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Is Your Wheelchair Ramp Up to Standard? Crucial Factors Every Property Owner Should Consider

Writer's picture: Total Acceess SolutionsTotal Acceess Solutions

Canada is home to around 240,000 wheelchair users, and it’s vital that these individuals are provided with safe, accessible indoor and outdoor spaces. Installing wheelchair ramps is a key part of improving accessibility in public and private settings. However, it can be a complicated process for property owners.


If you intend to add a wheelchair ramp to your home, it must comply with the latest standards for safety and practicality. In this post, we’ll look at the official recommendations and helpful tips to consider.


Official Recommendations for Wheelchair Ramps


The Government of Canada has the following recommendations for ramps in accessible housing:


  • Headroom: When installing a ramp in your property, the amount of headroom available is one of the most important factors to consider. Not everyone who uses a ramp will be a wheelchair user, as carers, loved ones, and visitors may need it for access too. Leave at least 2,100 mm (83 inches) of clear headroom above a ramp and landings.

  • Clear pathway: Another factor to think about when adding a ramp to an accessible property is obstructions. Any items that may encroach on a ramp and affect wheelchair users must be removed. For example, lights overhanging a ramp or flower boxes on a windowsill could pose a safety hazard.

  • Length: A wheelchair ramp should be a minimum of 12” long for every 1” of rise 12:1,(example: for a 36” rise from landing to ramp top, the ramp should be 36’ long). No single ramp should exceed 9 meters (30 feet) between landings.

  • Width: A ramp should have a clear width of 1,000 mm (39 inches). However, this does not include the space needed for additional accessibility aids (e.g. handrails). A property’s structure can impose strict limitations on the space available to install a ramp, but leaving as much width as possible to accommodate handrails and guards is vital for the safest user experience.

  • Level landings: When planning level landings, leave between 6 and 9 meters (20 and 30 feet) between them. They should be a minimum of 1,500 mm (60 inches) in length too. However, if a ramp landing features a turn or a change of direction, its size should be bigger — no less than 1,500x1,500x mm (or 60x60 inches).

  • Handrails: Handrails can make ramps safer and more convenient for all users. They provide a fixed handhold when moving up or down a ramp, allowing users to maintain a more comfortable and safe speed. All handrails over 24” must have handrails. They’re generally recommended for ramps that may be steeper than 1:20. Handrails should be positioned on both sides, between 860 and 915 mm (34 to 36 inches) higher than the ramp’s surface. Additional rails may be required for users of a shorter stature (e.g. children).

  • Further protection: If a building code does not require handrails on a wheelchair ramp, edge protection or a raised lip should be added instead. These should be at least 50 mm (2 inches). These can help protect users from trips and falls.


Key Factors When Building an Exterior Wheelchair Ramp


Adding a wheelchair ramp in one or more external areas is essential for an accessible property. This will give users the convenience and independence to come and go without needing to be helped up or down steps.


However, unlike interior ramps, exterior ramps are exposed to the elements. Rain, snow, ice — all of these can make using a ramp more difficult and dangerous. Keep this in mind when planning a ramp for any outdoor area.


Let’s look at a few tips to make sure your ramps are up to standard:


  • Consider a covered ramp: The simplest and most effective way to prevent your ramp’s surface from accumulating ice, snow, or rain is to fit a cover over it. This will keep the surface dry and clear, allowing for a smooth experience without the need to remove potential hazards. However, installing a covered ramp is not always practical or affordable.

  • Minimize the ramp’s exposure: If a covered wheelchair ramp is out of the question, install the ramp on the side of the property that tends to be affected less by windblown rain and snow. That can make a significant difference.

  • Choose a durable surface material: You can choose from different materials for a ramp’s surface, including wood and concrete. Some will suit your property’s aesthetic more than others, but you should primarily choose a material for practical reasons. The more durable a material is, the more convenient it will be to shovel and treat without fear of damaging it.

  • Treat the ramp’s surface to prevent slippage: A wheelchair ramp can become slippery when exposed to rain, snow, or ice for long enough. You should treat the surface to make it slip resistant: this will reduce the risk of users falling and suffering injuries. Certain surfaces may have a non-slip treatment as standard, while others (e.g. wood) can be treated independently. Wooden ramps, for instance, can be made safer by using paint containing sand. However, it’s best to seek advice before trying any anti-slip treatment.

  • Lighting: Adequate lighting should be installed near a ramp to improve safety. This is especially important when one or more members of a household has a vision impairment. Painting handrails with contrasting colors or applying colored strips can make them more easily visible too.

  • Check with your local building department: You may need to request a permit from a local building department before you add a ramp to your property. Even if you believe you won’t need a permit, check with the department to avoid potential fines or legal action.


Adding a Wheelchair Ramp to Your Home


If you plan to install a ramp inside or outside your property, consider these recommendations and tips carefully before you start. However, hiring a professional team to handle the installation is the most efficient and reliable option.


Total Access Solutions can provide you with the right wheelchair ramp for your property at a competitive price. Our expert team will discuss your needs during a virtual or at-home consultation — get in touch today to schedule yours.

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