Disabled Access Ramps

Disabled access ramps do not need to be complicated to install, nor do they need to be made of the heaviest materials like steel. While permanent disabled access ramps should be mounted with a cement base or strong bolts to stop slippage, the use of aluminum or wooden disabled access ramps offer a number of advantages. Particularly if you are planning to install semi permanent or mobile disabled access ramps consider aluminum.

Meeting ADA requirements

The ADA is quite specific about the minimum specifications for disabled access ramps in public places. It is therefore important to make sure that any disabled access ramps that you plan to buy and install conform to these requirements. A number of leading American manufacturers offer a series of disabled access ramps from ADA compliant galvanized steel ramps, to heavy duty aluminum ramps, designed for use in semi permanent locations. Aluminum access ramps are also attractive as they can be taken apart into sections, or folded for easy transport and storage. 

OSHA guidelines on disabled access ramp installation

The Occupational Safety and Health Organization (OSHA) is responsible for a wide range of issues concerning safety in the workplace and it provides assistance for workers’ rights. However, it should be noted that OSHA’s influence does not deal specifically with the rights of the disabled including wheelchair users. As the ADA is responsible for disabled access ramp specifications and building quality, the hands-off role OSHA adopts is consistent and this does mean that confusion can be avoided. ADA has held this responsibility since 1990.

Mounting and storing aluminum disabled access ramps

Modular wheel chair ramps offer the greatest flexibility as the ramp components can be used individually, or in combination to deal with longer lengths. The maximum length that a disabled access ramp can be is 30 feet, at which point, if it needs to continue, there needs to be a landing. For home use, ramps as small as 2 feet can be purchased, a ramp of this size can be suitable for allowing easy wheelchair access over a single step. But even larger ramps of up to 24 feet can be easily transported in a minivan or small delivery truck. When not required, a ramp of 24 feet can be stored on a space of no more than 75 inches tall by 38 inches deep by 16 inches wide. As the most popular semi permanent or mobile disabled access ramps are made from aluminum, there is no danger of rust if the ramps get wet. The important features you should be looking out for when selecting the disabled access ramps are that the ramp is ADA compliant, the footing is strong and secure, they should be non slip with an all aluminum surface as well.

Are handrails required?

The legislation states that handrails will be required when the disabled access ramps are over 6 feet in length. Even if you decide to buy modular aluminum disabled access ramps of less than 6 feet, make sure to order the ramp handrails as well so that the ramp complies with the law. The handrails should be installed 36 inches above the ramp floor.