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HAP Ramp Specifications

  1. Ramps cannot have a slope in excess of 1:12 (one foot of ramp required for each inch of vertical difference between the top and bottom of the ramp).
  2. No single run of ramp can exceed 30 feet in length, unless it has a 4 foot long, level, resting area at its mid-point.
  3. Ramp structures must be constructed wide enough (usually 42-48 inches) so that the inside, clear width between mounted handrails is at least 36 inches.
  4. Ramps must have at least a 5 foot by 5 foot clear, level landing at its top. The landing at the top should be at the entrance door threshold elevation.
  5. A level, concrete or blacktop pad, 5 feet by 5 feet should be constructed at the bottom of the ramp. If it is a concrete pad, it should have a brush finish. The pad should have its top level with the top of the bottom of the ramp so there is a smooth transition from the pad onto the ramp. The pad should also be level with the driveway or parking area.
  6. Ramps should have a non-skid surface.
  7. For stability, ramps must be supported by 4 x 4 vertical posts every 4-6 feet. On each side of the ramp, there should be at least two 2 x 6 horizontal boards attached to the 4 x 4 vertical posts.
  8. Ramps need handrails on each side which are 1-1/4 – 1-1/2 inches in diameter and top edges are 34 – 38 inches above the ramp surface, at a height comfortable for the customer. Be certain that the distance between the handrails is 36 inches. (5/4 boards, 2 x 2’s, 2 x 4’s or 2 x 6’s are not handrails). Handrail gripping surfaces shall be continuous, free of slivers, and shall not rotate within their fittings. The space between the handrails and the wall of the building or the sideboards of the ramp shall be 1-1/2 inches.
  9. On each side of the ramp and landings, there shall be a board with its bottom no more than 3 inches above the ramp surfaces. This will prevent the smaller front wheels of a wheelchair from going off the edge of the ramp.
  10. All wood involved in the construction of a ramp system should be pressure treated.