#HANDICAP RAILS MANUAL#

The inside handrail on switchbacks or dogleg ramps shall always be continuous. Ramp handrails shall be provided along both sides of ramp segments.Handicap Ramp Handrails shall have the following features: If a ramp has a rise greater than 6 inches or a horizontal projection greater than 72 inches handrails are required on both sides of the ramp. Ramp landings must be designed to prevent the accumulation of water.If there is a rise at a doorway, then the landing in front of the doorway shall be a minimum of 60” x 60”.If ramp system changes directions at the landing, the minimum landing size shall be 60” x 60”.Ramp landing length shall be a minimum of 60 inches clear.The ramp landing shall be at least as wide as the widest ramp run leading to it.Handicap Ramp landings shall have the following features: Ramp systems with ramp landings (platforms) shall have level landings at the bottom and top of each ramp run. Some instances may require a wider ramp width depending on wheelchair type, power scooter, leg extended, etc… Handicap Ramp System Landings The minimum clear width of a ramp shall be 36” (measured between handrails where provided).

#HANDICAP RAILS MANUAL#

Long ramp systems with many runs can be strenuous for people using manual wheelchairs intermediate landings may be necessary to offer resting points during travel of the ramp system. There is no limit on the number of runs a ramp system may have. The height of ramp runs is limited 30 inches maximum making the maximum ramp run length 30 feet. Providing the least possible slope below the 1:12 (8.33%) maximum offers better usability for a wider range of users. A ramp slope not less than 1:10 is recommended for all existing construction with space restrictions at a minimum. For existing construction with space restrictions, the maximum slope for residential ramps shall not be less than 1:8 with the use of a power chair or manual wheelchair assistance. For existing construction, a ramp slope of 1:12 minimum should always be utilized whenever possible. Ramp Slope Recommendations: The maximum slope of a wheelchair ramp in new construction shall be 1:12. It also can be expressed as a percentage, pitch, or in degrees. (Every inch of rise needs 12 inches of ramp).

Slope represents the proportion of vertical rise to the horizontal length of ramp required and is specified in the Standards as a ratio (e.g., 1:12). What does ADA consider a ramp to be? A ramp is any part of an accessible route with a slope greater than 1:20. The ends of any handrail should be rounded or returned smoothly to the floor, wall, or post.All Rampit USA products are designed and tested to meet ADA guidelines.

Inner handrails on a switchback or turned ramp must always be continuous. In situations where a handrail is not continuous, handrails must extend at least another 12” (30.5 cm) parallel to the flat surface of the ramp landing. The top grippable surface of any ramp handrail must be set at a height between 34”-38” (86.4-96.5 cm) above the ramp surface and a minimum clear width of 36” (91.4 cm) must be provided between handrails. Handrails along both sides of a ramp are required on any ramp system with a rise greater than 6” (15.2 cm) or a horizontal run greater than 72” (182.9 cm). For edge protection, utility handrails must include either curbs or barriers at a minimum of 4” (10.2 cm) high along the ramp edge, or an integrated parallel bar at the bottom of the handrail that would restrict the passage of a 4” (10.2 cm) diameter sphere. As free-standing elements, utliity handrails must double as both an assistive handrail and a guardrail that prevents users from accessing the edge of the ramp. Utility ramp handrails are common all-in-one safety components used along any accessible ramp that typically provide user assistance and protection from falling off a ramp.

Handicap rails