Technical Booklet R Access to and Use of Buildings·Page 17·2.3

Provision of complementary steps with ramps

Where a ramped approach is provided, complementary steps should also be included if the ramp has a rise of 300 mm or more, as ramps are not suitable for all people and weather conditions can increase slipping risk.

As ramps are not necessarily suitable and convenient for all people it is beneficial to have steps as well as a ramp. For example, some people who can walk but have restricted mobility find it more difficult to negotiate a ramp than a stair. In addition, adverse weather conditions increase the risk of slipping on a ramp. Where a ramped approach has a rise of 300 mm or more, it should also have complementary steps.

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