Accessible - Ramps

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Moveable wooden ramp for wheelchair to access facilities with steps
Wide concrete ramp to handpump apron
Low-gradient concrete ramp with raised sides for safety
Suitable for: Users with physical impairments, wheelchair users, older people, people carrying heavy loads.


Construction Advantages Disadvantages Improvements / variations Cost / labour
Moveable wooden ramp for wheelchair to access facilities with steps
  • Flexible – can be placed wherever needed
  • Cheaper than concrete
  • Raised sides prevent a wheelchair rolling off the side of the ramp
  • Less durable than concrete
  • User needs help to move the ramp when needed
Paint raised sides white or bright colour to increase visibility Medium
Wide concrete ramp to handpump apron
  • The concrete ramp onto the apron improves access for everyone
  • Ramp requires more space than steps
  • Drainage must be in the opposite direction to keep the ramp dry
  • Monitoring needed to ensure masons do not make it too steep to reduce cost
  • Paint raised sides white or a bright colour to increase visibility
  • Cross-hatching on ramp would make it less slippery when wet (see Steps)
Medium
Low-gradient concrete ramp with raised sides for safety
  • Smooth, firm, durable
  • Gentle gradient so a child can propel her/himself up and make a controlled descent
  • Raised sides prevent wheelchairs rolling off
  • Monitoring of construction required to ensure gradient not too steep
  • Maintenance needed to keep the ground the same level as the end of the ramp
Paint raised sides white or bright colour to increase visibility High


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Acknowledgements

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