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What are the OSHA Standards For Dallas ADA Concrete Ramps?

Concrete ramps in Dallas help make properties safer and more accessible. While many believe that they’re optional, that’s not the case. There are several regulatory requirements that not only require concrete ramps, but also dictate how contractors must build them. Keep reading to learn more about Dallas ADA concrete ramps and the specific standards you must follow.

What Properties Need Dallas ADA Concrete Ramps?

Any property that serves the public needs ADA concrete ramps. Concrete ramps in Dallas are an integral component of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This civil rights law is expansive and helps prevent discrimination against those with disabilities in all areas of public life. That means every retail store, office building, public park, and parking lot on a property serving the public must have ADA concrete ramps.

Ramps help people with mobility issues overcome elevation changes; the federal law requires ramps whenever a walking route has an elevation change greater than half an inch.

What Dimensions Should Ramps Have?

Dallas ADA ramp requirements state that all structures have a clear width of at least 36 inches. However, that’s only for a clear, straight-on concrete ADA ramp. If there are any turns, ramps must provide at least 42 inches of clear width.

Are There ADA Ramp Requirements Governing Slope?

A concrete ramp must have a slope no greater than 1:12. That means, for every inch of vertical rise, the ramp must have 12 inches of run. Dallas ADA ramp requirements sound complicated, but the slope rule makes it relatively easy to calculate basic dimensions.

For example, say the ramp is overcoming an 8-inch curb. At 8 inches in height, your new concrete ADA ramp would need a minimum run length of 96 inches (8 x 12 = 96) to meet requirements.

Do ADA Concrete Ramps Need Handrails or Landings?

According to ADA ramp requirements, your contractor must install handrails on both sides. Each handrail should be 34 to 38 inches above the ramp surface.

Every ramp needs a landing at the top and bottom. However, whether your concrete ADA ramp needs a landing somewhere in between depends on its length. ADA ramp requirements dictate that no ramp rise exceed 30 inches. So, if you need your concrete ramp to rise more than 30 inches, you must divide it into sections and install landings.

Landings must be at least 60 inches long and have a slope no greater than 1:48. Generally, contractors make ramps as flat as possible to give users a safe place to rest or catch themselves before proceeding with another ramp run.

What Should the Surface of Dallas ADA Concrete Ramps Look Like?

Dallas ADA ramp requirements state that surfaces must be slip-resistant, firm, and stable. The ADA also requires that surface finishes be continuous, with no noticeable level changes or gaps. Broken surfaces can be dangerous, creating a trip-and-fall hazard.

Does OSHA Require Concrete Ramps in Dallas?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) does require concrete ramps. Many assume that ADA concrete ramps are only necessary for properties open to business. However, even industrial properties and workplaces may require ramps.

OSHA requires all construction sites to have ramps. They need to be well-lit and have a slope no greater than 30 degrees. If a construction site requires digging more than 4 feet deep, ramps are necessary to prevent injuries. Any ramp located 4 feet above grade or installed 6 feet above other levels also needs guardrails for safety.

Need help understanding ADA ramp requirements and how they impact your property? Legacy Paving has you covered. We’re a leading asphalt and concrete company with over a decade of experience. Our services are comprehensive, including asphalt paving, repairs, reclamation, sealcoating, concrete paving, sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, ramps, and more.

We’re well-versed in all applicable laws and can design, engineer, and build ramps that meet the mark. Our goal is to help make your property more accessible to the masses, doing things by the book to help you avoid civil penalties, fees, and liability concerns. Give Legacy Paving a call today at (214) 771-5726 to discuss your needs and request a free quote. If you prefer, you can also email the team at info@legacypavingtx.com or use our online form