If you run a business or public space, there are certain accessibility standards that must be met. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) outlines guidelines on wheelchair ramps, helping businesses know what they need to have at their property. Williams Lift Company provides several types of wheelchair ramps for residential and commercial customers in New Jersey. Learn more about the ADA ramp slope requirements to ensure your property complies.
Key Takeaways
- The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) specifies ramp requirements that commercial and public properties must follow to ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
- There are guidelines on ramp slope, width, surface, handrails, and more.
- Williams Lift Company provides ADA-compliant ramp installations for businesses in New Jersey, as well as residential ramp installations.
When ADA Applies
The ADA ramp requirements apply where there is a change in vertical level greater than ½-inch, such as at entrances, pedestrian walkways, and sidewalks. They apply to all new construction and alterations in:
- Public accommodations, such as sidewalks, walkways, bus stops, and subway stations
- Commercial facilities, such as restaurants, offices, and retail stores
- State/local government buildings, including offices, schools, and libraries
These regulations do not apply to residential properties.
Ramp Slope and Length Basics
Two of the main ADA ramp requirements involve the slope and the length of the ramp. The slope signifies the proportion of vertical rise to horizontal length. According to the ADA, the maximum allowable slope for ramps is 1:12. This means that for every 1 inch of vertical rise, it must be at least 12 inches long. There are certain exceptions for existing sites that have space limitations. The height of the ramp run (rise) is limited to a maximum of 30 inches.
The ADA also defines an allowable cross slope, which is the side-to-side gradient perpendicular to the direction of travel. The cross slope of a ramp must be less than 1:48 to prevent mobility devices from tipping over.
Width and Turning Space
Every ramp must have a minimum width of 36 inches, which is measured between handrails (where provided). This helps ensure there is sufficient space for a wheelchair to pass without obstruction. There are many factors that can impact ramp width, including traffic volume, space, turns, switchbacks, and more. For example, ramps that include turns typically require additional width to allow for easier maneuvering for wheelchair users.
Landings, Turns, and Rest Platforms
Ramps should have level landings at the top and bottom and at each turn to enhance safety and provide places to rest and maneuver. Each landing must be at least as wide as the ramp itself and a minimum of 60 inches long. They must be level, with the slope not higher than 1:48 in any direction.
If a door opens onto the landing, the landing area must be large enough to allow the door to swing without reducing the landing area below the required dimensions.
Intermediate landings, which are resting platforms on long ramps, are required for every 30 inches of vertical rise. They must be 60 inches wide by 60 inches long where ramps change direction.
Handrails and Edge Protection
Not all ramps require handrails, but they are mandated on both sides when the ramp has a rise greater than 6 inches. When they are required, handrails must:
- Be installed at a height of 34 to 38 inches above the ramp surface
- Be continuous for the full length of the ramp
- Have a gripping surface that is smooth and easy to hold onto, which generally means an outside diameter of between 1.25 and 2 inches
- Have a clearance of at least 1.5 inches between the handrail and the wall or any other surface beside the ramp
- Have rounded edges
- Be stable and strong enough to withstand a significant amount of stress
These requirements help improve accessibility and safe ramp use. There are also rules for edge protection on ramps when there is a vertical drop-off of more than half an inch. There must be either a curb/curb rail or an extended floor surface to prevent the wheels of wheelchairs from slipping off the edge.
Surface, Traction, and Weather Safety
The surface and design of the ramp also need to be considered to ensure safety in all weather conditions. The surface must be stable, firm, and slip-resistant under all conditions, even wetness or ice. Proper drainage is vital to prevent water accumulation. The ramp surface must also be free of any objects or features that could lead to tripping or obstacles for wheelchair users.
Common Compliance Mistakes
Business owners who have ramps may assume that they are following ADA standards. However, there are certain compliance mistakes that businesses can be unaware of. They include:
- Having ramps that are too steep
- Having ramps with missing landings
- Having ramps with unsafe transitions
- Not maintaining the surface of the ramp
Not complying with ADA ramp requirements can have major consequences, including fines, lawsuits, legal fees, mandatory retrofitting, and reputational damage. Therefore, it’s important to work with Williams Lift Company, a certified ramp installer, to ensure your ramp is safe, secure, and compliant.
Get an ADA-Compliant Ramp Installed in New Jersey with Williams Lift Company
Whether you already have a ramp and want to ensure it’s in compliance or you need a new ramp installed at your commercial property, Williams Lift Company is here to help. We offer installation of commercial ramps that comply with ADA ramp requirements, along with residential and temporary wheelchair ramp rentals. To request a ramp design review or quote in New Jersey, contact us today.
FAQ: ADA Compliance with Wheelchair Ramps
When do ADA ramp requirements apply (commercial vs. residential)?
ADA ramp requirements do not apply to residential properties. They apply only to commercial businesses and public spaces, such as restaurants, retail shops, government buildings, and offices.
When are landings required for wheelchair ramps, and what size should landings be?
Ramps need landings at both the top and bottom of every run and whenever the ramp changes direction or exceeds 30 feet in length. The landings must be as wide as the ramp itself and at least 60 inches long.
When are handrails required on wheelchair ramps?
Handrails are required on ramps on both sides when the ramp has a rise greater than 6 inches.
Can an existing wheelchair ramp be modified to meet requirements?
Yes, an existing ramp can be modified or retrofitted to meet ADA ramp requirements.