Dear Deborah,
As an Oxford graduate I have an interest in this one, and regret that my
college, New College were even uninterested enough to accept an offer of my
services free as a contribution towards their building development plans :(
Several features of ramps are relevant 1:12 is the maximum allowed under
Part M of the Building Regulations, but is a complete disaster - it is also
the one that Architects reach for first for some reason.
1:20 is preferred, with 1:15 really being the maximum that should be
encouraged. As simple argument, depending on the distance covered, is often
overlooked - a 1:12 ramp can actually end up at the same length as a 1:15 -
eg a 500mm drop at 1:12 will end up at 7500mm of ramp - (actually 6 metres
of ramp and a 1.5 metre platform, as 1:12 requires a platform every 5000mm
of ramp), and a 1:15 requires 7500mm of ramp. - Normally a change of heart
can be engendered once these simple facts are explained.
However, equally important are the slope surface (non slip), the lighting
(at least 150 lux) the handrails/ballustrades (to Part M and preferably
warm to the touch) and the general arrangement, location and perception of
the ramped solution.
The argument with the DDA is, I am affraid, a bit spurious - technically
the slope of a ramp is largely irrellevant to the DDA, and is dealt with
under Building Regulations Part M, and controlled by the Building Control
department of the Local Authority. DDA would merely state that the facility
should be available if it is reasonably practicable, and the need to put in
a 1:12 would survive this, as would the argument that a more severe slope
may be 'dangerous', and therefore 'unreasonable' (ie no ramp at all!).
I hope that this makes sense - if you need to know more about guidance
material on the subject (there are many guides on this, including my own)
then let me know directly.
Regards
James Holmes-Siedle, Director
All Clear Designs Limited
3rd Floor, Cooper House
2 Michael Road
London SW6 2ER
Tel (0171) 384 2950
Fax (0171) 384 2951
email [log in to unmask]
Cserve 100451,3571
http://www.allclear.co.uk/index.htm
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