Tips to purchasing/hiring an Access Ramp

Ramps permit wheelchair/powerchair/scooter users, as well as people pushing rollators or other wheeled objects, to more easily access their home, a building or a vehicle.

Ramps come in a number of varieties each intended for a different purpose.

Ramps permit wheelchair/powerchair/scooter users, as well as people pushing rollators or other wheeled objects, to more easily access their home , a building or a vehicle. Ramps come in a number of varieties each intended for a different purpose.

Portable ramps are lightweight, usually aluminium and typically fold for ease of transport. Semi-permanent ramps are normally attached to the top step via drop-in pins or bolts and are designed for regular usage.

To decide which style of ramp works best, you need to ask yourself several questions namely:

• Do you require your ramp to be portable or semi-permanent?
• How long would you like the ramp?
• How high in total are your step/s or vehicle floor?
• How wide and heavy is your wheelchair or scooter?
• Do you need to carry the ramp with you to use at your destination?
• What kind of weight are you expecting it will have to support?
• How much space do you have to lay down/store the ramp?

Answering these questions will assist in narrowing down the choices and finding a portable/semi-permanent access ramp that works best for your needs. Normally access ramps should have a minimum carrying capacity of at least 240 kg but much stronger ramps are available.

Ramps and The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA)

The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) came into full effect in October 2004. The Act has implications for the placement of portable and semi-permanent ramps and applies to all UK service providers, commercial or otherwise.

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 the following ratios:

• 1:6 ratio - for assisted wheelchair access
• 1:12 ratio - for unassisted wheelchair access

With regards wheelchair turning space ,guidelines suggest a minimum space of 48 in(1200mm) by 48in(1200mm).