The Disability Discrimination
Act (DDA) came into full
effect in October 2004. The Act has implications
for the placement of wheelchair
ramps and scooter
ramps, and applies to all UK service providers
- from pubs, hairdressers, newsagents to accountants,
schools and doctors' surgeries.
The key point to bear in mind is the DDA’s
phrase: "Where a physical feature (for example, one
arising from the design or construction of a building
or the approach or access to premises)
makes it impossible or unreasonably difficult
for disabled persons to make use of such
a service, it is the duty of the provider of that service
to take such steps as it is reasonable". The DDA
calls for "reasonable adjustments" to be made.
There are recommendations concerning portable
ramps in BS8300:2001. Ratio
Guidelines (as recommended by the DDA
and DRC). For every inch (1
inch = 25 mm) in step height you need inches of ramp length
in the following ratios –
-
1:6
ratio - for assisted wheelchair
-
1:12
ratio - for self propelled wheelchair user on temporary
ramp
- 1:15
ratio - for all permanently fixed ramps.
Using the above DDA and DRC recommended ratios
the minimum recommended ramp
lengths are as follows.
For assisted wheelchairs:
-
Height of Step 1 inch Step –
6 inch Ramp, 2 inch Step – 1
foot Ramp, 4 inch Step – 2 foot
Ramp, 6 inch Step – 3 foot Ramp.
-
Height of Step 1 inch Step –
1 foot Ramp, 2 inch Step – 2
foot Ramp, 4 inch Step – 4 foot
Ramp, 6 inch Step – 6 foot Ramp.
-
Height of Step 1 inch Step –
1 foot 3 inch Ramp, 2 inch Step –
2 foot 6 inch Ramp, 4 inch Step – 5
foot Ramp, 6 inch Step – 7 foot
6 inch Ramp.
According to ADAAG, many persons who
use wheelchairs need a 30 inch (760 mm)
clear opening width for doorways, gates,
and the like, when the latter are entered head-on. If
the person is unfamiliar with a building, if competing
traffic is heavy, if sudden or frequent movements are
needed, or if the wheelchair must be
turned at an opening, then greater clear
widths are needed. For most situations,
the addition of an inch of leeway on either side is sufficient.
Thus, a minimum clear width of 32 in (815 mm) will provide
adequate clearance. However, when an
opening or a restriction in a passageway
is more than 24 in (610 mm) long, it is essentially a
passageway and must be at least 36 in (915 mm) wide. With
regards wheelchair turning space, these
guidelines specify a minimum space of 60 in (1525 mm)
diameter or a 60 in by 60 in (1525 mm by 1525 mm) T-shaped
space for a pivoting 180-degree turn of a wheelchair.
This space is usually satisfactory for turning around,
but many people will not be able to turn without repeated
tries and bumping into surrounding objects. The minimum
width for two wheelchairs to pass is 60 in (1525 mm).
For more help
and information about The
Disability Discrimination Act (DDA), wheelchair
and scooter ramps, call 01704
506509 now, or contact
us here.
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