Schools in Miami are required to install ADA-compliant building access ramps that meet Florida Department of Transportation standards. The FDOT requires ramps in areas where people who use wheelchairs and other mobility aids require assistance moving up and down certain spaces. Our experts at REDD Team will be available to help you produce new access ramps for your Miami-area school while meeting FDOT and Miami-Dade County standards.
Curb Slope Considerations
The slope for an ADA-compliant access ramp in Miami must be no greater than 1:12. The slope measurement means that you can have a slope that is 12 inches long for every inch of rise. The slope measurement is necessary for ensuring a person who requires assistance can safely go up and down. You can add landings in the middle of a ramp if it needs to be longer to meet slope standards, as there are no limits to how many runs a ramp can include.
How Wide Can the Ramp Be?
While many jurisdictions have rules where a ramp must be at least 36 inches wide, the FDOT requires ramps to be even wider when they’re on a curb. While most ramps in Miami and elsewhere in Florida can be 36 inches wide, any ramp on a curb must be at least 48 inches wide. The extra width is necessary for allowing people to use a ramp without risking bumping into the sides. The added width can also be useful when someone requires assistance from another person when going on the ramp.
Railings can go on the sides of the ramp. But those railings must be sized to where they will not interfere with the 36 or 48-inch width rule. The ramp might have to be made even wider if the railings start protruding far enough.
Curb Landings
The landing on the end of a ramp should be at least 48 inches long. The landing must also be as wide as the ramp, with any extra space for railings being considered. The railings on the sides should also go along the curb landings to provide enough protection and guidance.
There might be cases where the ramp landing is restricted due to doors in an area, curves or walls in a space, or a building that is older and unable to undergo further renovation or adjustment. The ramp landing can be at least 36 inches long in these cases. You may need to check your building layout to see what is necessary and if you can use a smaller landing.
Are Warnings Necessary?
A school access ramp should have a noticeable warning heading in or out of the ramp, especially if the ramp is outdoors. The warning should cover the entire width of the ramp and 24 inches from the back of the ramp.
The color should also contrast with the rest of the ramp, allowing a user to notice it before getting on there. The color should be easily visible, including when the ramp is outdoors. Yellow is often the best tone for an outdoor ramp, as yellow is easier for people to spot in most outdoor situations.
Remember when preparing an ADA-compliant access ramp at your school in Miami, Florida, that you follow all FDOT and Miami-Dade County guidelines for getting a ramp ready. Our experts at REDD Team will help you create a custom-made ramp that meets these local rules. You can consult us online or by phone at (800) 648-3696 for further help creating a new ramp.
