Everything you Need to Know about Ramp Construction
If you are thinking about constructing a building, you have to consider access for people with disabilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 prohibits any discrimination, and not following its regulations can lead to friction with the audience and significant legal issues. Stars to enter a building are not enough to accommodate people with disabilities. How do you make sure you stay within the regulation? How can you embark on a project that will succeed and work well for people who might enter the building? Here are three things you need to know about Ramps Construction in the USA.
Audience Doesn’t Matter
It may seem
counter intuitive to talk about the audience when it comes to ADA compliance.
Think in other way around. Don’t you think in a construction project; you need
to be compliant because your audience consists of non-disabled persons. The
American with Disabilities Act applies to public buildings regardless of their
audience. If you run a fitness gym, you have to comply with the law. Do not
assume that because the new building will attract a specific clientele, you
won’t be held accountable if others cannot enter it.
Know the Specifications
Knowing how you
can construct the ramp is a crucial part of compliance. It can also influence
how to layout your building; a ramp may take up space that you had not
considered. Here are some ramp specifications you will have to follow
·
Any
ramp needs to rise not more than one inch for each foot of the ramp. It means a
4.8 slope at most, which allows any type of wheelchair to drive up the ramp
comfortably.
·
The
ramp's top and bottom should have a flat platform that is at least 5 by 5 feet
wide. It allows people with disabilities to comfortably turn and maneuver
before and after the ramp.
·
Nationwide
standards require a ramp width of at least 36 inches. However, you should also
look into your state regulations.
·
Include
hand rails which should be between 34 and 38 inches high for maximum comfort
and accessibility. These rails need to be present on both sides of the ramp.
Working with
Professionals is Never a Bad Idea
Given these
particular necessities for building ADA-compliant handrails, including them
into your construction project can seem like a headache. However, that’s not
the case if you work with professionals who know the process and who can help
you plan in the ramps from the very beginning.
ADA ramps, which
will typically exist outside of your building, will impact the way you design
and construct your new building. Working with professionals allows you to keep
track of this component and implement it in the construction course without
issue, allowing you to rest easy knowing that the finished project will be
accessible for all persons and compliant with all laws.
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