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

Wheelchair Ramp Design and Construction A ramp for wheelchairs is an effective tool to help the person you love independently at home If not designed correctly they can be dangerous to use ADA regulations require that landings be level at any change in direction to avoid compound slopes They must also have an accessible surface for wheelchair users Design The ramp design must meet the Americans with Disabilities Act ADA standards to ensure that wheelchairs easily navigate the structure For instance the ramps slope should not exceed a ratio of 112 and must have landings that are level at any angle or shift in the ramps surface It also must be constructed out of treated lumber which is more durable and can withstand precipitation much better than untreated lumber The ramps bottom and top should be free of obstacles such as trees or bushes as well as other structures that could hinder the safety of the user The ramps surface should also be nonslip and hard Certain municipalities require the use of an antislip surface running along the entire length of the ramp For the frame of the ramp use treated lumber that is at least four inches wide Make posts to support the ramp ensuring that they are at least eight feet apart and that they extend above the ground level Spindles should be used to connect the posts with the railings of the ramp This kind of connection is preferred since it reduces the risk of the ramp operator falling off the edge of the ramp Then you can build the frame of the ramp using beams that measure 2 by 4 inches in size and joists that are at minimum 16 inches long Make sure that the joists stand a minimum of 18 inches above ground level and are secured using Joist hangers which are nails that bind the inside of the joists and prevent them from sliding off the ground 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 enough to give at least 1224 inches of elbow room on the handle side of outswing doors For doors with inswing the landing should be at least 58 by 60 inches to accommodate the doors threshold and a person in wheelchair who has to roll backward through the doorway Install a level landing at any change in the direction of the ramp to prevent the requirement for wheelchairs to step on their brakes as they turn corners A level landing makes it easier to remove a ramp of the way if required so that equipment like lawnmowers can move under it Materials Aluminium wood or concrete can be used to build ramps for wheelchairs A professional ramp installation service can help you decide the best option for your home or business When choosing the material to use for the ramp its important to consider your budget and the specific requirements The ramp should also be simple to maintain and safe for use Certain cities require that the ramp be laid with an antislip surface Before you purchase any material or begin construction make sure you have the necessary permits from your local authority and ensure that you adhere to all building codes within your area The wrong materials or construction techniques can create dangerous conditions for wheelchair users You can get the most uptodate information about construction regulations at your local building department office library or online Wood ramps are typically the least expensive of ADA ramp materials however they require more maintenance than other options The surface of wood ramps should be treated regularly with a sealer in order to stop rot and warping Wood splinters can be a problem and can be especially hazardous for wheelchair users Wood ramps might also require additional support to ensure the structure remains in place and stable Concrete ramps are extremely durable and longlasting but they can be costly They are also heavy which requires more work to construct and can make moving the ramp once its no longer needed difficult Concrete ramps are able to withstand the weight of large power wheelchairs Aluminum ramps weigh less than concrete or steel however they possess the same strength and resistance to corrosion They are also less expensive than iron and steel which makes them a great alternative for those on a tight budget Aluminum is also ecofriendly since it is naturally found in the Earths crust and can be recycled The ramps upper landing must be at a level level or within 38 inches of the threshold of the door in order for wheelchairs with smaller wheels to move across the ramp without getting stuck Ramps with a gap that is larger than this will not meet ADA standards You should also make sure that the ramp transitions smoothly between the upper landing and the ground surface The ramps last section should be curved to ensure that wheelchairs dont stop abruptly at the point of leaving or entering the home Installation A ramp for wheelchairs is an inclined plane that is used as an addition or in place of steps It lets wheelchair users and those who use strollers or carts to access areas that are otherwise difficult to reach such as an entranceway or a set of sloping steps When selecting a wheelchair access ramp there are numerous aspects to take into consideration including the location height and price Ideally a ramp should be located near the door as it is possible to help prevent unnecessary transportation It should also be positioned at an angle that is easily accessed by the person who is using it It should be firmly anchored to the floor and clear of obstructions such as car parks shrubs or other obstacles ADA regulations require ramps to are equipped with handrails either side The rails must be at least 36 inches apart and have an edging surface that is rounded or smooth They must also be attached to the edge of the ramp and extend 12 inches beyond the ramp If a ramp is equipped with switchesbacks or an Lshaped layout handrails must be continuous between the ramps runs The length of a ramp depends on the incline but there are several common ramp types that can be used in all situations For instance a threshold ramp sits flush along the lip of a curb or the threshold of a doorway while portable ramps can be moved from one location to another and are available in a variety of sizes There are also aluminum ramps with modular design that can be constructed on site These ramps are usually used in commercial or public areas and tend to be longer Contact your citys construction department to determine if a permit is required for an enduring ramp It is also a good idea to speak with an expert in mobility to find out what type of ramp will best fit your requirements and the space you have In certain cases the installation of an ongoing ramp could increase the value of your home Maintenance Its crucial to ensure your ramp for wheelchairs is maintained especially if will be using it often Youll need to conduct regular inspections and correct any structural issues as they develop This will ensure that the ramp complies with all ADA requirements and is safe for all users Wooden ramps require regular maintenance to remove debris and dirt that may block access Cleanliness of the ramp will also stop moisture from accumulating under the surface and creating decay Wood preservatives and stains only work properly if the ramp is completely clean before application Wheelchair ramps are more difficult to maintain than other ramps as they are more susceptible to wear and tear metal ramps for wheelchairs to do is ensure that you have the right tools for the job To ensure that all fixings are secure and tight youll require an excellent set of screwdrivers as well as gauge spanners Its also worth regularly inspecting the handrails to ensure they are in a good condition and do not show signs of corrosion or damage Over time and with repeated usage its possible for some of the fittings or bolts that hold on the handrails to come loose This can be a safety concern for anyone who uses the ramp Another crucial aspect is to ensure that the ramps surface is grippy especially in winter when conditions can be a challenge Youll need to clean away any dirt leaves or other debris that could obstruct and cause slippage In addition youll want to apply a noncorrosive ice melt to the ramp surface before winter arrives to prevent slips and injury If youre planning on using your ramp throughout the winter months you should consider purchasing traction wheels or snow tires for your wheelchair These wheels are designed to better track on snowy and uneven surfaces They will help you remain on your ramp more effectively than regular wheelchair tires You can also utilize heating pads or tape to melt snow and ice on the ramp prior to it builds up