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HAP Ramp Specifications

• Ramps cannot have a slope in excess of 1:12 (one foot of ramp required for each inch of vertical difference between the top and bottom of the ramp).
• No single run of ramp can exceed 30 feet in length, unless it has a 5 foot long, level, resting area at its mid-point.
• Ramp structures must be constructed wide enough (usually 42-48 inches) so that the inside, clear width between mounted handrails is at least 36 inches.
• Ramps must have a 5 foot by 5 foot clear, level landing at its top and at any turns. The landing at the top should be at the entrance door threshold elevation and provide at least 18 inches of clear landing to the side of the latch.
• A level concrete pad, 5 feet by 5 feet, with a brush finish, should be constructed at the bottom of the ramp. This concrete pad should have its top level with the top of the bottom of the ramp so there is a smooth transition from the pad onto the ramp. This concrete pad should also be level with the driveway or parking area.
• Ramps should have a non-skid surface and be kept clear of snow and ice.
• For stability, ramps must be supported by 4 x 4 vertical posts every 4-6 feet. On each side of the ramp, there should be two 2 x 6 horizontal boards attached to the 4 x 4 vertical posts. The lower 2 x 6 should be placed with its lower edge 3 inches above the ramp surface. The higher 2 x 6 should be placed with its top edge 38 inches above the ramp surface.
• Ramps need handrails on each side which are 1-1/4- 1-1/2 inches in diameter and are mounted on the higher horizontal 2 x 6 board in #7 above, so that their top edges are 34 - 38 inches above the ramp surface, at a height comfortable for the customer. Be certain that the distance between the handrails is 36 inches. (5/4 boards, 2 x 2's, 2 x 4's or 2 x 6's are not handrails). These handrails must extend at least 12 inches beyond the top and bottom of the ramp, be rounded, and be level with the pad or landing. Handrail gripping surfaces shall be continuous, free of slivers, and shall not rotate within their fittings. The space between the handrails and the wall of the building or the sideboards of the ramp shall be 1-1/2 inches.
• On each side of the ramp and landings, there shall be a curb at least 2 inches high or a board with its bottom no more than 3 inches above the ramp surfaces. This will prevent the smaller front wheels of a wheelchair from going off the edge of the ramp.