USE OF STAIRCASE AND RAMPS

Factors must be consider in designing safer staircase:

• Stair Dimension
A - Optimal range: 30º-35º
B - Handrail height: between 2’8’’ and 3’6’’
C - Riser height: between o.4’’ and 0.6’’
D - Step width: 2’9’’ min.
E - Tread run: between 0.8’’ and 1’2’’

• Stair surface
To reduce the risk of slipping on stairs, non-slippery surface on the whole
steps or at least on the leading edges is important.
• Stair handrails
The prime function of the handrail is for holding as support while going up or down stairs.
Handrails must be “graspable”.

3’’min

• Visibility on stairs
Use angular lighting and colour contrast
Use matte finishes
Avoid patterned carpeting
RAMPS
It is essential to consider slope together with distance as sometimes a slightly steeper gradient
over a shorter length may be preferred to a very long ramp.

• Ratio
1:12 - recommended maximum ratio.

• Handrails
Handrails should be provided on both sides.

• Materials
Select materials that provide a firm, level surface
and are non-slip when wet or dry.
Wheel chair friendly materials:

• Enabling access for people with disabilities

• Use of assistive technology
• Benefits to everyone
OUTDOOR ACCESS
• Materials for paths and hard surfaces should be carefully chosen to
ensure safe and comfortable access for ambulant disabled people and
wheelchair users.
• Well constructed
• Firm
• Non slip level access
IN-SITU CONCRETE
• Low cost
• Durable
• Low maintenance
• Unattractive in raw state
• Texture should be given to give extra grip
ASPHALT AND TARMAC
• Low cost
• low maintenance.
• Good durability as long as preliminary
consolidation
• weed elimination are carried out.
• durable and easy to maintenance.
• Should be laid between solid edges.
'Stickiness' in hot weather can be a
problem.
HOGGIN
• Low cost depending on local source.
• Informal appearance.
• Provides good grip and level firm
surface as long as it is well prepared
and constructed.
• Has a tendency to rut easily,
particularly under wet conditions and
can be muddy. Not recommended for
wet areas.
BRICK PAVERS
• High cost.
• Attractive with range of colours and
grades.
• Useful for introducing contrast into
hard surfaces, or for edging.
• Products may vary in quality and
performance.
• Avoid ones that are slippery, uneven or
foot vulnerable. Good construction is
essential - poorly laid bricks are a
hazard.
WOOD
• Medium –
• high cost.
• Attractive, natural appearance.
• Main limitation is short life and risk
of becoming slippery.
• Can be coated with hot bitumen and
sharp sand or netting to improve grip.
• Must be well laid, and at right angles
to direction of travel so as not to trap
wheelchair wheels.
PATHS AND ROUTES
WIDTH OF PATH
• 2.0m : room for 2 wheelchairs, or two people, side by side.
1.5m : room for 1 wheelchair plus pedestrian alongside.
1.0m : room for 1 wheelchair with no room alongside.
• Paths alongside buildings should be designed to take account of
windows that open outwards.
CAMBER
• 1:50 - recommended maximum
1:100 - preferred maximum
• Cambers present difficulties for both wheelchair users and people
with visual impairments.
SURFACES
• Outdoor path surfaces should be firm,
• level, non-glare and non-slip when wet or dry.
• Loose materials, such as gravel, cobbles and uneven setts are not
recommended.
• Hard surfaces must have a well-consolidated sub-base to avoid the
surface cracking, moving or rutting