If you plan to build a wheelchair ramp, keep in mind that there are strict guidelines and codes that must be followed for safety. This article provides an overview of the codes outlined in the Americans with Disabilities Act, as well as other considerations to take before beginning your project.
Misconceptions
Building a wheelchair ramp is not as simple as it used to be, though thanks to the Americans with Disabilities Act, or the ADA, it is much safer. The ADA helped to create national codes and guidelines for ramps in both public buildings and private residences. While they do not have to be professionally installed, wheelchair ramps do have to meet certain criteria in order to be deemed safe enough for everyday use.
Function
Wheelchair ramp codes developed out of necessity to allow wheelchair users equal access to public buildings. It may seem as though building a ramp would be easily done without such strict guidelines, but consider which one of these would be easier to navigate: a 2-foot high ramp that is 5 feet long, or a 2-foot high ramp that is 24 feet long. The first ramp would not be in compliance with the ADA building codes, while the second would. Yes, the first ramp would be functional, but it would be much harder for a person in a wheelchair to use independently. National codes like those the ADA outlines ensure that all public areas provide equal access by following the same set of guidelines.
Considerations
The ADA building codes for wheelchair ramps are as follows: the ramp should be no steeper than one foot per inch of rise, rise should not exceed 30 inches, width must be at least 36 inches, and landings must be at least 60 square inches both at the top of the platform and in any directional transition. Handrails are required on ramps that rise more than 6 inches or are more than 72 inches long. Wheelchair ramps may be fabricated from any material, provided they do not allow water to accumulate and have enough tread to prevent slipping.
Types
Wheelchair ramps can be made from a variety of materials, including light metals, wood or even concrete. Some are permanent constructions, while others may be removable or even portable. Regardless of type, both permanent and portable wheelchair ramps must still meet ADA criteria as well as local building and residential codes in order to pass inspection.
Warning
ADA codes are not the only codes to consider when building a wheelchair ramp; some states have their own guidelines. In addition, local buildings or homeowners' associations may require certain cosmetic features on new wheelchair ramps. Failing to meet any of these guidelines may result in having to partially or completely rebuild a wheelchair ramp, wasting time and money. Make sure you get approval from all appropriate resources prior to beginning your wheelchair ramp project.
Tags: ramp would, wheelchair ramp, 2-foot high, 2-foot high ramp, Americans with, Americans with Disabilities, beginning your