Wheelchair Ramp Information

Northeast Rehabilitation Health Network

Wheelchair Ramp Information

Larn the right measurements of a properly synthetic wheelchair ramp:

  • Maximum slope for hand-propelled wheelchair ramps should be one" of rise to every 12" of length (4.8 degree bending; eight.3% class).
  • Maximum slope for power chairs should be 1.5" rise to 12" length (seven.i degree angle; 12.5% form).
  • Minimum width should be 36" (within rail) - (48" is ideal).
  • The "deck" or surface of the ramp should be set down betwixt a side-rails assembly such that there is about a 2" adjourn or lip along the edges of the ramp surface. Decking could consist of i" X 6" pressure treated pino, (or three/4" pressure treated plywood applied to a frame).
  • If possible, the end of the deck (where it meets the lower footing surface) should be beveled to provide a smoothen transition from the ramp to level ground. Alternatively, a canvass of ten Ga. steel at least ten" long and sized to fit the width of the ramp could be used to span the space between the deck surface and the walk or driveway surface at the end of the ramp. This piece should overlap the ramp deck by ii" and be fastened deeply with 4 large countersunk flat-head wood screws.
  • A level platform of at least 5' X 5' should exist at the summit of ramp to allow for wheelchair maneuvering. If the entranceway opens outward, at that place should exist 1' of surface area extending from the side of the door opening to allow motion to the side without backing the chair during door opening. This landing should not be considered part of the overall "run"/length of the ramp. Whatever turning point forth the ramp needs a level landing. If the turn is a right bending (90 degrees), the landing should be a minimum of 5' by four'. If a "switchback" of 180 degrees is constructed, the level landing should mensurate at least five' X 8'. Ramps longer than 30' should provide a platform every 30' for purposes of safety and to create opportunity for residual.
  • Hand rails should be provided for whatever ramp having a gradient of more than v% (i.e.- greater than one:12). These should extend an inch beyond the pinnacle and bottom of the ramp and should exist located 32" from the ramp surface.
  • Buildings modified for accessibility should provide at to the lowest degree 2 remotely located accessible entrances for leave in case of emergency.
  • There should be no stride or bump exceeding one-half inch at doors or thresholds and at that place should be a level area 5' past 5' at doors. 1' to one'half dozen" space to the side of door on the pull side must be articulate.
  • Slip resistant surfaces - carborundum dust, strips, rubber, sand sprinkled on wet pigment, or crude ("broom stop") physical are acceptable surfaces.
  • Ramps should take a 5' directly and level surface at the bottom to allow acceptable stopping altitude.

Posted on BrainLine July 25, 2008. Reviewed July 26, 2018.

From the Northeast Rehabilitation Health Network. Reprinted with permission. All rights reserved. www.northeastrehab.com.