As schools must provide accessible environments for students with disabilities, it is essential to invest in quality ramps that enable wheelchair access to various parts of the school. One option popular in many schools is REDD Team metal disability ramps. They can provide a safer and easier way to move from one place to another, e.g., from the sidewalk to the entrance of a school building. When choosing a ramp, it’s essential to consider many factors and features. One of the critical features of metal ramps is the shape of the access product, as it can significantly impact its functionality and usability.
Straight Metal Ramps
As the name suggests, a straight ramp follows a linear design typically found in school entrances and park facilities. This design allows people with wheelchairs or other mobility devices to quickly ascend or descend a single level without making any turns or twists. The straight ramp can also double as a pedestrian walkway, making it an ideal choice for multi-purpose environments. However, it may take up more space than other designs.
Switchback Ramp
This ramp features two adjacent segments connected by a 90-degree turn at each end, allowing users to slowly ascend or descend multiple levels without making sharp turns or direction changes. The switchback design generally provides more stability than a standard linear ramp since fewer forces act on the structure due to reduced friction from directional changes at each turn. Switchback ramps also occupy less space than their straight counterparts since they feature shorter lengths. On the downside, constructing switchbacks can be more complicated than building linear ramps due to their more complex geometry.
An Inclined Platform Lift (IPL)
An IPL consists of an angled platform that rises at either end along two tracks with handrails on both sides. It provides extra support and stability for wheelchair users who need assistance completing their ascent or descent. These lifts offer greater carrying capacity than traditional ramps since they can accommodate heavier weights while remaining stable over time due to their sturdier construction materials and the larger base area created by their angle-of-incline design. IPLs cost more upfront due to their increased complexity than other ramps. Still, they may reduce long-term costs associated with maintenance thanks to their sturdier construction materials and ability to withstand changes in the weather and usage over extended periods.
Spiral Staircases
Spiral staircases consist of a central pole or column around which the steps are arranged in a circular or spiral pattern, creating a circular shape. They can be used in commercial buildings and public spaces as a space-saving alternative to traditional straight staircases. Spiral staircases can be made from various materials, including wood, metal, and glass, and they can be designed in a range of styles to suit different architectural aesthetics.
Semi-permanent metal ramps
These ramps are made from durable aluminum. They are designed to withstand the weather and heavy use and provide temporary or semi-permanent accessibility solutions for people with mobility impairments. They can be custom-built to meet specific requirements such as length, width, and weight capacity to accommodate different types of mobility devices like wheelchairs and scooters.
Regarding metal disability ramps, REDD Team has a collection of durable and affordable options. Our technicians can always help you decide the best choice for your commercial, industrial, military, or school building.
Reach out to REDD Team today for quality metal disability ramps.
