The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires most businesses and facilities to provide reasonable access and accommodations for all disabled customers, clients, and members of the public. If your business needs to figure out a way to be ADA compliant, a good way to get there is by renting a ramp. Here’s what you need to know about renting a ramp to make your business ADA compliant.
ADA Business Building Requirements
When you rent a ramp for your business, you’ll need to follow ADA ramp requirements. The ADA requires that business and government buildings first occupied after January 26, 1993, be accessible to individuals with mobile disabilities. That means those buildings need to have accessible entrances that are either level with the street or reachable by ramp, as opposed to climbing stairs. Even if a commercial building was built before 1993, owners are still required to have ramps if “readily achievable” to be installed.
Ramp Requirements
For your commercial ramp to be ADA compliant, it must follow these guidelines:
- A maximum slope of 1:12
- A maximum rise for any run of 30 inches
- A clear width of 36 inches
- Level landings at the top and bottom
- Handrails if a ramp has a rise greater than six inches or a horizontal projection greater than 72 inches
- A cross slope of ramp surfaces no greater than 1:50
- Curbs, walls, railings, or projection surfaces for ramps and landings with drop-offs
- Designed so that water doesn’t accumulate on the walking surface
Benefits of Renting a Ramp
In addition to being ADA-compliant, your business can benefit from renting a ramp.
Minimize Risk of Injury ー Even people without a physical disability can slip and fall on stairs. With a wheelchair ramp, you minimize the risk of that happening.
Accommodating For People With Disabilities ー Sometimes a simple wheelchair ramp is all someone needs to have the confidence to go into a commercial building. Without a wheelchair ramp, businesses seem less inviting to those with physical disabilities.
Everyone Will Benefit ー Some people don’t like going up and down stairs. A wheelchair ramp is a welcomed alternative to those who feel uncomfortable using the stairs.
Maryland Ramp Rentals
Freedom Mobility has the ramp rentals your business needs to be ADA compliant. No matter if your business needs a modular ramp, a portable ramp, or a transition angled entry ramp, we have the perfect solution. Stop by our Hanover, MD showroom to learn more, or give us a call at (443) 251-3053.