What are access ramps, current regulations, and types?

The purpose of these ramps is to connect two surfaces that are at different levels. When installing or building them, you have several options, both in terms of materials and design, which can be fixed or mobile. Accessibility ramps can improve your quality of life and that of your vehicles. Accessibility ramps can be useful for avoiding curbs at the entrance to establishments and, on the other hand, can make an establishment or building accessible. Specifically, ramps for wheelchairs and for people with reduced mobility allow overcoming vertical height differences and can be used by anyone with permanent or temporary mobility issues. Ramps are one of the most common accessibility measures. However, they are the most viable option to guarantee access for people with disabilities, replacing conventional stairs or devices and tools that contain a higher electronic component and are therefore more expensive. Currently, we can see them in commercial premises as well as in buildings and public spaces, private homes, or residential communities.

Types of accessibility ramps for vehicles and people

Given that the main use of these ramps is to connect or level two areas that are at different levels, both outdoors and indoors. There are different types of construction and materials as well as design. Before installing any ramp, it is necessary to consider the regulations in force in the municipality where the location where the ramp will be installed is located and also take into account the architectural barrier to be overcome, the environment in which it is located, the different accesses, and the geometric conditions of the place. Therefore, we can find different types and models of ramps according to our needs:

1. Fixed concrete ramps

This type of access element is permanent and is usually placed to overcome a medium to high slope. As an architectural element, it must be properly integrated into the environment. They are permanent ramps. Whether at the entrance of a garage, building, or single-family home, these ramps must be coherent with the environment and form an architectural unit in addition to complying with the current regulations on access ramps.

2. Fixed prefabricated ramps

These are preferably used when overcoming a slope in areas with low traffic flow. Although they are fixed, they can be easily moved. For example, they are the type of ramps you will find in gardens of private homes and in access to natural parks. Fixed prefabricated ramps are used to overcome small height differences mainly in garages and parking lots of single-family homes or access to warehouses and industries. Although they can be fixed, they can be easily moved.

3. Foldable ramps

Foldable and portable ramps are mainly used for small height differences. They are very practical because they can be easily moved, transported, and stored. When stored, their size is reduced by half. Foldable ramps for wheelchairs allow overcoming small height differences on specific occasions and can be easily moved, transported, and stored.

4. Telescopic ramps

They are formed by two independent lanes that allow shortening or lengthening the ramp, adapting to the user's needs. Telescopic accessibility ramps are formed by two independent lanes, which can vary in length according to the needs. Thanks to this feature, with them, you can overcome different types of slopes and heights. They also have different widths so you can choose the one that suits you best according to your circumstances.

Current regulations for access ramps

According to current regulations, access ramps for people with disabilities must meet the following criteria:

Slope of the access ramp:

The slope of a vehicle ramp depends on its length. In ramps less than 3 meters, the slope will not exceed 10% of the height difference; if the ramp is between 3 and 6 meters long, the maximum incline will be 8%; and if it is longer than 6 meters, the slope will not exceed 6%. Furthermore, the transverse slope will never exceed 2%.

Width of the ramp:

Ramps for wheelchairs must have a minimum width of 1.2 meters.

Length of the ramp:

The length of access ramps for people with disabilities varies depending on the context, although its maximum length is 9 meters. If a ramp is longer, intermediate landings of at least 1.5 meters long and the same width as the ramp must be built.

Accessories on the ramp:

Vehicle ramps must be non-slip and have double handrails and a curb or edge to prevent accidents. At Grupo Divetis S.L., we are experts in offering protection, prevention, and safety solutions.

Regulations regarding access ramps in parking lots

The conditions that access ramps in private parking lots must meet will be determined by the specific regulations of each municipality. These urban planning rules will define both the minimum dimensions of parking spaces and the dimensions of the parking access, the number of spaces reserved for large vehicles, etc. All of these are rules to guarantee the safety of the parking lot. They also specify the width of the driveways and all matters related to parking and its structure. It is established, therefore, that parking areas must have an access and waiting space before merging with the exterior, which must have a minimum depth of 4.5 meters and a maximum slope of 5%. The parking lot access must allow vehicles to enter and exit frontally without the need for maneuvering or reversing to adjust it. It is mandatory to have at least one independent pedestrian access. In turn, for it to be considered independent, it must meet the following requirements:

• Width of at least 800 mm.
• Be protected, either with protective barriers at least 800 mm high or with pavement one level above.

Access ramps to garages or parking lots must have the following characteristics: - One-way road, with a minimum width of 3 m if it is a straight guideline and 3.5 m if it is a curved guideline. It must be used exclusively as an entrance or exit for vehicles. - Two-way road, with the same characteristics mentioned above and also usable exclusively as an entrance or exit for vehicles. - Road with two different directions. One entry and one exit direction, allowing vehicles to cross. In these cases, the minimum width for a straight guideline will be 6 m (3 m per direction). If, on the other hand, they are curved guidelines, they must be 7 m (3.5 m per direction). All these solutions are applicable to access ramps and communication between floors.