In today's world, everyone has the right to free movement. In order to implement it, it is enough to make convenient entrances and approaches to all kinds of buildings.
Ramps do an excellent job with this task. However, it is not enough to do them right. Having said that there was enough for so many materials, or there was no more space. These are just excuses. If you do it, then it's right. And for this you need to know what a ramp for the disabled is, the dimensions of its parts and the requirements that it must meet.
What is a ramp and what are its parts?
If you need to connect two horizontal surfaces that are located at different levels, then steps are installed between them. In situations where it is not physically possible to climb the stairs, it is replaced by a sloped plane. This design is called a ramp. When properly designed, it is able to provide easy and unhindered movement to the height of mechanisms with wheels.
The design of the ramp, which meets the requirements of GOST, always consists of three parts. Each one is mandatory and cannot be excluded.
So, the ramp is formed:
- from the flat area in front of him;
- a sloped surface;
- and pads at its top.
To get a comfortable ramp for the disabled, the dimensions of each of its elements must be strictly measured. Otherwise, it will be difficult or almost impossible to use.
Types of ramp designs
Stationary ramp
It is installed in places where it is expected to be used for a long time. Usually this is the entrance to a building. Such structures may have one or more spans. Their number depends on the height of the stairs and the availability of free space in front of the entrance.
Flip-up ramp
This design is convenient in places where free space is limited. It has a special mount located on the wall or railing. As necessary, you can fold and disassemble the ramp for the disabled. The dimensions of the folding structure must be made such that it can be easily moved from a sitting position in a chair to a working position and vice versa.
Removable ramp
This group of ramps, in turn, is divided into several types: roll ramps, ramps and sliding structures. The first of this list are small in size. In addition, their peculiarity is that they can be folded, asrug. Ramps are also small and are used to overcome low obstacles, such as curbs. A sliding or telescoping ramp extends from a hidden space and can be installed anywhere on the stairs.
Ramp pad dimensions
Smooth horizontal surfaces must be present at the beginning and end of the structure. If the ramp is long or has turns, then there are more such sites. Then they will be placed at the end of each lift. Landings should not be narrower than the width of the ramp and very short. They must be able to fit a wheelchair. Moreover, in this space it should be comfortable and turn around. Thus, a ramp for the disabled, the dimensions of which fit into the values: the width is twice its span, and the length is at least 1.5 m - it will be quite convenient. On it, you can safely remove your hands from the wheels and not risk rolling.
Design width and length
They should be such that the stroller can easily fit on the ramp for the disabled. Dimensions - width and length - are clearly regulated by GOST. They differ for one-way and two-way designs. In the first case, the width must be at least 90 cm or 1 m. If the ramp provides for movement in two directions, then the width is doubled.
The maximum length of the lifting surface must not exceed 36 meters. Moreover, the length of one inclined section cannot be more than 9 m. This means that after this gap a turntable is needed.
On the edgesinclined surfaces must be mounted bumpers. Their height must be at least 5 cm. They are necessary in order to prevent the wheelchair from slipping with a disabled person. Their absence is allowed only in cases where the ramp borders a wall or a solid handrail is fixed along its edge.
Ramp surface angle
The slope is calculated as a quotient, in which the height of the ramp is divided by its length along the surface of the earth. It can be expressed as a percentage or in degrees. And it is also possible to write in the form of a ratio of two numbers.
This characteristic is the main one in the design. If the slope is small, then the ramp may turn out to be too long. And in the case of a very large angle, it will be impossible to enter it. Therefore, they need to be accurately calculated when a ramp for the disabled is still being designed. The dimensions according to GOST for the slope are limited by the maximum value, which is 5% (slightly less than 3º). The lifting height for this value should not exceed 80 cm.
In exceptional cases, an increase in slope up to 10% (slightly more than 5.5º) is allowed. Then the ramp is necessarily equipped with handrails. Because it will be difficult for a disabled person to climb it on his own.
If the ramp involves two-way traffic, then the maximum slope for it is 6.7%.
Handrail Requirements
They design is equipped without fail in cases:
- when the span height exceeds 15cm;
- or the length of the inclined surface is greater than 180see
Handrails limit on both sides and along the entire length of the ramp for the disabled. Their sizes depend on who will rise more often: adults or children. The level of handrails is recommended to be double. The first is at a height of 60-70 cm, and the second is about 90 cm, for children, the first value is reduced to 50 cm.
Other ramp requirements
- A coating must be fixed on the inclined plane, which contributes to increased friction. This is necessary to reduce slip on the ramp.
- All parts of the structure must not interfere with pedestrians.
- If only one person will use a particular wheelchair ramp, the dimensions of the structure can be calculated individually for his wheelchair.
- The building material must not destroy the stairs.
- It is recommended to equip the ramp with special dampers to make its operation silent.
It is necessary to consider all of the above points before installing the ramp.
