Are you looking for a solution to allow people with reduced mobility to take the step at the entrance of your establishment? The pmr ramp seems ideal. By reading this article, you will know all about the cases where it is possible to use it and the criteria to be respected to choose it well.
When to Provide an Access Ramp for People with Reduced Mobility?
Of course, if your access is on the same level, no need for a front door threshold ramp and it’s ideal for everyone! The problem arises if there are one or more steps at the entrance to your establishment. Access to people with reduced mobility (PRM) is therefore strongly compromised.
By establishing the obligation to carry out a proper processing to schedule accessibility works, the government has in return relaxed the rules for public buildings located in an existing built environment. From now on, there is no need to assemble an exemption file to be able to install a removable ramp instead of a hard inclined plane. This should simplify things!
What Are The New Rules?
The law classifies the different types of ramps “in order of preference”. This means that you will have to justify yourself when applying for work authorization. You will need to explain the technical, administrative or financial reasons why you could not implement the solutions that best suit the users.
What Are The Solutions For PRM Ramps?
The permanent ramp integrated inside the establishment or built on the external path of the establishment. This is a ramp built or placed inside the ERP or on the site of property. It does not require any authorization to occupy the public domain but can generate structural work.
The permanent inclined ramp or installed with control over the public domain. If this ramp is fixed, it requires an authorization to occupy the public domain. If it is a ramp installed, only in place during opening hours, a parking permit must be requested for temporary occupation of the public domain.
The removable ramp can be automatic or manual whether it is retractable, foldable or installed on demand, it does not require any authorization to occupy the public domain as long as it only remains in place at times where it is used.
The Degree of the Slope
The longer the ramp, the smoother the slope will be. If the slope is too steep, people in wheelchairs will not be able to cross it without assistance. You will therefore have to request an exemption.
The Cant
If the step height varies from side to side, the ramp may be very unstable and therefore dangerous. It is better in this case to privilege a ramp to be embedded rather than a ramp to be installed.
The Walking Surface
To accommodate the upper part of the ramp, the surface of the step must be flat. Always for reasons of stability and therefore of security! Also ensure that the step depth and passage width are sufficient to deploy the ramp.
The Width of the Sidewalk
Once the ramp has been deployed, there must be room to maneuver your wheelchair. A width of 1.20 m is a minimum, the ideal being a turning space of 1.50 m.
