Cross falls can cause stability and control problems for a range of building users. Curved ramps should be avoided as they are more difficult to negotiate by wheelchair users, those with buggies and those using walking aids. Clear identification of the edges of a ramp will assist all users. Ramps need to be wide enough to facilitate the movement of people, and furniture or other bulky objects between floors. This will provide consistency and familiarity to building users. Ramps need to have certain characteristics to make their use as easy as possible:

The design of the ramp should accommodate its convenient and easy use by a wide range of people. Ensure the start or end of a flight can be identified visually by contrasting landing and sloping finishes.ĭ1.3.1 Access routes shall enable people to: (c) move into spaces within buildings by such means as corridors, doors, stairs, ramps and liftsĭ1.3.4 An accessible route, in addition to the requirement of Clause D1.3.3, shall: (a) be easy to find, as required by Clause F8 Signs Ease of use.Ensure handrails contrast with wall finishes.Introduce changes in the auditory environment to give notification of the presence of a ramp (e.g.Use different floor finishes to lead to the ramp.Draw attention to a ramp by using higher levels of local lighting.Position stairs, lifts and ramps in the same location in the building to allow building users to choose their preferred method of changing level.Where possible avoid the design of level changes which would result in the need for a ramp or stairs.At the start of a ramp, identification of the handrail together with a discernible change in luminance between level and sloping floor surfaces will give visual indications of a gradient change.įor those who are blind or have low vision, visual contrast and lighting may not provide sufficient warning of the presence of a ramp. The ramp should be located in a logical position and be easily recognisable.īy co-locating staircases with step-free routes, those who cannot or do not wish to use the staircase will have an alternative option nearby.īuilding users who miss the transition between level and sloping surfaces risk falling.

Ramp walk falls