If you’re planning an access upgrade for your jobsite, business, government building, or school campus, here’s the first question to answer: who will use the ramp? That single decision drives the rule set for what you’ll need. Public-facing entrances follow ADA (and the IBC with ICC A117.1). Crew-only routes inside the jobsite fence or at maintenance areas lean on OSHA. Same ramp idea but with different expectations. Below is a plain-English guide to what makes a ramp ADA, IBC, and OSHA compliant. In addition, you’ll learn how REDD Team designs each without any guesswork.

What Makes Ramp ADA, IBC, OSHA Compliant?

When Does Each Code Apply?

  • ADA (public access): For schools, libraries, clinics, offices—any route used by the public or building occupants as part of the accessible path.
  • IBC/ICC A117.1 (building code): Adopted by states and cities; it works hand-in-hand with ADA, spelling out dimensions, clearances, and details your plan reviewers expect to see.
  • OSHA (employee/temporary access): For staff-only doors, rooftop/mechanical platforms, construction trailers, and routes within the construction zone.

Think of it this way, if the public uses it, then it’s probably ADA/IBC. If only employees or trades use it (and it’s not part of the public route), then it’s OSHA.

ADA & IBC: the geometry reviewers look for

These are the “no-surprises” dimensions. At REDD Team we design in from day one:

  • Running slope: Max 1:12 (8.33%). Gentle grades to help keep users in control every step of the way.
  • Cross-slope: Max 1:48 to prevent sideways drift and potential falls.
  • Rise per run: 30 inches max before a landing is required.
  • Clear width: 36 inches min between handrails (district or owner standards may call for wider) so anyone traveling the expanse had a handhold for safety.
  • Landings: Level at the top and bottom of each run and at turns; typically 60 in. long and at least as wide as the ramp. It needs to also shed water to ensure safety.
  • Handrails & extensions: On both sides where rise exceeds 6 in.; continuous, graspable, with compliant returns along each side.
  • Edge protection: The addition of edge protection helps keep wheels and feet on the walking surface.

One thing to note is that in tight existing conditions, the Standards allow short, steeper segments (e.g., 1:10 or 1:8 within small rises), but best practice is to keep grades gentler for everyday usability.

OSHA: what a safe work-route looks like

OSHA’s focus is safe walking-working surfaces for employees:

  • Stable, slip-resistant surfaces with housekeeping that keeps mud, ice, and debris under control so you employees don’t slip and fall.
  • Guardrails and handrails sized for OSHA loads on exposed sides; toe boards where objects could fall to ensure good handholds and feet from sleeping when walking.
  • Uniform, predictable transitions: level landings at doors/turns so no one is juggling a handle and a step during any transition.
  • Anchorage and structure that support expected loads without deflection or bounce to ensure solid footing every step of the way.
  • Clear width and approach that let workers carry tools and materials without squeezing or having to turn sideways which can put them in danger. .

OSHA doesn’t mirror ADA’s exact slopes and dimensions. Instead, it emphasizes safe footing, guarding, load capacity, and predictable geometry suited to work tasks.

Surfaces That Work in Real Weather

A compliant ramp that’s slick after a rain isn’t safe. Anyone can fall in slippery conditions. REDD Team uses slip-resistant, self-draining aluminum decking so water moves off the surface and traction stays consistent to help properly ensure safety.

All of the components are aluminum which won’t rest and can shed paint easily.

One Project, Two Rule Sets? No problem.

It’s common to have both:

  • ADA/IBC for student/public routes, and
  • OSHA for staff-only or rooftop access.

REDD Team configures each approach to the correct framework using one coordinated family of aluminum components. Your site reads as a single, intentional system with consistent finishes, fasteners, and inspection points, without over or under building.

How REDD Team makes compliance simpler

  • Code-aligned layouts that call out slopes, widths, landings, handrail heights/returns, edge protection, drainage, and anchorage.
  • Reviewer-friendly submittals that reference ADA/A117.1 (and OSHA where applicable) so plan review is predictable.
  • Modular, reusable kits that reconfigure as entrances move, portable clusters shift, or phases change.

If you’re mapping an access upgrade and wondering what makes a ramp ADA, IBC, and OSHA compliant, we’ll turn your measurements into a buildable, code-aligned layout that installs fast and works in the real world. Call REDD Team at (800) 648-3696 or contact us online for a site-specific configuration and quote.