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https://www.mymobilityscooters.uk/categories/wheelchair-ramps

Wheelchair Ramp Design and Construction A wheelchair ramp can be a valuable device to assist the person you love independently at home If they are not designed properly they can be unsafe to use ADA regulations require level landings on any changes in direction to avoid compound slopes Going At this website require an accessible surface for wheelchair users Design The ramps design has to meet the Americans with Disabilities Act ADA standards to ensure that wheelchairs effortlessly navigate the structure The ramps slope must not exceed a ratio of 112 and the landings should be level in any change of direction or shift in the ramp surface It should also be constructed using treated lumber that is more durable than untreated and can weather precipitation better The sides and top of the ramp need to be clear of obstacles such as bushes trees or other structures that may hinder the safe movement of the ramps user In addition the surface of the ramp must be smooth and nonslip Certain municipalities require the use of an antislip running surface along the entire length of the ramp Make use of treated lumber that is at least four inches in width for the ramp frame Create posts to anchor the ramp ensuring they are at least eight feet apart and that they extend beyond the level of the ground Spindles should be used to connect the posts with the railings of the ramp This kind of connection is recommended because it decreases the chance of an operator of the ramp falling off the edge of the ramp Next construct the frame of the ramp using beams that measure 2 by 4 inches in size and joists at least 16 inch long Make sure that the joists are a minimum of 18 inches above the ground and that theyre secured with hangers for joists which are nails that bind the inside of the joists to prevent them from slipping out of alignment Attach the ramp decking with a framing nailer Install an upper landing on the doorway to ensure the wheelchairbound occupants are able to easily maneuver the doorswing The landing should be wide enough to allow at least 12 to 24 inches of elbow room on the handle side for outswing doors The landing for doors that are inswinging must be 58 by 60 inches in order to accommodate the threshold of the door as well as wheelchair users who need to reverse through the doorway Install an elevated landing at every change in ramp direction to prevent the need for wheelchairs to slam on their brakes while turning corners A level landing is easier to move a ramp out of the path if needed so that equipment such as lawnmowers can move under it Materials The materials used to construct the ramp for wheelchairs can be made of wood concrete or aluminum A professional ramp installation company will help you choose which one is suitable for your home or business It is essential to take into consideration your budget and needs when selecting the materials used for the ramp The ramp should also be simple to maintain and safe to use Some cities require that the ramp be laid with an antislip surface Make sure to inquire with your local government for permits prior to building or purchasing any materials Also be sure to follow all local building codes Making use of the wrong materials or construction methods could result in hazardous conditions for wheelchair users You can find the most current information on construction requirements at your local governments building department office library or online Wood ramps are often the most affordable alternative for ADA ramp materials However they require more care Wood ramps need to be maintained regularly using an adhesive to avoid rot Wood can split and be hazardous for those using wheelchairs Wood ramps might require additional support to keep the structure upright and stable Concrete ramps can be expensive but are durable and last for a long time They are heavy which means more work is required to construct them and can make it difficult to move the ramp after it is they are no longer needed Concrete ramps are sturdy enough to withstand the weight of power wheelchairs Aluminum ramps are lighter and less expensive than steel or concrete They also have the same strength durability and corrosion resistance They are also less expensive than iron or steel which makes them a great option for those on a tight budget Aluminum is also ecofriendly since it is found naturally in the earths crust and can be recycled The upper landing of the ramp should be level or within 38 inch of the threshold to allow for the smaller front wheels of wheelchairs to pass over it without getting stuck Ramps with a gap that is larger than this will not comply with ADA standards You should also make sure that the ramp flows smoothly from the upper landing to the ground The final section of the ramp must have a an angled transition to prevent an abrupt stop for wheelchairs when they enter or leave a dwelling Installation A wheelchair ramp is a sloped plane that can be installed as an alternative to or in the place of steps It allows wheelchair users and people who use carts or strollers to navigate areas that would otherwise be difficult to reach such as a front door or a set of sloping steps When selecting a wheelchair access ramp there are numerous factors to consider such as the location height and cost The ramp should be placed as close as possible to the door to avoid unnecessary traveling It should be located at a level that the person using it can be able to easily access it It should be securely fixed to the floor and clear of any obstructions such as trees cars parked or other obstacles ADA regulations stipulate that ramps must have handrails either side The rails should be at minimum 36 apart and have a smooth or rounded gripping surface They must also be anchored to the edge of the ramp and extend 12 inches beyond it Handrails must be continuous when the ramp is constructed with switchbacks or in an Lshaped layout The length of the ramp is determined by its incline However there are basic ramp types that can be used in all situations A threshold ramp for instance sits flush against the curbs lip or threshold of the doorway Portable ramps however are able to be moved to a new place and come in various sizes There are also aluminum ramps that are modular that can be assembled onsite These are usually used for commercial or public areas and are typically longer than the threshold and ramps that are portable If youre considering a permanent ramp make sure you contact your citys building department to see if you need an approval It is recommended to consult a mobility expert to determine what kind of ramp is best suited to your requirements and the space you have In some cases installing permanent ramps can increase the value of your house Maintenance Its important to make sure your wheelchair ramp is well maintained particularly if you are going to use it often Youll need to perform regular inspections and address any structural issues as they arise This will help ensure that the ramp is compliant with all ADA requirements and is safe for all users Regularly cleaning wooden ramps is essential to remove debris and dirt that could block access Keeping the ramp clean will also stop moisture from accumulating beneath the surface and leading to decay The wood preservatives or stains will only work when the ramp has been thoroughly cleaned prior to applying Wheelchair ramps are more difficult to maintain than other ramps due to the fact that they are more susceptible to wear and tear The most important thing to do is ensure you have the right tools to complete the task To ensure that all fixings are secure and secure you will need an excellent set of screwdrivers as well as gauge spanners Its also worth regularly inspecting the handrails to ensure that they are in a good condition and do not show signs of damage or corrosion Its possible that over time with repeated usage some of the bolts and fittings that hold the handrails on may loosen and pose an extremely dangerous risk for those using the ramp It is also important to ensure that the surface the ramp is grippy enough especially in winter when the conditions can be challenging Youll need to remove any dirt leaves and other debris that may hinder the surface and cause slippage Youll also need to apply an ice melt that is noncorrosive to the ramp surface to prevent injuries and slipping Think about purchasing snow tires or traction wheels for your wheelchair if you are planning to use it for the duration of the winter These wheels are designed to be more efficient on snowy and uneven surfaces They will allow you to remain on your ramp for longer than standard wheelchair tires Alternately you can put heating pads or tape along the ramp surface to help melt ice and snow before it gets accumulated