Modular Ramps - Rules and Regulations

The Modular Ramps (modular wheelchair ramp systems) from The Ramp People has been carefully designed from fully modular components and can be adjusted to suit your needs perfectly, they feature a 5 year guarantee and are tough, durable and most importantly are compliant with Part K & Part M (1 & 6) Building Regulations. But what does Part K & Part M compliance mean? We've tried to break it down as simply as possible.

Part M Building regulations - Section 6: Access into a dwelling

Design Considerations

(Section 6.9) - It is important that the surface of the ramp approach is firm enough to support the weight of the user and his or her wheelchair as well as smooth enough to allow easy manoeuvre, this should also take the needs of stick and crutch users into account.

(Section 6.15-a) - The surface of the ramp must be firm and even.
(Section 6.15-b) - Ramp flights must have an unobstructed width of at least 900mm
(Section 6.15-c) - 5m systems must not be greater than a 1 in 12 gradient and 10m systems must not be greater than a 1 in 15 gradient.
(Section 6.15-d) - Top and bottom landings should be at least 1.2m x 1.2m excluding any door swings

(Section 1.26-f) - The ramp surface must be slip resistant, especially when wet and in a colour that contrasts visually
(Section 1.26-i) - There should be a handrail on both sides

Handrail Provisions

(Section 1.37-a) - The Vertical height from the pitch line of the ramp to the top of the upper handrail should be between 900mm and 1m and from the surface of landing should be between 900mm and 1100mm
(Section 1.37-e) - Handrails should contrast visually with the background against which it is seen
(Section 1.37-g) - Ends of handrails should terminate in a way that reduces risk of clothing being caught
(Section 1.37-h) - The handrail profile should be circular with a diameter between 40mm and 45mm, alternatively the profile can be oval with a diameter of 50mm

Stepped Approach

(Section 6.17-a) - A stepped approach to a landing must have a width of at least 900mm
(Section 6.17-b) - The rise in a flight of steps should not exceed 1800mm
(Section 6.17-d) - Step rises should be no more than 150mm and no less than 75mm
(Section 6.17-e) - Step depth should not be less than 280mm
(Section 6.17-f) - Where the steps have three or more risers there should be a continuous handrail on at least on side of the flight

Part K Building Regulations

NOTE - Where there appears to be a conflict between the guidance in Part M and Part K, Part M takes precedence

Section 2: Ramps

(Section 1.41) - Guarding must be provided at the sides of flights and landings when there is a drop of more than 600mm. Any openings in the guarding must be under 100mm
(Section 2.4) - Ramps should be clear of permanent obstructions
(Section 2.5) - Every ramp with exposed sides should have handrails including up stands at least 100mm from the surface. They should give firm support and allow a firm grip.
(Section 2.6) - Landings should be provided with handrails
(Section 2.7) - Ramps and their landings should be guarded at their sides in the same way as stairs

Section 3: Guidance

(Performance a) - Pedestrian guarding should be provided in dwelling to prevent people from being injured from falling a height of more than 600mm
(Performance b) - Pedestrian guarding should be provided in other buildings and must prevent people from falling the height of two risers.

An acceptable level of safety can be achieved by different standards of guarding depending on the circumstances; for example, in a public building the standard of provision may be higher than in a dwelling, this is to reflect the lesser familiarity and great number of users.

Guards and Barriers

(Section 3.1) - Guarding should be provided where it is reasonably necessary for safety to guard the edges of any part of a floor