For longer, modular ramps, the added level of safety that comes with handrails can slow people down and gives them more control over the experience. Threshold ramps only have a grooved surface. There are curb guards present on portable ramps. A gradual slope, handrails, and a non-slip surface can all make a wheelchair safer to use – especially in the icy Northern Illinois winter climate.Ī grooved surface on a ramp acts as a non-slip surface. Many jurisdictions require minimum widths and maximum slopes for wheelchair ramps. We often see makeshift DIY wheelchair ramps that cut corners with certain safety precautions such as this. The question “Do wheelchair ramps need handrails?” is a popular one. It’s also a good idea to include handrails. You’d want to make a wooden ramp longer than a metal ramp with a grooved surface, for this reason. For instance, a permanent ramp constructed from wood tends to be slippery. There are many different types of wheelchair ramps. It’s worth noting that the ADA and these guidelines do not apply to private residence ramps. The railing should be 1 1/2' from the wall and provide a clear handrail path. This allows enough room for a wheelchair to pass through comfortably. The clearance between these two railings must be a minimum of 36'. They’re also not required on small curb or threshold ramps. There must be railing on both sides of the ramp or staircase. C) Edge protection: When there is a drop off, ramps require a curb or curb rail to prevent wheel chairs from slipping out from under the handrail. B) Handrail height: Handrail must be 900mm - 1.1m in height. A handrail must be on both sides of ramp or stairs. If a ramp has a rise of more than six inches, or a horizontal projection of more than 72 inches, the ramp must have handrails. A) Handrail: Handrail must be a continuous smooth surface. The Americans With Disabilities Act requires that ramps in front of businesses and other public locations follow specific guidelines. Handrails are crucial in a situation where the person in a wheelchair will be independently using the ramp. ![]() At RampNow, our modular and commercial ramps use handrails to give the user that extra level of control as they maneuver up and down. Handrails certainly make wheelchair ramp usage easier and safer. ![]() A level landing is needed at the accessible door to permit maneuvering and simultaneously door operation.The short answer to “Do wheelchair ramps need handrails?” is that some do. ![]() Curvilinear ramps with small radii also can create compound cross slopes and cannot, by their nature, meet the requirements for accessible routes. Circular or curved ramps continually change direction. Landings shall comply with 405.7.Īdvisory 405.7 Landings. Ramps that do not have level landings at changes in direction can create a compound slope that will not meet the requirements of this document. Cross slope is measured the same way as slope is measured (i.e., the rise over the run).Ĥ05.5 Clear Width. The clear width of a ramp run and, where handrails are provided, the clear width between handrails shall be 36 inches (915 mm) minimum.Ĥ05.6 Rise. The rise for any ramp run shall be 30 inches (760 mm) maximum.Ĥ05.7 Landings. Ramps shall have landings at the top and the bottom of each ramp run. Cross slope is the slope of the surface perpendicular to the direction of travel. Ramps on accessible routes shall comply with 405.Ĥ05.2 Slope. Ramp runs shall have a running slope not steeper than 1:12.Īdvisory 405.2 Slope. To accommodate the widest range of users, provide ramps with the least possible running slope and, wherever possible, accompany ramps with stairs for use by those individuals for whom distance presents a greater barrier than steps, e.g., people with heart disease or limited stamina.Ĥ05.3 Cross Slope. Cross slope of ramp runs shall not be steeper than 1:48.Īdvisory 405.3 Cross Slope. Here is a breakdown of the specific ADA codes ramps must comply with to ensure people with disabilities can navigate them easily:Ĥ05.1 General. While there is no mandatory residential wheelchair ramp code besides the minimum width requirement, applying other ADA ramp requirements to your home ramp construction ensures the ramp is safe and will accommodate the user’s needs. Read more about the dangers of homemade ramps here EXCERPT – ADA Code For Handicap Ramps: Just knowing the ADA requirements is not enough to guarantee that your homemade ramp will be safe.
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