Requirements For Your Wheelchair Ramp
September 15, 2010 by: Ace WingetSome homes may require a ramp for wheelchair use. Ramps are great for allowing users mobility and access to their homes, and even businesses. Ramps need to be installed safely, however, in order for them to be effective.
All ramps currently should conform to the guidelines presented from the Americans with Disability Act, or ADA. These guidelines are easily found. You can find them online or at the local building office.
The city building and inspection department is a good reference spot. They can tell you what laws your city has with governing ramp placement. A few cities will have additional requirements above the ADA.
Local building offices may also be able to help you know what type of drawings and measurements you need for your wheelchair ramp. They can help you know what the required scales are. They can also tell you if there are specific requirements that are required with the drawings, such as labeling what type of materials you are using for the ramp.
A building committee will also be able to help you with the actual digging process. They can check to make sure that the area where you are building a wheelchair ramp does not have any underground obstructions. There sometimes are different pipes or wires that can get damaged if you are not careful with your digging.
The ADA has guidelines that help you know the minimum and maximum guidelines that are required for your ramp. For example, it will tell you what the slope of the ramp should be in order for it to be safe. Building crews will be able to help you know what slope is best for the area you live in.
The ADA will also tell you guidelines for other specific measurements of your ramp. These are things such as what the maximum run should be for the ramp. They will also tell you what that the landing should be level, and where the landing should be.
When you build your ramp start with the ADA. Remember to check with all the city and State codes to make sure you are conforming to local building requirements. Wheelchair ramps are a wonderful tool to have, and all the work will be well worth it for the safety you will be creating for the wheelchair users.
Alpine Home Medical carries scooters, stair lifts, vehicle lifts, lift chairs, wheelchairs, respiratory equipment, bathroom safety equipment, and other mobility devices. We are dedicated to serving, supporting and improving the lives of our customers.
