Getting a wheelchair ramp installed in your home or workplace is a great way to guarantee ease of mobility for those with physical disabilities who frequent your residence or business! Here are some things to keep in mind before, during, and after installation!
Before Installation
- Always check building codes and city regulations before beginning installation. Be aware of any limitations to avoid fines and other repercussions when installing a wheelchair in a public place—and get a permit if necessary.
- Consider the size of the wheelchair(s) that will be using the ramp. Make sure you have plenty of space along the width of the ramp, as well as at the top and bottom.
- Plan out smooth ramp-to-ground transitions. If the ramp isn’t even with the surface it is built upon, the wheelchair user risks falling from the chair and injuring themselves if the wheels get stuck.
During Installation
- The lower the incline, the better! Ramps with low inclines are the easiest and safest to use. The suggested grade for a wheelchair ramp incline is one inch of height for every one foot of length/depth.
- Once the ramp floor is securely in place, you can test proper handrail height by guiding the person in the wheelchair slowly up the ramp—have them lift their arms and find a height that is most comfortable for them.
- If your handrails are made of wood, apply coating to them so that the user will not risk getting a splinter if they need to suddenly grab them for stability.
After Installation
- Apply an anti-slip surface to your ramp once it has been installed. This comes highly recommended by buildingom safety experts, and can be made from commercial non-slip grit tape, strips of shingling/roofing, or a mixture of polyurethane and sand.
- Pay special attention to weather conditions, and remember that the ramp’s surface can be made slick by rain, snow, and ice.
- Properly care for and maintain the ramp, checking it periodically to ensure that the strength and sturdiness hasn’t been compromised by frequent use.
To guarantee your wheelchair ramp installation is completed as safely as possible, consider hiring a professional! Freedom Mobility is a mobility service provider in Hanover, MD specializing in wheelchair ramp installations and other mobility solutions. To learn about the different types of wheelchair ramps we offer or to schedule your wheelchair ramp installation, contact us today!