Types Of Wheelchair Ramps
A wheelchair ramp is slope which takes the place of stairs, which enables wheelchair users to move up or down, from one level to another. Wheelchair ramps are also used by those pushing carts, strollers and other wheeled vehicles. Wheelchair ramps are permanent, as in a building where they are an integral part of the construction, usually bolted or cemented in place. Or they can be semi-permanent or portable. Semi-permanent ramps are erected on a temporary basis to be used for a short term. They are generally constructed out of steel or wood which can be dismantled. In addition there are portable ramps, usually made of aluminum, which can be folded for ease of transportation. Portable wheelchair ramps are most often used at home to negotiate some obstacles like doorway thresholds. Another type of wheelchair ramp is the vehicle ramp which is attached to a van or other vehicle to make it wheelchair accessible. Ramps must be strong enough to support electric wheelchairs, which are heavier than those manually operated.
What is the Recommended Slope for a Wheelchair Ramp?
Wheelchair ramps must be specially designed so that they are easy to use, functional and safe. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has laid down a set of guidelines for wheelchair ramp design to ensure that the ramp is safe for everyone. The wheelchair gradient, for example, cannot be steeper than 1:12 in a ramp for business and public use. Anything steeper than 1:12 can be dangerous with the possibility of the wheelchair tipping backward. A comfortable gradient is between 1:16 and 1:20. Interestingly however, the ADA has not set any guidelines for wheelchair ramps for homes.
What are the other ADA Guidelines?
Some significant safety guidelines are as follows:
- Minimum width of ramp must be 36”.
- Ramps must be provided with protection at the edges to prevent a user from slipping off.
- Ramps must be provided with landings at top and bottom of the same width and of minimum length of 60”.
- Handrails are necessary on both sides.
Open Landings For Wheelchair Ramps
A wheelchair ramp needs to have a landing or flat surface both at the base and at the top. A flat landing is needed for the wheelchair user to be able to open a room at the top of the ramp. The landing at the bottom is needed to enable the user to stop when descending the ramp.
Safety Beveled Transitions For Wheelchair Ramps
The joint where the slope meets the landing should also be beveled so that the wheelchair moves across easily and safely without an uncomfortable bump. When a user is coming down a ramp, for instance, if the transition between slopes is not smooth there is likelihood of the smaller front wheels of the wheelchair digging in, in which case the user could be thrown out and the wheelchair liable to tip over. If the guidelines are adhered to, wheelchair ramps are safe. When constructed properly, wheelchair ramps are robust structures which allow wheelchair users to reach places which otherwise would be inaccessible to them.