Wheelchair Van Ramp Safety
Ramps which are not used properly, designed properly or constructed properly can not only negate the benefits of the ramp but also create dangerous situations for both the ramp user and/or care giver.
Some common issues associated with van ramps include slopes which are too steep or uneven, slippery surfaces, lack of anchoring and unstability.
In all cases ramps must be “...stable, firm, and slip-resistant...” and detectable warning surfaces and/or color contrasts between the ramp and level surface are recommended to indicate the impending incline or decline of a ramp to persons with low vision or blindness.
Slope and Rise
The lower the slope the safer and easier the use of the ramp. That said, the national building code requirement is 12" of ramp for each 1" of rise for permanently installed ramps. Building codes do not apply to portable or van ramps and some manufacturers recommend 12" of ramp for each 2" of rise for occupied equipment and 12" of ramp for 3" of rise for unoccupied equipment. Any slope exceeding the 12:1 slope will be almost impossible for user to self propel their manual wheelchairs up.
Ramp Length
Although the longer a ramp is the easier it will be to negotiate, excessively long wheelchair van ramps will not be very functional in parking lots or on city streets. Most people use van ramps which are between 6' and 10' long for loading and unloading vans.
Ramp Width
Van ramps will vary in width between 26" and 36" but most will be aroung 30" wide. When loading equipment into the rear door of most vans the width won't be an issue but many side doors of vans will not accomodate any van ramp of more than 26".
Ramp Barriers
While building codes require railings and side barriers, portable and van ramps don't have such requirements. That said all portable ramps and vanramps will have a raised outside edge of some sort to prevent accidental travel off the side. While these barriers are usually sufficient for manual wheelchairs, most power wheelchairs and scooters have enough power to drive over these barriers.
Anchoring
While all van ramps are secured to the van in some manner, portable ramps have a tendancy to slide off the van during use and anchoring is strongly recommended. Some portable ramp manufacturers provide achoring hardware with their portable ramps and others don't. Anchoing can be as simple as a couple of small holes drilled in the ramp and van floor and pins or bolts inserted into the holes. This simple set up will prevent the portable ramp from sliding sideways or right off the van altogether. The chances of an unanchored ramp sliding off the van in slippery winter conditions is extremely likely.
Other Considerations
When using a portable ramp in the rear door of a van the bumper often protrudes too far to allow the top lip of the ramp to sit properly on the van. Some manufacturers offer top lip extensions to overcome this problem and should be considered if rear loading is expected.
Thresholds in vehicles and boarding edges of ramps should be of a contrasting color the full width of the ramp or threshold. This contrast can either be a lighter color on a darker background, or vice versa.
