Wheelchair Ramp Laws
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) specifies the requirements a ramp must possess to be considered an ADA wheelchair ramp. These requirements apply to both personal and corporate ramps, and ensure optimal safety for those using wheelchairs.
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Height Requirements
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Newly constructed buildings must feature wheelchair ramps with a minimum slope ratio of 1:12. After rising 30 inches, the ramp must feature a landing and change of direction. If a ramp is constructed for an older building and does not have room for a ramp as specified above, the ramp may feature a slope between 1:10 and 1:12, but cannot rise more than 6 inches from the ground. ADA specifications also allow for a ramp with a slope between 1:8 and 1:10 with a maximum rise of 3 inches.
Width Requirements
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ADA wheelchair ramps must have a minimum width of 36 inches, or three feet. Wider ramps are permissible.
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Landing Requirements
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ADA wheelchair ramps must have a landing at the top and bottom of the ramp. They must also have a landing for every 30 inches of elevation and for every 30 feet of length. Landing width must also be a minimum of 36 inches. Landing length must be a minimum of 60 inches. Landings that mark a change in ramp direction must measure 5 feet by 5 feet.
Other Requirements
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Ramps with a rise measurement of more than 6 inches must feature a secure hand rail between 34 and 38 inches tall. Ramps featuring a change of direction must have a railing that runs along the the entire fixture, while other ramps must have a railing along the fixture except for the first foot of the ramp and the final foot of the ramp.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit wheelchair access sign image by Gina Smith from Fotolia.com
