Handicap Ramp Building Specifications

When constructing a public building, in order to meet current laws and regulations, accessibility is very important. Even for homes that include a ramp, ADA wheelchair ramp specifications apply. While meeting these building codes might be somewhat expensive and time-consuming, failing to meet them can cost much more in lawsuits. Fortunately, the ADA, or Americans with Disabilities Act, has set out guidelines that may in some ways make it easier to design a fully functional and safe wheelchair ramp.

What the ADA Guidelines Cover

The ADA wheelchair ramp specifications were enacted by President George H.W. Bush in 1992. This opened the way for equal access to public buildings for anyone, regardless of how they get around. Wheelchair ramps are one means of allowing easy access to people who use wheelchairs or even scooters. Ada handicap ramps guidelines apply specifically to public buildings:

  • Hotels
  • Stores
  • Schools
  • Restaurants
  • Medical facilities

But it also applies to private homes if you are installing ramps for wheelchairs.

The guidelines provided by the ADA are very specific and cover almost all aspects of wheelchair ramp design. The ADA specifications cover:

  • Slope
  • Width
  • Landings
  • Transitions
  • Handrails

The Slope

The slope of the ramp, according to the handicap ramp building specifications should be a ratio of 1:12 with a maximum rise of 30 inches. These requirements allow for the easiest access for anyone in a wheelchair and ensure that ramps leading to public buildings (or private homes) will not be too steep to manage on their own. There are a few exceptions to the ADA wheelchair ramp specifications, notably previously existing ramps and historic buildings, which may not be able to accommodate these ramp measurements. By and large, though, these rules apply to everyone.

The Width

The width of the ramp must be wide enough for a wheelchair and include clearance. The minimum width to comply with the ADA wheelchair ramp specifications is 36 inches wide. You want your visitors to be able to comfortably navigate up and down the ramp and a good clearance contributes to this.

Landings

Landings and transitions are also required by the ADA specifications. Both must be at least 60 by 60 inches, giving enough room for clearance to turn around. There must be landings at both the top and bottom of the ramp. And if the ramp turns at any point, the transitions from one section of the ramp to another must also be the same size as the landings, 60 x 60.

Handrails

Handrails are another necessary feature for ramps that rise 6 inches or more and/or that are 72 inches or longer. The handrails must be secure and not less than 2 1/2 feet or over 3 feet to be in easy reach of users. Following these ada specifications make ramps safer and much more user-friendly.

The ADA also regulates lifts for vans and other transportation. Because of the nature of these sometimes portable devices, the regulations differ from the ADA wheelchair ramp specifications. Be sure to read and then comply with all of these regulations to make your building safe and accessible.