Sunday 20 April 2014

Good Wheelchair Ramp Construction Ensures Safety

By Essie Osborn


If you own a building which is open to the public or there is a disabled person in your home, then you should provide suitable access facilities where necessary to assist wheelchair users. If there are stairs you would need to cater for adequate ramps to increase safety and accessibility. In this case you would probably need to look at various aspects of wheelchair ramp construction.

Final details of a ramp would depend on the particular site and how heavily it is likely to be used. It should be remembered that ramps take up more space than stairs, because then need to have a more gradual slope which is easier to ascend. There are a number of factors to take into account before deciding where to install a ramp, but it should be easily accessible and strongly constructed.

There are professional contractors who will be willing to undertake this sort of job and produce great results. Many people might find this option unaffordable, and would prefer to undertake construction themselves. Whichever route you decide on, knowing the relevant standards will help you evaluate the situation and decide if a proposal is both reasonable and safe, as you would not like anyone to be injured due to your negligence.

If you wish to undertake construction yourself, there are plans with full construction details available online. These plans are designed to provide the necessary safety measures and a sufficiently gradual slope. If you follow this route, do not increase the slope as this will make it much more difficult and dangerous for wheelchairs to ascend, and you will probably not receive planning permission nor pass inspections..

An alternative which will have especial appeal for private homes is to install a modular unit. These are professionally designed and constructed to satisfy all the requirements and can be erected easily. Should you subsequently need to relocate for any reason, then they can easily be disassembled and taken to your new home.

It is essential to make sure the ramp design is safe and meets the specifications, whether you have it built or choose to build it yourself. The online instructions provide sufficient detail to make this a snap, but you want to be sure that any ramp meets your needs as to width and space to turn on landings. Another point is whether you might need handrails for children or only for adults.

A permanent construction will probably require planning permission. The ADA website has details of all the requirements which include minimum widths, landing design, and permissible materials. You might also want to check if there are any specific local requirements before finalizing your design.

With the importance being placed on providing access to disabled people, wheelchair ramps have become essential. The many families who have to cater for someone who is disabled will also find a ramp much easier to negotiate than stairs. You will find that a ramp is very practical, and can make your home much safer and reducing the chances of someone being severely injured.




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