Everything you Need to Know About ADA Ramps
ADA ramps are very crucial features in buildings; they increase the mobility of all the users, especially the disabled. These ramps are necessary for the creation of an environment that allows independence for all people within their day-to-day activities.
This article will discuss everything you need to know about ADA ramps: the guidelines you should be aware of, designs, considerations when creating them, and how to install them to ensure your facility is accessible for people with disabilities.
What is an ADA Ramp?
An ADA ramp enables disabled persons to access various areas that they would have otherwise found difficult to reach. These ramps may guarantee that paths to buildings, crossings, walkways, and public areas, as well as openings, are accessible to persons on wheelchairs, steadying sticks, or other similar tools.
ADA ramps are mandatory in most public and commercial structures so as to conform to the provisions of the ADA accessibility standards. ADA ramps may include design variations in slope and width, among other factors.
Design Specifications and Requirements
The construction of an ADA ramp goes beyond having a ramp with slanting surfaces, as most people think of. There are certain directives for slope ratio; it is required that the slope ratio should not be more than 1:12. For every rise of one inch, the length of the ramp should be at least 12 inches. Thus, the width of the ramp also has to be not less than 36 inches, considering the different types of mobility aids.
At the front and end of the ramp, the space of landings must be a minimum of 60 inches for users to move. There should be adequate space landed at both the beginning of the ramp and at the downward end of the ramp, which must be at least 60 inches wide.
Types of ADA Ramps
ADA ramps occur in different types; some are designed for indoor use, and others for outdoors. Most ramp systems are built from modular plans, can be turned to meet the requirements of a particular site, and are suitable for both home and commercial use.
Slope transitions are used to cover height differences that are not more than the threshold when used at doorways. Fixed ramps are widely built from concrete, wood, and aluminum and are perfect for long-term use.
Importance of Proper Installation
Accessibility ramps must be installed in a manner that is safe to the users and must be in compliance with the set ADA standards. Improper ramps can also be a source of danger if they do not conform with the legally allowed standard of ramps and thus lead to more legal concerns and more responsibility on the part of the elevator installer.
Conclusion
ADA ramps play a big role in ensuring disabled people access structures safely. Satisfying the ADA standards for design and installation of ramps is instrumental in enabling the availability of accessible spaces for everyone.
The above article has discussed what you need to know about ada ramps, and you can reach out for more details.
