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What size wheelchair ramp do I need for 4 steps?

For commercial occupied use, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) recommends a 1:12 slope. This means that every 1” of the vertical rise needs at least 1' (12”) of ramp length.

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Every location is different with uniquely configured entrances, but all have one thing in common: the entrance needs to be easily accessed. In some cases, a ramp needs to be installed to overcome a series of steps that lead up to an entrance. In other cases, a ramp needs to be installed up to a loading dock to offer ease of loading and unloading in and out of the building. No matter the application or specifications for your location, there are a few simple steps that you’ll want to follow to determine the proper size of ramp that you’ll need:

1. Measure

Total vertical rise you need to overcome

Example: If you are trying to bypass a set of stairs, measure from top step straight down to the ground ‍ you need to overcome Example: If you are trying to bypass a set of stairs, measure from top step straight down to the ground Available distance without obstruction measuring straight out from the highest point ‍ without obstruction measuring straight out from the highest point Usable width of the surrounding area Example: The width of the entrance or doorway where the ramp will start

2. Research

In a couple of sentences below, we will talk about ADA recommendations, but it’s important to research your local building and accessibility codes. Local codes differ by state, region, and even city. For commercial occupied use, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) recommends a 1:12 slope. This means that every 1” of the vertical rise needs at least 1’ (12”) of ramp length. This equates to 5 degrees of incline. For more ADA guidelines, click the link above.

3. Calculate

This sounds tricky, but it’s actually the easy part.

View the Incline Calculator

4. Verify

Make sure you have enough space for the ramp length required. Compare the available distance you measured in step one with the run length value provided in the incline calculator results. You will also want to ensure there’s enough space for the width of the ramp and any platforms that will be incorporated into the system. Determine the ramp width you will need, along with the platform size based on the available space you measured for in step one. If you would like to talk to someone about measuring for ramp size, or have any questions about installing a commercial ramp, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Customer Service team!

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What is the difference between ADA and handicap accessible?

The most significant difference between ADA-compliant and wheelchair-accessible units is that to be ADA compliant, there must be enough space for a wheelchair user to do a 360-degree turn. These units also have reinforced construction and reinforced handrails.

When evaluating your portable restroom needs for an event or job site, it’s important to consider your guests or employees with physical disabilities. As the host or event planner, we’re sure you want everyone to feel comfortable. And in some cases, supplying wheelchair-accessible portable restrooms may be required by the law. The Americans with Disabilities Act, (ADA), passed in 1990, gives specific requirements for events. The current recommendation is that for every 20 standard portable toilets that you provide one wheelchair-accessible portable restroom. The restrooms should be placed in a location accessible by wheelchair users, meaning not up steps or curbs. If you have rented a luxury portable restroom for public use, you may also need to rent a wheelchair-accessible unit as luxury units are often placed on trailers and not accessible by wheelchair users.

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