Standards for Beach Umbrella Sand Anchor Systems for WIND SPEEDS UP TO 30 MPH, the sand anchor for umbrellas, or sand anchor system standard, was created under ASTM F3681-24. The US Senate has passed Bill ” H.R.6132 Awning and Safety Act of 2023” requiring the Consumer Product Safety Commission to create the ASTMf3681 standard to prevent Airborne Beach Umbrellas. With over 3,000 injuries or Impalements per year on our beaches across the country, the need for secure ASTM Beach umbrella anchor systems is clear.
How to properly Secure your Beach umbrella to meet the ASTM F3681-24 Safety Standard using an ASTM Beach umbrella anchor is essential for ensuring compliance and safety.
Umbrella Anchor systems for safely anchoring your Canopy and umbrellas anywhere
Airborne beach umbrella incidents have become all too common in recent years. Beach umbrellas sent flying on crowded beaches by wind gusts have killed people and caused many serious injuries.
A voluntary safety standard is now in place to help manufacturers minimize the hazard from airborne beach umbrellas that has resulted in lacerations, impalements and even death. The ASTM Beach umbrella anchor plays a crucial role in securing beach umbrellas more effectively.
Beach Umbrella Safety Tips
Under the new voluntary safety standard -ASTM F3681-24 – compliant beach umbrella anchor systems and beach umbrellas used with compliant anchors must provide a resisting force of at least 75 pounds, or must remain secure in wind speeds of up to 30 mph, when a compliant anchor is installed in the sand.
Compliant products will be available in the near future. When buying or renting a beach umbrella/anchor system or a beach umbrella anchor, look for a label on the anchor that shows it meets the new safety standard.
Look for anchors with a label indicating
“MEETS ASTM F3681 FOR WIND SPEEDS UP TO 30 MPH” which states the maximum size of an umbrella canopy area that is appropriate to use with the anchor. The compliant anchor must be installed in the sand with the umbrella for the safety level to be met.
Always be sure to secure your umbrella and anchor by carefully following the manufacturer’s setup instructions.
Always make sure the anchor is not damaged and is working as described in the manufacturer’s instructions.
Be aware of sudden wind gusts. Immediately close the canopy if the umbrella becomes unstable in windy conditions.
This safety alert supersedes previous CPSC guidance on beach umbrellas that did not reflect the new standard.
New ASTM International Standard Covers Beach Umbrella Safety
ASTM international’s consumer products committee (F15) has developed a standard specification for beach umbrellas and anchor devices.
What is the new Standard?
The new standard (F3681). The standard is several years in the making and seeks to address known hazards posed by detached beach umbrellas.
“People don’t understand the danger of windblown airborne beach umbrellas,” says Ed Quigley, an ASTM consumer member previously injured by an airborne beach umbrella. “An airborne beach umbrella is like a javelin with a sail attached. Everyone needs to know that people have died from these. If a beach umbrella isn’t used with an adequate ASTM Beach umbrella anchor, it isn’t safe.”
Testing Requirements…
The specifications within the safety standard establish minimum requirements for safely anchoring all beach umbrellas. Participating engineers from the Consumer Product Safety Commission concluded after extensive testing that a beach umbrella 7.5 feet in diameter must be secured at the bottom pole with 75 pounds of resistance, or must remain secure in winds up to 30 miles per hour. The standard also addresses minimum requirements for larger umbrella sizes.
The development process has also involved manufacturers, and retailers to witnesses and survivors of beach umbrella accidents. Its intended use is by manufacturers, retailers, safety managers, consumers, and more.
Looking for the best beach umbrella anchor? Click Here for the top-rated Umbrella Anchor System on the market. Be sure to select an ASTM Beach umbrella anchor.
Where can I find the best Secure Anchor System® for my Beach Umbrella?
Click Here for the top-rated Anchor System on the market.
As products come to market from various manufacturers, we will list “Secure Anchor System” to secure umbrellas up to 30 MPH winds. This site will list all compatible Anchor Systems for review to help you firmly secure your ASTM Beach umbrella anchor.
Visit our site often for the complete list of Secure Anchor Systems® available on the market. When shopping for a compatible device, make sure it states ASTMf3681 Compliant.
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