External ramps and steps PDF Print E-mail

In an ideal world, access to all buildings would be level, enabling everyone to enter with ease. In the real world, though, this simply is not realistic, as changes of level exist everywhere. Site constraints often mean we need to resort to the use of external ramps and steps to reach a building entrance. Where steps and ramps are necessary, planning them carefully from the outset can eliminate the need for unsatisfactory retrospective changes.

External ramps

Where level access is not achievable, ramps enable wheelchair users and people with pushchairs or wheeled luggage to overcome changes in level.

The maximum permissible gradient for a ramp is 1:12, although a shallower ramp is always preferable. The following graph indicates maximum gradients for ramps of different lengths.

Graph showing the maximum gradients for different ramp lengths. For example, a ramp going of 2 metres should have a maximum gradient of 1 in 12

Graph of maximum ramp gradients for different ramp lengths
© Centre for Accessible Environments

 

Ramps should be provided as an alternative, not as a replacement, for steps. They should be suitable for independent access by wheelchair users – gradients, dimensions and handrails should all meet the requirements of Part M. There should be a clear, level space at the top of a ramp, away from the range of outward opening doors.

The diagram below indicates the key dimensions for good ramp design.

Ramp with accompanying handrails, and with a level landing at the top and bottom.

Short-rise ramp design
© Centre for Accessible Environments

 

Ramps should be accompanied by steps where the rise of the ramp is greater than 300mm. If the total rise exceeds 2m, an alternative means of access (such as a lift) should be used. The following diagram shows recommended dimensions for a ramp with adjacent steps.

Diagram showing a ramp with an intermediate landing and handrail provision, with an adjacent flight of steps to one side

Ramp with adjacent steps
© Centre for Accessible Environments

External steps

Although stepped entrances are inaccessible to many disabled people, provision can still be made to enable people to use them with greater ease. For example, steps should have a shallow pitch, a generous tread width and landings that are not too far apart, making them easier for a disabled person to climb.

Highlighted ‘nosings’ should be provided each step's tread and riser, to help visually impaired people identify the location of the steps, as illustrated in the following diagram.

Stair nosings, showing a contrasting band 55mm wide on both riser and tread
Stair nosings
© Centre for Accessible Environments

Handrails should be installed alongside both sides of a flight of steps, to aid those with a mobility impairment. A tactile corduroy warning surface should also be incorporated at the top and bottom of an external flight of stairs. The key dimensions and design detail can be found in the following diagram.

Diagram of external steps complete with handrail dimensions, nosings, and corduroy paving at top and bottom
External step dimensions
© Centre for Accessible Environments

Handrails

People who have difficulty negotiating changes of level often need to support of handrails. These should be provided in conjunction with both ramps and steps.

Handrails should be:

  • continuous across flights and landings
  • easy to grip, and should provide good forearm support for those unable to grip
  • coated where necessary to ensure they are not cold to the touch
  • easily distinguishable from the background through the use of good visual contrast