Wheelchair ramps are designed to ensure safe and convenient access for wheelchair users. There are some common standards and specifications internationally that guide the design and construction of wheelchair ramps. The following are some of the main international standards and specifications.
ISO 21542:2019
ISO 21542:2019 is an international standard for barrier-free design of buildings and related facilities issued by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The standard specifies the design requirements for wheelchair ramps in detail, including requirements for slope, width, handrails, surface materials, etc. The specific requirements are as follows:
- Slope: The slope of the ramp should not be greater than 1:12 (that is, for every 1 meter of rise, the horizontal distance should not be less than 12 meters). If the length of the ramp exceeds 12 meters, a rest platform with a width of not less than 150 cm needs to be set up in the middle.
- Width: The minimum width of the ramp should be 120 cm. If the length of the ramp exceeds 15 meters, a rest platform with a width of not less than 180 cm needs to be set up in the middle.
- Handrails: Handrails should be provided on both sides of the ramp, and the height of the handrails should be 85 cm to 95 cm. The handrails should be provided continuously without interruption.
- Surface material: The surface material of the ramp should be non-slip, wear-resistant and easy to clean. The color of the surface material should be coordinated with the surrounding environment to avoid visual obstruction.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a law enacted by the U.S. federal government to protect the rights and interests of people with disabilities. The act also has detailed provisions for the design of wheelchair ramps. The specific requirements are as follows:
- Slope: The slope of the ramp should not be greater than 1:12. If the length of the ramp exceeds 30 feet (about 9 meters), a rest platform with a width of not less than 60 inches (about 152 cm) needs to be provided in the middle.
- Width: The minimum width of the ramp should be 36 inches (about 91 cm). If the length of the ramp exceeds 30 feet (about 9 meters), a rest platform with a width of not less than 60 inches (about 152 cm) needs to be provided in the middle.
- Handrails: Handrails should be provided on both sides of the ramp, and the height of the handrails should be 34 inches to 38 inches (about 86 cm to 97 cm). The handrails should be provided continuously without interruption.
- Surface material: The surface material of the ramp should be non-slip, wear-resistant and easy to clean. The color of the surface material should be coordinated with the surrounding environment to avoid visual obstruction.
UK Building Regulations
The UK Building Regulations are a regulation issued by the UK government to ensure the safety and functionality of buildings. The regulations also have detailed provisions for the design of wheelchair ramps. The specific requirements are as follows:
- Slope: The slope of the ramp should not be greater than 1:12. If the length of the ramp exceeds 12 meters, a rest platform with a width of not less than 150 cm needs to be set in the middle.
- Width: The minimum width of the ramp should be 90 cm. If the length of the ramp exceeds 12 meters, a rest platform with a width of not less than 150 cm needs to be set in the middle.
- Handrails: Handrails should be set on both sides of the ramp, and the height of the handrails should be 90 cm to 100 cm. The handrails should be set continuously without interruption.
- Surface material: The surface material of the ramp should be non-slip, wear-resistant and easy to clean. The color of the surface material should be coordinated with the surrounding environment to avoid visual obstruction.
Conclusion
Wheelchair ramps are designed to ensure that wheelchair users can pass safely and conveniently. There are some common standards and specifications internationally to guide the design and construction of wheelchair ramps. By complying with these standards and specifications, better access conditions can be provided for wheelchair users and their quality of life can be improved.