ADA Ramps

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Jason Fairbanks

August 18, 2024 07:48

1) If a ramp has a slope less than 5% but rises more than 6 inches, does it require handrails? Some sources say that if it’s less than 5%, the ADA does not consider this a ramp and therefore requires no handrails. However, other sources say that even if the slope is less than 5% BUT rises more than 6 inches, that it still requires handrails. 2) Also, if the “ramp” is less than 5%, is there some minimum horizontal distance when an intermediate landing is required? Can someone clarify this for me?

After some more research, I think I was able to find the answers:

1. If slope is less than 5%, no handrails required - no matter how high the ramp rises!  (Seems crazy but that’s the rule.  See Section 1012.8 IBC.   RAMPS (meaning any “walkway” greater than 5% running slope) with rise more than 6 inches, require handrails.  

2. A RAMP run requires a landing every 30 inches in vertical rise.  So, if it is a RAMP and rises more than 30 inches, you will need an intermediate landing.  However, again, if it is not a RAMP, than no intermediate landing is REQUIRED.  So, it could be a slope of 4% rise 10 feet and be 250 ft long, and not require either handrails or intermediate landings!  Seems crazy but true!

Someone correct me if I’m wrong. 

 

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  Jorge Perez Cueto August 26, 2024 18:44 (Edited August 26, 2024 18:49)

  Jason,

  1. ADA ramp slope is between 5% to 8.33%. Think of it this way. 4.99% is a sloping walk and handrails are not required. There are some ADA requirements for sloping walks, but you normally won't encounter that.

  2. If the slope is not 5% or greater than it's a sloping walk and ramp rules/ codes do not apply. When interpreting the Code, make sure that things fall within the perimeters and then apply the rules/ code. 

  3. Think of it this way. Take the max of 8.33% and convert it to feet and inches. 8.33% x 12" = 1" of rise. Therefore, for every 1" of rise there is 1'-0" of travel. Code says Intermediate landings are required for every 30" of rise.

  Examples

  1. A 25' ramp would only require a top and bottom landing. ( no intermediate landing)

  2. A 50' ramp would require a top and bottom landing plus 1 intermediate landing (50" of rise)

  3. A 75' ramp would require top and bottom landings plus 2 intermediate landings. (75" of rise)

  Hope this helps

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