intended to determine the ability of the BU to perform and remain upright and in place in a high wind weather environment for a sustained period.
1.1.3 The performance of the BU is then rated using the Beaufort Scale, as shown in Annex A1, to communicate the safety and durability performance of the BU and anchoring device.
1.2 These test methods apply to most BUs designed for use at all recreation areas, such as the beach, resorts, and any and all settings where a beach umbrella is used in the sand.
1.3 The values as stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values in parentheses are given for information only.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

Keywords

beach umbrella,; anchor device

Rationale

Beach umbrellas (BUs) are commonly used as protection against rain, sun, or other potential weather in home, recreation, and commercial business settings. Buyers involved in the selection, use, and maintenance of beach umbrellas, as well as customers of businesses who desire protection of weather, can be exposed to numerous hazards capable of causing harm when an improperly designed, installed, or maintained beach umbrella has contact with the human body. The deleterious effects of a beach umbrella being blown over or broken by wind forces can range from acute injury, such as cuts or bruises, to blunt force trauma, such as concussions or broken bones and even death.

BUs range from 4 ft to over 10 ft in diameter of multiple materials of construction, designs, shapes, base, anchoring devices or stanchions. BUs are often selected based on these factors, but equally important is the ease of transporting it to the beach, ease of setup, ability to remain upright and not become airborne, safety, overall structural integrity of the BU, and durability, how long the beach umbrellas will last in service, allowing the end user to safely carry out his or her assigned work tasks or enjoy the weather protection and comfort of the BU.

No known standards apply to the design and manufacture of beach umbrellas or their anchoring devices. Additionally, BU designs vary depending on different end use applications and settings of use. Consequently, purchasers are faced with a variety of BU products and generally depend on manufacturer sales information to decide which BU is appropriate for their specific application. Base stanchion weights, anchoring devices and methods must also be selected and integrated with the BU to provide an accurate assessment.

This standard is intended to provide standardized methods for evaluating the wind safety and durability of BU using a wind tunnel and rating the performance of the BU on a standardized scale. This standard may also be used by BU manufacturers to assess current or proposed designs.

The title and scope are in draft form and are under development within this ASTM Committee.

Details

Developed by Subcommittee: F15.79

Committee: F15

Staff Manager: Molly Lynyak

Work Item Status

Date Initiated: 03-08-2022

Technical Contact: William Schermerhorn

Item: 001

Ballot: F15.79 (23-01)

Status: In Balloting