Wheelchair ramp guideline links and information

A variety of groups have established guidelines concerning wheelchair ramps. The ADA (Americans with disabilities act) is probably the most familiar. Along with the ADA groups such as ICC, IBC and the following national building codes SBC, BOCA, SREF, UBC, Life safety 101 also have recommendations concerning design. Although these guidelines are not always mandatory for residential applications they are followed. Customers as a result can expect higher levels of usability and safety from compliant ramps. Some commonly referenced ADA guidelines are as follows:

• ADA - Ramps should not exceed a 1 to 12 pitch ratio. This means for every 1 inch rise the ramp must extend 12 inches in run.
• ADA - Ramps must be designed to prevent pooling water and have nonskid surfaces on deck.
• ADA - Ramps must have a resting platform if over 30 feet in length
• ADA - Ramp runs with a rise greater than 6 inches (150 mm) shall have handrails complying with code 505.
• ADA - Ramps must have side flanges of 2 inches to prevent slipping.