Length and widths of Ramps |
Ready for tricky math?
Fig. 16 of TAS section 4.8 Ramps (shown below), shows how long a ramp must be between landings. Also 4.8.3 tells you that a ramp that is 30ft or more shall be 44" wide.
So if I have a 1:12 ramp and it is 30' long, and I have a landing, and then I continue up to another ramp that is 10' long, do I now have two ramps that can be 36" wide each because they are less than 30 ft. long, or is it considered on long ramp interrupted by landings and has to be 44" wide?
The answer is: A ramp run with a middle landing with another ramp run = one ramp. Therefore if the total length of the ramp (including the landing) is over 30', then the width shall be 44" wide.
 |
Handrail Extensions |
TAS 4.8.5(2) states " If handrails are not continuous, they shall extend at least 12" beyond the top and bottom of the ramp segment and shall be parallel with the floor or ground surface."
When it occurs in a walkway within a path of travel, and the extension may become a hazard, there is a tendency to want to turn the extended handrail 90 degress in the direction of travel.
TDLR's ruling on this is that a ramp's handrails must extend horizontally for 12 inches minimum beyond the top and bottom of the ramp segment to comply with Texas Accessibility Standard (TAS) 4.8.5. This requirement is consistent with federal (ADA) requirements.
It is important to note that the purpose for the handrail extensions is so that a person can steady him/herself before walking on the sloped surface.
It is unacceptable, therefore, to turn the handrail 90 degrees (or any angle) before it has extended 12" horizontally beyond the top and bottom of the ramp.
Please note handrails do not violate the protruding object requirements of TAS 4.4 when the leading edge is at or below 27" which is achieved through the design of the handrail. See the example provided in TAS 4.8.5, Figure 17.
|
Inspector's Corner |
The length of a roll in shower should be 60" min. What if a fixed seat or even a built-in bench is provided inside the shower? The bench in this example is shortening the length of the shower, so it no longer is the required 60" minimum. Therefore if you will provide a fixed seat, make sure you provide it beyond the 60" required length.
|