How Can I Use Portable Ramps on Stairs?
We often think that some steps are enough to place portable ramps on them to overcome an architectural barrier!
The truth is that we are only aware of our needs once we find ourselves in that situation. Unfortunately, there is a lack of information and knowledge about what and how to solve the accessibility of our environments.
Many of you ask us what portable ramps you can use, especially to eliminate architectural barriers on steps in your house, when accessing a terrace or inside a business, or, of course, the classic problem of coexistence and accessibility in a property owned by owners and communities.
We hope to help you with our post to recognize your needs better and avoid choosing inappropriate portable ramps that risk users’ safety.
1. The first thing is to know the height of the barrier and the space available to develop the ramp.
Let’s start looking for a solution based on its price. In that case, we may choose an inadequate, dangerous, or useless solution in practice, wasting money in most cases or putting the user and his companion at risk.
Before searching for your solution, collect the exact data of what you want to solve.
2. What information do I need to choose accessibility portable ramps?
This is free and will save you a lot of money and trouble; measure exactly and know what you have to save; more or less is useless to you.
Take your time, take a tape measure, paper, and a pencil, draw a basic sketch of the barrier, measure and write down all the data, the height of all steps, the footprint (where you place your foot to climb the step), measure the width of the step, and above all, the fundamental data, write down the measurement of the space you have available from the end of the step to the first thing that bothers you, be it the door or a wall. The steel one thinks that the ramp will occupy that space.
Be clear if the elimination is for a public body or an establishment or if you want it to resolve accessibility for a particular person.
Each case is different. It is a fact to consider when choosing the portable wheelchair ramps you need. The elimination of architectural barriers in particular environments can be adapted to the situation of each one; in public environments, the general rule must be followed. It will give you an idea of what % slope is allowed and what ramp length you will need to comply with the standard that will apply to you.
3. The general rule is that ideally, you have between 130 and 250 cm per step length of the ramp
For a person with reduced mobility, a wheelchair user, to be able to cross the stairs with portable ramps with guarantees and safety, especially in public environments, we must follow certain minimum requirements established by CTE, which states ramps should not exceed between 6-10% depending on the length of the same.
This means that for a difference in the level of a step 17 cm high, we must develop portable ramps between 170 and 250 centimeters to incline according to regulations. But don’t be scared; there may be some exceptions to the rule, especially for non-fixed ramps; with them, we can reach slopes of up to 12%, but each circumstance is different.
4. Without space, there is no possibility of eliminating the barrier with ramps.
If you need that space, opt for other mechanical or electrical systems. Save stairs and elevators, not a ramp.
Also, consider the space in front of the portable ramps; wheelchair users require a minimum space of between 125/150 cm free in front of the ramp to be able to maneuver when exiting and entering the ramp. You must have that space, which is necessary for the chair to maneuver; a ramp is only useful if you can get out or enter it comfortably.
5. Now it’s time to choose between permanent, semi-permanent, or occasional ramps.
Portable ramps to eliminate architectural barriers must always be 1-way wide; at least 75 cm. Two-way ramps should not be considered a solution to eliminate a barrier. The double ramps are designed primarily for loading electric chairs. The double ramps are designed to load electric chairs to vehicles without users.
Ideally, portable ramps should always be installed. There are many situations that, due to their nature, do not allow the construction or installation of permanent ramps. This should be an adequate barrier for the architectural barrier to prevent access to people who require it.