inCommunity.ca

Ramps

  HR

NOTE: Specifications and figures are provided from Accessible Design for the Built Environment, Registered trade-mark of Canadian Standards Association, 2004; Canadian Standards Association, 5060 Spectrum Way, Suite 100 Mississauga, Ontario L4W 5N6. Measurement Scale used: 25.4 mm = 2.54 cm = 1 inch

 

Ramp Information Specification Sheet (printable pdf verison)

  Ramp Specifications

Allowable Slopes and Required Handrails

Maximum Slope Maximum Length

Maximum Height

Minimum Width

Handrails

1:20

none

none

920 mm
or
36 inches

none

1:16

12000  mm
or
40 feet

750  mm
or
30 inches

920  mm
or
36 inches

Handrails on 2 sides if over 2000 mm
or
80 inches

1:12

9000  mm
or
30 feet

750  mm
or
30 inches

920  mm
or
36 inches

Handrails on 2 sides if over 2000 mm
or
80 inches

 

  • The slope of the ramp should be as gentle as possible. The steeper the ramp, the more likely persons in wheelchairs will require some assistance.
  • The slope should be no steeper than 1:12. This means a rise of 300 mm (12 inches) for every 3660 mm (144 inches or 12 feet) of ramp length.
  • The maximum cross slope of the ramp is 1:50.

 

If the ramp is not adjacent to a wall, an edge protection is required:

 

  • A curb with a minimum height of 75 mm (3 inches)
  • A raised barrier with its lower edge not more than 75 mm 93 inches) from the ramp.
  • A rail with the bottom edge not more than 75 mm (3 inches) from the ramp.

  Landings

Landings should be available:

 

  • At the top and bottom of a ramp.
  • Whenever there is a change in the direction of a ramp.

 

The landing should:

 

  • Be at least as wide as the widest ramp run leading to it.
  • Have a minimum length of 1500 mm (59 inches).
  • Have a minimum size not less than 1500 mm (59 inches) x 1500 mm (59 inches) if served by a doorway.

Free Standing Ramp Diagram

Ramps and Landings - Diagram 1

Ramps and Landings - Diagram 2

  Handrails

Handrails should:

 

  • Be provided on both sides of the ramp.
  • Be continuous and extend at least 300 mm (12 inches) beyond the bottom and the top of the ramp and return to the wall or the floor.
  • Be at a height of 860 mm (34 inches) to 920 mm (36 inches).
  • Be at the top and the bottom of the ramp.
  • Provide tactile cues for persons with visual impairments and provide support for persons who need help to negotiate ramps.
  • The diameter of the handrails should be between 30 mm (1 1/4 inches) and 40 mm (1 3/4 inches).
  • Be free of any sharp or abrasive elements.
  • Have a handrail shape that is easy to grasp.

Handrail Shapes Diagram

  Ramp and Floor Surfaces

 

Ramps should be protected from rain, ice and snow.

All floor surfaces should be slip resistant. Below is a table rating slip resistant floor surfaces.

 

Material Used Dry and Unpolished Wet
Clay tiles (Carborundum Finish) Very Good Very Good
Carpet Very Good Good
Clay Tiles (Textured) Very Good Good
Cork Tiles Very Good Good
PVC with Non Slip Granules Very Good Good
PVC Very Good Poor to Fair
Rubber (Sheet or Tiles) Very Good Very Poor
Mastic Asphalt Good Good
Vinyl Asbestos Tiles Good Fair
Linoleum Good Poor to Fair
Concrete Good Poor to Fair
Concrete (Abrasive Grain Finish) Very Good Very Good
Concrete (Broom Textured) Very Good Good
Granolithic Good Poor to Fair
Cast Iron Good Poor to Fair
Clay Tiles Good Poor to Fair
Terrazzo Good Poor to Fair