Wheelchair Ramp Safety – Important Considerations

Powered wheelchairs allow people with disabilities to move around quite freely in their home and a variety of other environments. While platform lifts and stairlifts can enhance their accessibility in multilevel buildings, a wheelchair ramp allows them to enter and exit a building more easily by providing access over steps and thresholds. Safety is an important aspect when constructing modular ramps. Reliable suppliers of accessibility products in New Jersey can design and install a ramp that is safe and sturdy.

Let’s look at what ‘safety’ in ramp construction means.

>> Length: The length of the ramp is an important consideration when it comes to safety. You need to determine the proper length for your application and ensure that the system is not too steep as this will make it difficult for the wheelchair user to move up and down freely and safely. To determine ramp length, you need to know the total rise that you want to overcome. The rise is the vertical measurement between the ground and where the top of the ramp ends.

>> Degree of Incline or Slope: This would depend on whether the wheelchair is manual or powered. The maximum incline of the ramp for hand-propelled, unassisted wheelchairs should be a 4.8 degree angle, while the maximum slope prescribed for manual wheelchairs with assistance is generally a 7.1 degree angle.

>> Landings: Landings should be flat and level and should also have a rail or wall at the top. A gradual transition between the ramp and its landing is necessary for optimal safety. The landing has to be at least as wide as the widest ramp segment leading to it. The landing needs to be at least 60 inches long and ramps that change in direction at the landings should be a minimum of 60 inches by 60 inches. The top of the ramp should be secured the landing surface with security pins.

>> Handrails: Handrails are needed along both sides of the ramp segments if the rise is greater than 6 inches or has a horizontal projection that is more than 72 inches. Vertical pickets may be required in certain configurations. Guard rails can be added on to help prevent the wheelchair operator from slipping off the ramp or landing.

>> Load Capacity: Quality ramps are sturdy and dependable and come with a robust 500-600 weight bearing capacity to support the weight of the user, wheelchair and an assistant.

>> Outdoor conditions: Outdoor ramps and their approaches should be designed to prevent water from accumulating on their surfaces. They should have an anti-slip surface, but should not too rough as this will make wheelchair travel difficult.

If you are setting up the ramp by yourself, be sure to read the instruction manual. Partnering with an established supplier is the best way to ensure that your wheelchair ramp is constructed and installed to meet ADA guidelines and local zoning requirements.