The photograph above shows a
recently completed ramp to a newly renovated tenant space. What’s surprising about this photograph are
the handrails on either side of the ramp.
The ADA
specifically requires that handrails be located on either side of a ramp and
that they be continuous to each end of the ramp. Why do they need to be continuous?? The answer is simple………many individuals with
disabilities are not very steady on their feet and this is especially true when
they are walking on inclined surfaces.
As a result, the handrails need to be continuous to allow someone
to completely transverse the full length of the ramp while holding onto the
handrail. As you can see from the
photograph, the handrail on one side is not continuous and therefore this
handrail could be the subject of an ADA
lawsuit.
It’s also a requirement of the ADA that rails extend 12”
beyond the top and the bottom of the ramp.
This is so that someone with a disability can steady themselves at the
top or bottom of the ramp by holding onto the 12” rail extension before they
continue on their way.
It’s also important to note that
there is a very specific height range for the top of the handrail and specific
dimensions for the diameter of the rail.
In addition and in order to provide stability to wheelchair users, a
rail or a curb is also required at the bottom of the handrail as shown in the
photograph in order to keep the wheels of the wheelchair from going off the
edge of the ramp.
There are also some very specific
requirements for the slope of the ramp.
It can not slope over 8.33% and this is considered the maximum
slope. When designing a ramp, it should
be designed with the least slope possible as even a ramp that is sloped at
8.33% is difficult for those with disabilities to use. For the layperson, a slope of 8.33%
translates into 12” in length for every 1” in height rise. For example, if a ramp needs to go up 12”
then it would need to be 12’-0” long.
There are also certain issues with regards to landings, etc. that must
be addressed when designing a ramp.
