Wheelchair Ramps: The “Americans With Disabilities Act” Sets Guidelines for Safe Ramps

Handicapped Ramps that meet A.D.A. GuidelinesThe US Congress created guidelines for accessibility of public facilities through the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1991. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ramp guidelines apply only to access for new facilities or major renovations built after 1991 that are used by the general public, which includes government offices, polling places, office buildings, apartment buildings, restaurants and stores. They do not apply to private residences.

American Ramp Systems uses the ADA guidelines as a starting point for all ramp installations, residential and commercial. We will work with you to provide reasonable accommodation for your project in compliance with the ADA guidelines.

Key Clauses in the ADA Ramp guidelines

• ADA ramps should not exceed a 1:12 ratio. Every inch or rise needs 12 inches of ramp.
• ADA ramps addressing more than 6 inches should have handrails.
• ADA ramps exceeding 30 feet must have an intermediate platform.
• ADA ramps must have side flanges of 2 inches or more to prevent accidental slipping from the edge.
• ADA ramps and platforms must have nonskid surfaces and be designed to prevent water accumulation.