We all are well aware of the ADA Act that was passed years ago. But, even after this much time has passed, the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are still being updated. Ramps are required even now to make public spaces easy to access for wheelchair users, motorised scooters, as well as walkers.
If your building serves the community, it must comply with the ramp requirements and have an ADA-compliant ramp. Considerations include locality, size, and elevation, among other things. The same needs are in effect; the only language changes that have been suggested so far concern parallel decline and implementation of structures like loops, slabs, and container iteration.
ADA Ramp: Why Are They Important?
We all can normally walk on a plain surface, right? But, have you ever thought of how difficult it can be for people with disabilities? Well, this is the main reason behind the ADA act as it is necessary to pay attention to the needs of disabled citizens and make it safe and easier for them to move around buildings.
Cliff edges and other dangers can be highly harmful to those with impairments. Instances like persons slipping out of wheelchairs or bikes or stumbling while using a walking stick or crutch are helped by the ADA curb ramp regulations. Accessibility also matters because it is illegal under federal law to restrict access to places of public accommodation.
ADA Ramp: Top Requirements For It
According to the ADA, any open pathway in a public space must have curb ramps and ramps constructed along a path whenever there is a variation in height larger than 12 inches. A building can also provide mobility by using platform/chair lifts or elevators.
Additionally, ADA-compliant ramps must be installed on mobility paths with a slant of 5% or more. There are several more requirements that must be kept in mind so let us have a look at some of the most important ones first.
- Clear Width
It is prescribed to keep the ramp run between the handrails at least thirty-six inches wide.
- Rise
The building owners can have as many runs as they like but they should know that a maximum rise can be thirty inches per run.
- Maximum slope
The maximum slope allowed is 1:12, or one foot of elevation change every twelve feet.
- Ratio For Cross Slope
As per the ADA, when it comes to cross-slope, the maximum ratio of 1:48 will be allowed.
- Space Coverage
For building an ADA ramp, it is compulsory to cover a minimum space of 36 inches as it should be at least that wide to facilitate easy mobility.
- Railings
In case the ramp rises at a height of more than 6 inches, it must have railings.
- Side Flares
Tripping hazards can be decreased by using side flares. On ADA ramps, side flares are not necessary, but they are crucial if there is not enough room for a top landing. It is obvious that in case the landing space is limited, a wheelchair user could require a side flare.
The Bottom Line
There is no denying the fact that the ADA act has proved to be extremely helpful for people with disabilities. After the act was passed, almost every building complied with the act and established ADA-compliant ramps.
In case you were looking forward to building one such ramp outside your office or building, you need not be confused anymore as you just need to keep the above-mentioned requirements in mind. If you are looking for a good wheelchair ramp rental, you can get in touch with Stair Ride.