Safety Assured with Wooden Wheelchair Ramps | Disability

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To make your house completely safe from accidents, why not install a wooden wheelchair ramp? Wooden wheelchair ramps are installed in many residences. Many households with handicapped members prefer to build these ramps themselves. This way, accessibility, safety, durability, and ease of use can be ensured. Many of these ramps are available in modular kits. Modular wheelchair ramps are usually installed by securing nuts and bolts to the ramp floor, deck, rails and landing systems. These wheelchair ramps can be temporary or permanent or temporary.

These wheelchair ramps come with specific installation standards. Usually, the designs of the ramps are associated with the slope, rise and the fixing of the handrails. Modular wooden wheelchair ramps have a maximum slope of one inch of rise per 12 inches of run. The maximum rise for most runs is 30 inches. The maximum run is also 30 inches.

The wooden wheelchair ramp's minimum inner clearance or width should be 36 inches. Remember that landing systems for both top and bottom of every run are provided. Meanwhile, the landing width should be equal to the ramp itself, but it should be at least 60 inches in length. Handrails are also required especially if the ramp ratio is more than 1:15. They are often placed on both sides with a distance of about 30 to 38 inches from the ramp floor.

For these kinds of ramps, the type of wood they are made of is really important. Although they are mostly modular, always inquire about the wood. Remember that the surface should not be slippery. Generally, pressure treated wood is best. The essential points are always durability and safety.

It is strongly suggested that the wooden surface be treated. This way, termites and other pests will not damage or destroy the ramp floor. Never forget to use galvanized deck screws (at least 3 inches). Also, rainy seasons or any wet situations can make the floor slippery. Always cover the ramp with rolled roofing, or plastic carpet runners. They are mostly available in your local hardware store.

About the Author

We commonly see wheelchair ramps almost everywhere, making one out of wood has to be treated properly so termites and other pest will not damage or destroy it causing unwanted accidents.

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