Until a few years ago, the conversations and discussions that happened behind closed doors in bureaucratic corridors often did not have any mention of disabled people and their rights. Fortunately, the awareness and conversation around disabilities have picked up in the last few years, leading to changes that were utmost necessary. One such change is being witnessed in public buildings.
Government authorities around the world have mandated the construction of ramps in public buildings to make it comfortable for people with disabilities to access buildings. Thus, public buildings, such as apartment complexes, hotels. government agencies, retailers and shopping centers must necessarily have ramps to safeguard the rights of people with disabilities. In the case of old buildings that were constructed before the passing of the law and that contain only staircases, the law requires that buildings be renovated to include ramps for people with mobility issues.
Know and Understand the Specific Building Requirements for Buildings in Your Area
Authorities around the world have set specifications that must be followed by building constructors — just adding a ramp isn’t enough. Instead, elaborate guidelines have been made and defined that highlight specifications, such as ramp width, length, steepness, etc., regarding ramp construction. In most countries, these guidelines also mandate the construction of curbing, handrails or sidewalls around the ramp. Similarly, the guidelines released by most national authorities also cover parking. As an example, the Americans with Disabilities Act or ADA clearly states that in many buildings, the path to the doorway is blocked by a curb. If that is the case, the building owner and residents must create a curb ramp to create easy passage and access for people with disabilities to the building. Similarly, ADA has also put out elaborate guidelines on the number of handicapped parking spaces, their size, and signage requirements, for every public building.
If you are in the construction business or a resident of a public building, it is incredibly important to know and understand the specific requirements of building construction, especially with regards to disabled people and ensure the proper implementation of these requirements.
Here’s Why Concrete Ramps Are the Way to Go
When it comes to ramp construction, construction companies enjoy the benefit of choice. There are several different materials they can choose from, such as aluminum, concrete, fiberglass, and wood. The specifications in most countries only require that the material used for ramp construction should be slip and water-resistant. Most construction companies around the world prefer concrete over other ramp construction materials for a variety of reasons.
First, concrete is water and slip-resistant. Thus, the use of concrete ensures that the guidelines laid out by governing authorities are being properly met. Second, concrete is durable and when maintained well, easily lasts long years. Third, concrete is easy to work with and adds to the appeal of any building. Thus, concrete ramps are quite popular.
The Final Word
Whether you are planning a new building or making changes to an existing one, make sure to inform yourself about the guidelines and rules that cover building construction rules with regards to disabled people. Any mistake in this regard can lead to the government asking you to make big changes to the existing construction or even demolish the entire construction. Thus, hire a team of people who are well-versed with the guidelines specified for your area and will be able to direct you well.