Being disabled presents a lot of issues when it comes to getting into and out of a building. Most structures with public access or that are used for commercial purposes are now required by law to follow certain guidelines to assist those with limitations. When considering wheelchair ramp construction for a private residence, it may be wise to adhere to some general rules for maximum safety.
Safe construction specifications for the building of safe ramps for those with mobility challenges were set forth with The Americans with Disability Act that was enacted in 1990. It maintains standards for aspects such as slip protection, the placement of guardrails, the width of the surface and especially the progression of the slope. There are also suggestions for which materials may be best for specific circumstances.
The project's level of quality, as well as its safety quotient, can depend directly on one's adherence to these specifications. They will help make sure the structure is good for all types of chairs as well as feet, canes, crutches and walkers. There is a lot of responsibility laying on the shoulders of one who decides to take on an undertaking of such importance, making sure no one gets injured.
There are several materials that may be used to build these structures. If the construction is meant to be a permanent fixture, concrete may be the best choice because it is durable and sturdy though it can be quite expensive. It also has the added safety feature of one being able to brush texture into an almost dry surface thus creating anti-slip properties.
While steel has great strength, it is not rust and corrosion proof without galvanization and it is easy to slip on without added texture. Aluminum is resistant to weather conditions and is strong, but it is also expensive and requires anti-slip measures. Because it is so lightweight, there is always the risk of bending under the strain of the weight being put on it, so support calculations need to be precise.
The more affordable, and most commonly used material is wood but since it is a naturally occurring substance, it will need to be regularly maintained. To keep it from warping or rotting in the weather, and to keep the hand rails free of splinters, it should be thoroughly sanded and a sealant or varnish must be applied. All boards should secured using screws because nails work loose and the slats should be perfectly spaced to make for a safe ride but still allow for drainage.
The ADA recommends that one build on a slope that rises one inch for every foot. This is enough to allow someone in a manual chair to navigate the incline and control the decline without exerting too much energy. It also suggests that for each eight to ten feet of length there be a level platform to allow rest on the way up and slow an uncontrolled descent.
A lot of planning should go into any wheelchair ramp construction project. A safe slope ratio and proper support placement can help make sure everything about the structure is sturdy and durable enough to withstand the weight strains that may be placed upon it. A well made piece will be just as easy to travel by foot as to roll over or use with a cane, crutch or walker.
Safe construction specifications for the building of safe ramps for those with mobility challenges were set forth with The Americans with Disability Act that was enacted in 1990. It maintains standards for aspects such as slip protection, the placement of guardrails, the width of the surface and especially the progression of the slope. There are also suggestions for which materials may be best for specific circumstances.
The project's level of quality, as well as its safety quotient, can depend directly on one's adherence to these specifications. They will help make sure the structure is good for all types of chairs as well as feet, canes, crutches and walkers. There is a lot of responsibility laying on the shoulders of one who decides to take on an undertaking of such importance, making sure no one gets injured.
There are several materials that may be used to build these structures. If the construction is meant to be a permanent fixture, concrete may be the best choice because it is durable and sturdy though it can be quite expensive. It also has the added safety feature of one being able to brush texture into an almost dry surface thus creating anti-slip properties.
While steel has great strength, it is not rust and corrosion proof without galvanization and it is easy to slip on without added texture. Aluminum is resistant to weather conditions and is strong, but it is also expensive and requires anti-slip measures. Because it is so lightweight, there is always the risk of bending under the strain of the weight being put on it, so support calculations need to be precise.
The more affordable, and most commonly used material is wood but since it is a naturally occurring substance, it will need to be regularly maintained. To keep it from warping or rotting in the weather, and to keep the hand rails free of splinters, it should be thoroughly sanded and a sealant or varnish must be applied. All boards should secured using screws because nails work loose and the slats should be perfectly spaced to make for a safe ride but still allow for drainage.
The ADA recommends that one build on a slope that rises one inch for every foot. This is enough to allow someone in a manual chair to navigate the incline and control the decline without exerting too much energy. It also suggests that for each eight to ten feet of length there be a level platform to allow rest on the way up and slow an uncontrolled descent.
A lot of planning should go into any wheelchair ramp construction project. A safe slope ratio and proper support placement can help make sure everything about the structure is sturdy and durable enough to withstand the weight strains that may be placed upon it. A well made piece will be just as easy to travel by foot as to roll over or use with a cane, crutch or walker.
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