The edges must be constructed in a way that people won't slip off.Ramps have to be at least 36 inches wide.Some other requirements to keep in mind include: This basically means that for every inch that ramp gets higher, it must have 20 inches or "run" or horizontal length. Specific Measurements For Creating An Accessible RouteĪccording to the Americans With Disabilities Act, a ramp is a sloping figure with a slope of more than 1:20. Other than an ADA ramp, elevators and certain lifts could be used instead, depending on various factors. While this might not seem like a significant elevation change, people using wheelchairs and other accessibility and mobility devices need to be able to get inside, and without a ramp, they might not be able to. The Basics Of ADA Compliant RampsĪccording to chapter four of the ADA Accessibility standards, ramps and curb ramps are needed for changes in level that are more than half an inch. This guide will lay out the basics of the rules for curb ramps, ramps, and ramp handrails. Many potential customers will appreciate these efforts and be more likely to frequent your business if they aren't met with unequal access based on their health and physical capabilities. It's important from a legal standpoint to follow the ADA standards, and it will also make your business safer and more comfortable for all members of your community. Without adequate ramps and railings, people who use wheelchairs or who have other disabilities may have difficulty getting in and out of your building. One vital area of accessibility for businesses is handrail requirements and ramp regulations. But, while you may be doing your best to follow these guidelines, it can seem a bit confusing at first. The Americans With Disabilities Act outlines the standards and laws that must be followed to make reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities. At each end, the extension must return to a wall or the walking surface or continue to the handrail of an attached stair flight (sections 505.10.2 and 505.10.3).When working to make your businesses accessible to many individuals, you may have questions about the exact requirements. At the bottom of the stair flight, the handrail must extend at the slope of the stairs for at least equal to one tread depth beyond the last riser nosing. How far does a handrail need to extend?Īt the top of a stair flight, the handrail must extend parallel to the ground for 12 inches minimum starting above the first riser nosing. In assembly areas, extensions are not required where aisles provide access to seating (sections 505.10.2 and 505.10.3). Handrail gripping surfaces must extend beyond and in the same direction of stairways, although extensions are not required for inside turns in switchback or dogleg configurations. Extensions Do handrails need to extend past the stairway? One exception is that handrails do not have to be continuous in assembly areas on aisles with access to seating, such as a theatre (section 505.3). Handrails must be continuous within the full length of each flight of a stairway, including switchback or dogleg configurations. Do handrails need to be continuous within stairways? One exception is assembly areas where a handrail is provided within the aisle width or at either side of the aisle (section 505.2). Handrails are required on both sides of a stairway. Do I need to provide a handrail on both sides of a stairway? The standard does not apply to more uncommon stairway configurations such as alternating tread devices, ship’s ladders, and aisle stairs in assembly areas (section 210). You are required to provide an ADA compliant handrail in an interior or exterior stairway if it is the only option for entering or leaving an area. General Questions Do I need an ADA handrail in my stairway? This article only covers regulations unique to handrails on stairways. For more information on best practices and a summary of general ADA handrail requirements, see our guide to handrails here. A complete list of ADA requirements can be found at or a more accessible version at Handrails are only required for stairways and ramps, but it’s best practice to install a handrail in areas where people may be at risk of falling. We hope that this article provides a brief overview of ADA regulations for handrails specific to stairways. If you’re designing a building with plans for stairs, you may find yourself uncertain about requirements for handrails that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
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