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Katie Rodriguez
Banister will answer your on line questions! Click
Here to submit a question.
Question for Katie:
What is the requirement
for ramps for
wheelchairs like height of rails, degree of slope and width?"
Answer: The Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines
(ADAAG) states in section 4.8 that the maximum slope of a ramp can be
1:12, which means for every vertical inch of the step or rise, the
ramp shall protrude out 12 inches (so if you have a 12 inch tall
step to be ramped, the ramp would have to be a minimum of 12 feet in
length.) It is preferable to make the ramp longer, via a
switchback or dogleg design. A longer ramp makes the slope smaller
and easier for the person
with a disability to use.
The minimum clear width of a ramp shall be a minimum of 36 inches.
Edge protection is necessary on the sides of the ramp floor so
wheelchair wheels and canes won't fall off.
Handrails (section 4.8.5): ADAAG states, "If a ramp run has a
rise greater than 6" (150 mm) or a horizontal projection
greater than 72" (1830mm), then it shall have handrails on both
sides. Handrails are not
required on curb ramps (see section 4.7) or adjacent to seating in
assembly areas. Handrails shall comply with section 4.26 and shall
have the following features:
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Handrails shall be
provided along both sides of ramp segments. The inside
handrail on switchback or dogleg ramps shall always be
continuous.
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If handrails are not
continuous, they shall extend at least 12" (305mm) beyond
the top and bottom of the ramp segment and shall be parallel
with the floor or ground surface.
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The clear space
between the handrail and the wall shall be 1-1/2" (38mm).
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Gripping surfaces
shall be continuous.
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Top of handrail
gripping surfaces shall be mounted between 34" and
38" (865mm & 965mm) above ramp surfaces.
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Ends of handrails
shall be either rounded or returned smoothly to
floor, wall or post.
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Handrails shall not
rotate within their fittings."
Katie R. Banister
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I miss the me I used
to be
Standing on my own
But now wheels go 'round,
Freedom Found,
Independence shown
1992 - Katie Rodriguez Banister
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