Having a disability can pose multiple issues when one is trying to get into or come out of a building. Most commercial properties or structures that are open to the public are required by special laws that set forth guidelines to allow access to those with limited mobility. If looking to perform wheelchair ramp construction on a private residence, many find it advisable to follow certain rules to ensure the most safety.
In 1990, The Americans with Disabilities Act was put into action, setting out specific guidelines for adding ramps of the safest quality to assist those limited in their mobility. It covers such details as how steep a slope should be, the width of the surface, how high guard rails are to be placed and how to prevent slips. There are also suggestions for building materials in certain circumstances.
The project's level of quality, as well as its safety quotient, can depend directly on one's adherence to these specifications. They will help make sure the structure is good for all types of chairs as well as feet, canes, crutches and walkers. There is a lot of responsibility laying on the shoulders of one who decides to take on an undertaking of such importance, making sure no one gets injured.
Structures of this type are made from multiple types of material. Concrete is the sturdiest, most durable and unfortunately the most expensive of all the choices but should only be used for structures that are intended to be permanent. It may also be the safest because slip preventing textures may be added directly to the ramp as the substance is drying.
Steel is strong but it requires galvanization in order to prevent corrosion and rust and texture added to prevent slipping. Aluminum is strong and weather resistant but it is also slippery and expensive. It has the additional concern of being lightweight so if not properly calculated, it may bend under the weight of an occupied heavy electrical wheelchair.
The more affordable, and most commonly used material is wood but since it is a naturally occurring substance, it will need to be regularly maintained. To keep it from warping or rotting in the weather, and to keep the hand rails free of splinters, it should be thoroughly sanded and a sealant or varnish must be applied. All boards should secured using screws because nails work loose and the slats should be perfectly spaced to make for a safe ride but still allow for drainage.
According to ADA guidelines, a slope should rise a single inch for every twelve inches of length. This angle is easy enough for an individual to manually roll their own chair up the incline and to control their speed going down. Those same specifications suggest a level area of approximately 2' be place along each eight to ten feet of distance for rest and safe descent.
Wheelchair ramp construction requires a bit of careful planning for best results. A safe slope ratio and proper supports help ensure that the structure will be able to support the weight of even the heaviest of electrical wheelchairs and that it will be able to withstand weather conditions. It needs to be safe for feet, canes, walkers, crutches and wheels alike.
In 1990, The Americans with Disabilities Act was put into action, setting out specific guidelines for adding ramps of the safest quality to assist those limited in their mobility. It covers such details as how steep a slope should be, the width of the surface, how high guard rails are to be placed and how to prevent slips. There are also suggestions for building materials in certain circumstances.
The project's level of quality, as well as its safety quotient, can depend directly on one's adherence to these specifications. They will help make sure the structure is good for all types of chairs as well as feet, canes, crutches and walkers. There is a lot of responsibility laying on the shoulders of one who decides to take on an undertaking of such importance, making sure no one gets injured.
Structures of this type are made from multiple types of material. Concrete is the sturdiest, most durable and unfortunately the most expensive of all the choices but should only be used for structures that are intended to be permanent. It may also be the safest because slip preventing textures may be added directly to the ramp as the substance is drying.
Steel is strong but it requires galvanization in order to prevent corrosion and rust and texture added to prevent slipping. Aluminum is strong and weather resistant but it is also slippery and expensive. It has the additional concern of being lightweight so if not properly calculated, it may bend under the weight of an occupied heavy electrical wheelchair.
The more affordable, and most commonly used material is wood but since it is a naturally occurring substance, it will need to be regularly maintained. To keep it from warping or rotting in the weather, and to keep the hand rails free of splinters, it should be thoroughly sanded and a sealant or varnish must be applied. All boards should secured using screws because nails work loose and the slats should be perfectly spaced to make for a safe ride but still allow for drainage.
According to ADA guidelines, a slope should rise a single inch for every twelve inches of length. This angle is easy enough for an individual to manually roll their own chair up the incline and to control their speed going down. Those same specifications suggest a level area of approximately 2' be place along each eight to ten feet of distance for rest and safe descent.
Wheelchair ramp construction requires a bit of careful planning for best results. A safe slope ratio and proper supports help ensure that the structure will be able to support the weight of even the heaviest of electrical wheelchairs and that it will be able to withstand weather conditions. It needs to be safe for feet, canes, walkers, crutches and wheels alike.
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