Everyone has the right to access public places such as restaurants, pubs and clubs and it is even more important that access to these places meet safety standards.
In Australia, this is the law and owners of these establishments need to make sure access is available for everyone. To facilitate safety for wheelchair users, and to ensure that no person is at risk of falling or hurting themselves, it is absolutely critical to install outdoor ramps with utmost caution. And this is where anti-slip surfaces come in handy. These features provide easy access to residential and commercial buildings.
These structures help to ensure that people who use mobility devices have the freedom and independence to access any establishment of their choosing whenever they want. It is also necessary to ensure that wheelchair ramps are built as per DDA specifications and existing safety standards.
Why Safety is Paramount
Safety is arguably one of the most important factors to keep in mind when constructing and installing disability ramps on your property. The same would apply to residential properties. Safety first always.
Ignoring safety can increase the risk of slippage significantly. The ramp surfaces can become even more treacherous to use in rainy weather. The water can make the surfaces slippery and cause the wheels of mobility devices to lose traction.
The best way to make sure that the wheelchair ramp on your commercial or residential premises is safe for use is to consider installing slip-resistant surfaces on it. There are different types of ramp construction materials which would need a variety of slip-resistant installations.
1. Wooden Ramps
Many people like the idea of getting wooden ramps installed on their premises. These structures are quite sturdy, though they need regular maintenance and care. It is necessary to choose the right kind of hardwood species in the construction of wooden ramps. The installation has to be done by professionals in this field who will ensure that the feature is stable and durable.
Making sure that you opt for high-quality materials and installation is one of the best ways to make sure that your wooden ramp will last for at least 15-20 years. However, wooden surfaces do tend to get slippery, especially in rainy weather. They can benefit from the installation of slip-resistant surface materials.
There are different types of materials that you can opt for. Some property owners choose to apply slip-resistant textured paint on wooden ramp surfaces, while others prefer to install rubber strips at specific intervals on the surface. Depending on where the ramp is installed, you can also opt for rubber matting for rubber tiles as these provide the right amount of slip resistance. Another material called mini-mesh grating helps to increase the traction on disability ramps. However, it is not suitable for features on residential properties and is largely used in industrial or commercial settings.
2. Metal
When it comes to durability and maintenance, metal ramps are a good choice. However, you need to make sure that they are treated regularly with anti-rust applications. Certain ramp features use combination materials such as wood and metal. For example, the entire structure may be made of wood while the surface may have metal sheet installations.
Make sure that there are no gaps in the metal sheets used on the surfaces as canes or crutches might get caught in them, leading to accidents. Get anti-slip rubber strips installed on the surfaces. These are readily available on the market and can help prevent slippage.
3. Aluminium
Aluminium ramps have a modular design, and they are incredibly durable and resistant. These are not permanent features in that you can dismantle them and reinstall them at any other location if needed. Aluminium ramps are made using modular sections, and you can determine the kind of layout and structure you want.
While the surfaces of these ramps are textured for anti-slip purposes, you can choose to install rubber strips, and these provide excellent slip resistance. In most cases, the company that handles the installation for you would be able to provide you with the anti-slip material installations as well. This may need replacement at specific intervals depending on the amount of use they see.
4. Concrete
Concrete is another commonly used material in ramp installation. These prominent features require stable ground for solid construction. A properly designed and expertly installed concrete ramp can last for decades as long as you maintain it well. However, textured concrete surfaces also tend to gather moss and mildew during the rains.
Sometimes, neglecting maintenance can result in surface cracks or chips in the concrete. The best way to cover minor damages, while improving the slip resistance of concrete ramps is to install rubber paving. The alternative is to install rubber strips at specific intervals along the length of the wheelchair ramp. This makes the surface significantly safer for mobility device users.
Install high-grade, durable disability ramps from Adapta
It is never a good idea to compromise on quality and safety. After all, the safety of ramp users is paramount when it comes to using this feature. If you are considering getting a modular wheelchair ramp for your property, contact the experts at Adapta.
Our team is here to help you with all the details you need about our modular ramps and the types of anti-slip surfaces that you can install to improve the safety levels of the structure. There are different types of layouts you can choose from and railing options as well. Making the right decision is about having all this information handy. It will help you have a good understanding of which material and surface options would provide the kind of safety you want to provide the users of these ramps.
Our team will visit your site and assess which types of modular ramps will be practical and feasible in your setting. We provide a wide variety of ramp layouts and options. The experts will also recommend which anti-slip surfaces would work best for the feature. You can call 1800 232 782 or contact Adapta through this form, and one of our representatives will contact you shortly.
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