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Buildings

6.2 Ramps

An approach of 1 in 20 or steeper should be treated as a ramp.

Contents

External ramps

Gradients should be as gentle as the circumstances allow. This is more convenient for wheelchair users and people with walking difficulties.

Steps should also be provided as an alternative, separate approach in conjunction with ramps. Stepped ramps, i.e. incorporating one or more steps, should not be used.

Weather protection and good lighting and signing are important (see 5.11 Lighting and 4.3 Signs and Notices).

Ramps need to be wider at some locations to cater for more users, e.g. at travel terminals, public halls and stadia. On longer ramps, separate signed up and down streams can be provided, with a minimum clear width of 1000mm between side and centre handrails. Handrails should comply with the specifications in 6.4 Handrails, and steps with 6.3 Steps and Stairs.

Perspective of external ramp

Perspective drawing illustrating the design criteria for a ramp at the side of the building wall with separate stepped approach. At the bottom of the ramp there is a minimum unobstructed level space of 1800mm by 1800mm. The maximum gradient of the ramp is 1 in 20 with double height handrails to both sides and a minimum of 100mm upstand on the open side. Length of ramps between landings 10m for a 1in 15 to 1 in 20 slope and 5m for a 1 in 12 to 1 in 15 slope. Intermediate landings between flights of ramps at least 1800mm long. A level landing is at the top of the ramp measuring 1800mm before the doorway into the building with the door opening outwards. The landing extends out from the building to the width of both the ramp and the separate steps. A guard rail follows the upstand on the open edge of the landing and stairs wall. The guard rail becomes the handrail on the open side of the steps, whilst the at the top of the ramp the handrail returns back down the steps.

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