Commercial properties around the United States are required by law to make a space accessible to everyone. One of the points in the Americans with Disabilities Act to discover involves how you’re planning wheelchair ramps. The ADA’s rules are critical to ensure you won’t be liable for violating accessibility standards. The REDD Team will help you by designing ADA-compliant wheelchair ramps for commercial use at your property.
Using our ramps, you’ll avoid being fined for ADA violations and show that you are doing your due diligence by making your space easy for everyone to access.
Removing Barriers
The ADA specifically defines a barrier at a commercial site as a surface with a level change of at least half an inch. People who use wheelchairs and other mobility aids may struggle to cross barriers of that height, so a ramp will be necessary to remove them.
Proper Design Plans
While ramps can help people overcome barriers, they also have to be easy to use. In most situations, the ADA requires ramps to have a maximum slope of 1:12. A ramp with a slope of 1:8 or 1:10 is acceptable in pre-existing environments where the barrier cannot be reduced without extreme measures.
The ADA also says that the rise of a ramp cannot be any higher than 30 inches. For cases where you need something for a higher rise, you’ll require multiple ramps with a landing platform of 60 inches on each side between those ramps. The slope should also be consistent for all those ramps. The 60-inch landings are especially critical when designing a ramp that will change direction.
The rules for ADA-compliant wheelchair ramps for commercial use are thorough, but our employees at REDD Team understand what it takes to create a ramp that meets these rules. When you contact us for service, we’ll work with all these points and guide you in establishing a design for your ramp.
Don’t Forget the Handrails
Handrails are also necessary for ramps when the rise is over six inches. You’ll need ramps on both sides and ensure they don’t interfere with the 36-inch width necessary for a ramp run. A clearance of 1.5 inches between the handrail and any walls or other adjacent surfaces is also necessary.
What About State Rules?
Don’t forget about individual state rules for your ramps. You’ll have to meet ADA rules for your ramps, but some extra rules or limits may apply in your state. Each state should have its building code, so looking at what it says is necessary for your work.
Every business should have ADA-compliant wheelchair ramps for commercial use to confirm legal protection. A properly made ramp will help you maintain compliance while avoiding legal issues. The REDD Team wants to help you plan a ramp, so reach us online or by phone at 800-648-3696 to learn more about our services and how we can help you.
