When choosing a semi-permanent ramp, such as our modular systems, we would advise that you give us a call so that we can ensure these ramps are DDA and UK building Regulations compliant. Blog home » How long should my wheelchair ramp be? Last updated on November 12th, at am When deciding which wheelchair ramp is best for you there are a number of things to take into consideration, the most important of these is how long should your wheelchair ramp be?
In truth, there is not much to calculate. The ADA provides good direction about ratios for wheelchair ramp slopes. The commercial and public facility standard for slope is in inches or about 5 degrees of incline. For those building ramps at home , the ratio can be as steep as or almost 15 degrees. This is useful is space is really limited, however it can be difficult for motorized wheelchairs and powered scooters. A ratio gives is not too challenging for wheelchair users and cuts the length of a potential ramp in half.
For example, at a ratio, a ramp that sits 36 inches high is then 36 feet long. It is 18 feet long at a ratio. The implications of calculating slope have a significant effect on ramp design for a handicap accessible house.
Not every wheelchair ramp can fit on a straight run. This is because there is no set standard for the height of a home's landing. A wheelchair ramp slope might have to reach a inch height, it might have to reach a inch height. Ramps also need to be easy to access from the ground and provide adequate space at the landing.
Individuals using wheelchairs therefore have room to pass one ramp before reaching the second one. According to ADA curb ramp design standards, ramps used at a marked crosswalk must be fully contained within that crosswalk.
While crossings are not required to be marked, ramps must be placed perpendicular to corners within the allotted space. Flared sides are excluded from these requirements. The ramp opening can align with the curb line or be oriented towards the crosswalk.
A diagonal curb ramp can be used at a crosswalk. It eliminates the need for two separate ramps. There must be 48 inches of clearance at the bottom and segments on either side, beyond the flares, that are 24 inches long. The transition of the ramp to the street must be contained within the marked crossings of both crosswalks.
Aside from specific requirements for ramps and curb ramps, the ADA also includes a section regarding the use of detectable warning systems on accessible routes. The use of tactile raised domes, also called truncated domes, at the top and bottom of ramps is not always required. However, they are mandatory in subways, train stations, and bus stations, and other public transportation areas.
ADA-compliant curb ramps with tactile warnings are required at bus, rail, and other facilities operated by federal agencies, as well as intercity and commuter rail stations. Detectable warnings must be provided on boarding platforms with an open drop-off private sector facilities included. Their requirements can be added on top of those of the ADA. The DOJ and DOT require raised domes for curb ramps to be used in areas that receive funding from the Federal Highway Administration, as well as in federal, state, and local government facilities.
The ADA also recommends other facilities install panels with truncated domes to warn visually impaired individuals of changes in surfaces. This includes the top and bottom of ramps. The Access Board has specific criteria for public rights-of-ways, specifically public streets and sidewalks used by people with vision impairments. Tactile warning surfaces are also not required in all hazardous vehicle areas, especially where reducing vehicle speeds, installing speed bumps, and using marked crossings are viable options.
However, when tactile warning curb ramps are required by federal, state, or local laws, they must comply with specific guidelines for spacing, size, and contrast with the regular pavement surface. For instance, California laws have adopted the use of yellow as the only allowed color, with a few exceptions. Overall, the ADA requires that a truncated dome has specific dimensions:. Depending on the location of warning surfaces, placement can vary. Or if you are able to measure straight down from the landing level as if there are no stairs.
For a Semi-permanent or occasionally deployable ramp installation, we recommend purchasing a modular, aluminum ramp system for safe, affordable wheelchair access. A folding ramp can be lifted into an SUV and installed in seconds to allow a loved one in a wheelchair to easily enter the home. On the other hand, if you need a ramp for a set of three or more stairs, a modular ramp is the safest, longest-lasting solution.
Modular ramps have several advantages in these situations. First, they come in longer lengths 12 feet or more making them much safer for a three step rise. Second, their interlocking construction and adjustable support legs provide more stability than a folding ramp. Finally, you can add handrails to most modular ramps, adding a necessary layer of safety and security for someone in a walker or when the weather creates slip-and-fall conditions for everyone using the ramp.
While technically portable, modular ramps do take time to assemble and disassemble. Some modular wheelchair ramps, like ours, can be assembled by two people without hand tools in under thirty minutes. Other modular ramps require wrenches or ratchets to tighten bolts and to cinch up sections.
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