ADA requirements on curb ramps. Curb ramps make navigating cities, towns, and public places like malls, restaurants, and hotels easier for people with disabilities. Understanding ADA requirements on curb ramps can help you build a wheelchair-accessible ramp. Suppose you plan to create a new facility or make structural changes to an existing one. In that case, you want to consider the latest understanding of ADA Americans with Disabilities Act requirements on curb ramps.
1. Should Have A Consistent Slope End To End
ADA requirements on curb ramps. The American Disabilities Act (ADA) requires curb ramps to have consistent slopes end to end. A uniform slope of not greater than eight percent, with changes in the level of not more than ¼ inch vertically measured at the midpoint between rises.
If the ramp has a running slope steeper than five percent, it must have handrails. Once you meet ADA requirements, curb ramps improve traffic flow through a neighborhood by allowing disabled people and those pushing strollers or wheelchairs to walk along an even and safe surface and cross streets easily. The residential wheelchair ramp code is essential for people with disabilities, seniors, and pregnant women who often need to use a wheelchair ramp to enter their premises.
2. Landings At The Top And Bottom Of A Ramp And Between Runs
Curb ramps offer a safer way to traverse streets for those with disabilities or push strollers, wheelchairs, or shopping carts. These ramps provide a landing at the top and bottom of a ramp and between runs to allow safe boarding and leaving of curb areas. It’s an area where you can stop and rest before proceeding.
ADA standards on curb ramps enable wheelchair users and people with other mobility impairments to navigate the sidewalk safely and efficiently. Curb ramps are subject to ADA guidelines, which mandate that the curb cut meets specific parameters. The landing at the top of a curb ramp must be at least 60 inches long and 36 inches wide, its level lowered not more than 1:48 from the bottom of the curb and not less than 1:20.
ADA also requires a horizontal clearance of at least 96 inches to be provided in front of a wheelchair height platform lift or push button. Additionally, curbs must present no abrupt changes in level, have slip-resistant surfaces, and be dynamically under surveillance.
3. Handrail Extensions At The End Of A Run
You may have noticed some curb ramps have handrail extensions at the top and bottom of each run. Curb ramp extensions are required when the slope of a curb ramp is 1:15 or greater. Curb ramp extensions must be at least 12 inches long from their closest point to the bottom of the ramp, and they may not overhang a curb or other obstruction more than 4 inches.
The handrails on curb ramps act as assistance in helping people with disabilities utilize them by grasping them when ascending and descending. ADA standards say that in cases where grab bars are in use along with a bench, the grab bars must be away from the backrests; typically, six to eight inches on either side is sufficient.
4. Curb Ramps, Landings, Transition Points, Must Prevent Water Pooling
ADA requires curb ramps, landings, and bottom of curb transitions to protect from surface water run-off and water pooling. Hence, there should be no surface water run-off and ridges or aprons around the curb that allow for water to pool in a transition space. Pools of water on the ramps can limit access to the cross slope of a sidewalk by creating a barrier at the end of the ramp or on grade change and cause a trip hazard.
It’s the owners’ responsibility to keep premises with a curb ramp safe and clean for guests. You should also ensure that the paved surface around the curb ramp is free from puddles, mud, or snow. A failed curb ramp poses a safety concern for guests with disabilities.
Conclusion
One of the stipulations in ADA is that public places must have accessibility for disabled people. Curb ramps make all the difference. Accessible curb ramps, or ADA-compliant curb ramps, allow individuals using wheelchairs and other mobility devices to traverse sidewalks, streets, and other outdoor areas of your building. You can contact Adatile ADA Solutions for all your curb ramp requirements.
