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Falls Prevention Exercises

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Ramp

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A sloping surface set at an angle connecting two different levels.

ramp

A linear path slope less than 5% (1:20) is not a ramp, where the slope is steeper than 5% (1:20) it is classed as a ramp. The ramp should comply with the following specifications - where a path's slope is steeper than 5% (1:20), level landings of at least 1500mm long x minimum 1200mm wide should be provided.

The maximum length of a ramp between landings depends on the location and path's gradient. The Fieldfare Trust recommends the following maximum ramp lengths between landings to enable people with disabilities to access different countryside settings.

For urban or formal landscape:

  • 5% (1:20) - maximum distance between landings for 750mm of height climb should be 15.00metres.

  • 5.5% (1:18) - maximum distance between landings for 750mm of height climb should be 13.50metres.

  • 6.2% (1:16) - maximum distance between landings for 750mm of height climb should be 12.00metres.

  • 7% (1:14) - maximum distance between landings for 750mm of height climb should be 10.50metres.

  • 8.3% (1:12) - maximum distance between landings for 750mm of height climb should be 9.00metres.

For urban or managed landscape:

  • 5% (1:20) - maximum distance between landings for 830mm of height climb should be 16.60metres.

  • 5.5% (1:18) - maximum distance between landings for 830mm of height climb should be 14.94metres.

  • 6.2% (1:16) - maximum distance between landings for 830mm of height climb should be 13.28metres.

  • 7% (1:14) - maximum distance between landings for 830mm of height climb should be 11.62metres.

  • 8.3% (1:12) - maximum distance between landings for 830mm of height climb should be 9.96metres.

For rural or working landscape:

  • 5% (1:20) - maximum distance between landings for 950mm of height climb should be 19.00metres.

  • 5.5% (1:18) - maximum distance between landings for 950mm of height climb should be 17.10metres.

  • 6.2% (1:16) - maximum distance between landings for 950mm of height climb should be 15.20metres.

  • 7% (1:14) - maximum distance between landings for 950mm of height climb should be 13.30metres.

  • 8.3% (1:12) - maximum distance between landings for 950mm of height climb should be 11.40metres.

  • 10% (1:10) - maximum distance between landings for 950mm of height climb should be 9.50metres.

For people to use ramps easily, the Fieldfare Trust recommends that a ramp should be no longer than 15.00metres before a landing is provided.

Ramps with landings are built in much the same way as a path, and should be even and non-slip with no loose stone in excess of 5mm in size. In preference to a cross fall, a ramp's surface should have a camber which needs to be no steeper than 2% (1:50).

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© 2013 Paths for all - Registered Scottish Charity No: SC025535, Company Limited by Guarantee No: 168554 inc. 19 Sept 1996 at Companies House, Edinburgh

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