Safety Assured with Wooden Wheelchair Ramps

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Safety Assured with Wooden Wheelchair Ramps

Saturday, May 31st, 2008 Subscribe To Our Feed

Wooden wheelchair ramps are widely installed in homes. Most residences with handicapped individuals prefer to build ramps themselves. This way, durability, safety and ease of use can be ensured. Most of these ramps are available in modular kits. Modular wheelchair ramps are usually installed by securing nuts and bolts to attach the ramp floor, rails, deck and landing systems. Such wheelchair ramps can be permanent or temporary.

Wooden wheelchair ramps are often designed according to specific installation standards. Usually, the designs of the ramps are based on the slope, rise and the fixing of the handrails. Modular wooden wheelchair ramps have a maximum slope of one inch of rise per 12 inches of run. The maximum rise for most runs is 30 inches, while the maximum run is also 30 inches.

The wheelchair ramp’s minimum inner clearance or width has to be 36 inches. Keep in mind that landing systems for both top and bottom of every run are provided. Meanwhile, the landing width should be the same as the ramp itself, but it should be at least 60 inches in length. Handrails are also required especially if the ramp ratio exceeds 1:15. They are often placed on both sides with a distance of between 30-38 inches from the ramp floor.

The materials used for these kinds of ramps are really important. Although most wooden Wheelchair Ramps are modular, you still have to inquire about the wood. The surface should not be slippery. Generally, pressure treated wood is the best material to use. The essential features are always safety and durability.

It is strongly suggested that the wooden surface be treated. This way, termites and other pests will not damage or destroy the ramp floor. Never forget to use galvanized deck screws (at least 3 inches). Also, rainy seasons or any wet situations can make the floor slippery. Always cover the ramp with rolled roofing, or plastic carpet runners. They are mostly available in your local hardware store.

We commonly see wheelchair ramps almost everywhere, making one out of wood has to be treated properly so termites and other pest will not damage or destroy it causing unwanted accidents.

Folding Ramps Trifold Advantage Series Portable Wheelchair Ramps