Modular Wheelchair Ramps - ADA Specifications

Wheelchair ramps are an approved requirement in building construction. The American with Disabilities Act of 1990 ( ADA ) gives construction specifications of wheelchair ramps. These ramps enable disabled persons and patients to move into and out of buildings without undergoing undue difficulties. Hence, construction of wheelchair ramps to ADA directions is imperative. Some construction consultants endorse long-tread lower-riser steps. These long-tread lower-riser steps are much more safe and less complicated, compared to a 1:12 slope ramp due to a stronger ground grip. However, the wheelchair needs to be slanted back a bit lifting the front wheels to provide enough clearance to agree the riser. As such, they are useful mostly for attendant-propelled wheelchairs.

A sloping route created with a slope larger than 1:20 is considered a ramp in ADA specifications. The ADA plans for wheelchair ramps are detailed in the schedules and appendices. The simplicity of using a modular ramp depends on the slope as well as the length of the ramp. Typically , ramp slopes in the range of 1:16 to 1:20 are preferred. Most wheelchair users can manage a slope of 1:16. However, a slope of 1:12 for a distance of about 30-ft. would be extremely troublesome for disabled persons using wheelchairs. As such, the least possible slope needs to be used in the Construction or alteration below the ramp. Construction or alteration below the stipulated requirements is not permitted.

The ramps must have level landings both at the head of each ramp. To go along with ADA specifications of building wheelchair ramps, the landings must be as wide as the ramp leading into the landing. The minimum landing length needs to be sixty inches. If there's a direction change of the ramp, the minimum landing size needs to be sixty inches by sixty inches. Ramps and landings with drop-offs must be protected with curbs, railings, walls or projected surfaces to protect users from slipping off the ramp. Outdoor ramps and landings should be planned for complete water drain to elude slipping on wet surface.

Handrails with a maximum height of 28 inches from the ramp surface to the top of the rail surface would be advisable. To help kids, a second set of handrails in between the top rail and the ramp surface needs to be provided. The ramp should be created with handrails on both sides, if the ramp has a rise greater than six inches. The gripping surface of the rail has to be continual. The ends of handrails should be rounded or joined to wall or post or floor to avoid injury to users.

Specifications of ADA require that the slope of a ramp should be one inch or lesser for every 12 inches of ramp run. ADA further specifies that the the wheelchair ramp surfaces must be hard, stable and regular. Soft loose surfaces and irregular surfaces that could impede wheelchair movement have to be avoided. Carpets, loose sand or gravel and wet clay are normally considered soft loose surfaces. Cobblestones and so on are treated as irregular surfaces. Pressure treated wheelchair ramps are the best methodology of ramp construction.

ADA endorses a static friction coefficient of more than 0.5 for surfaces utilised by normal persons. On the other hand, the static friction coefficient endorsed for ramps is 0.8 to help disabled people using wheelchairs from slipping. Pressure treated wheelchair ramps would normally conform to to the ADA suggestions of slip resistant surfaces.

The do it yourself wheelchair ramps are sometimes made from steel. They're modular in design for simple use by wheelchair folks. The ramp is typically of steel mesh type so that water and snow do not stagnate on the ramp. These ramps are available both with handrails on both sides or without handrails. The standard widths offered vary from thirty inches to sixty inches. Lengths are set by the needs of the user. Steel turning landings are also available with sizes of four ft. By four ft. and 5 ft. by 5 ft.

Wheelchair ramps for GMC Safari as well as GMC Safari wagons fitted with ramps for use by disabled people and patients are available from many wagon dealers in most American cities. GMC Safari vans with wheelchair ramps can be purchased for prices ranging from $6,000 to $25,000, depending on the model of the GMC Safari and its condition.
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