Wheelchair Ramp
A wheelchair ramp is a tilted plane that is installed in buildings instead of stairs or along them. A wheelchair ramp allows wheelchair users to easily move around and access the building without the help of a caregiver. This offers wheelchair users ease of movement, if the wheelchair ramp is constructed properly. They come in a wide assortment of designs that make the inclination and curbs manageable. There are a few ones that are semi-permanent or portable.
Permanent ramps are the ones that are designed as a permanent part of a building or entrance. Semi-permanent ramps are used for short period of times, perhaps while architects decide if and when to build a permanent one, for example, when upgrading a building that wasn’t designed with a wheelchair ramp. Portable ramps are usually lightweight, made of aluminum and can be folded for ease of transportation.
Ramps should be carefully designed so that they are useful. First of all, architects and manufacturers should decide the inclination of the ramp. On the other hand, if a semi-permanent or portable wheelchair ramp is to be used, then a few different wheelchair ramps should be tried beforehand in order to buy the best one.
There are many factors involved in the designing of wheelchair ramps. Manufacturers should also be aware of the many rules and regulations which should be followed in every country or state. Some of the most common ones are:
-Steepness
When a wheelchair ramp is made to provide an accessible entrance, then the steepness of the ramp should be as small as possible.
- Width
The minimum width of a wheelchair ramp is normally 36” from railing to railing. However, this can be too narrow for big models, so a lot ramps are built with a width of 40”.
- Handicap handrails
There should be handrails on both sides. They give the wheelchair users the option to pull themselves up, to rest if they get tired, or to steady themselves. It’s also a great help for other people with walking disabilities.
- Edge protection
Ramps must have edge protection on the side to prevent people and wheelchairs from tripping off. This feature is very important for the safety of people who haven’t learned to control their wheelchair completely.
- Landings
Flat surfaces or level landings are required both at the top and the bottom of a wheelchair ramp. A landing at the top will allow the user to open the door at the top of the ramp, whereas, at the bottom a landing may be important for the user to stop the chair before making a turn.
