
24.1	GENERAL
Any part of an accessible route with a slope greater than 1:20 (5%) shall be considered a ramp and shall comply with the requirements of 521 CMR 24.


24.2	SLOPE AND RISE
Ramps shall have the least possible slope. 

24.2.1	The maximum slope of a ramp shall be 1:12 (8.3%), measured between any two points on the ramp.  (There is no tolerance allowed on slope)

24.2.2	The maximum rise for any run shall be 30 inches (30" = 762mm).  See Fig. 24a.

	

Exceptions:  A slope between 1:10 (10%) and 1:12 (8.3%) is allowed for a single rise of a maximum three inches (3" = 76mm).


24.3	CLEAR WIDTH
The minimum clear width of a ramp shall be 48 inches (48" = 1219mm), measured between the railings.  See Fig. 24b.

	


24.4	LANDINGS
Ramps shall have landings for turning and resting.  At a minimum, landings shall be located at the bottom and the top of each ramp and each ramp run, and whenever a ramp changes direction.  The maximum length of a ramp run between landings shall not exceed 30 feet (30' = 9m).  Landings shall have the following features:  See Fig. 24c.


	

24.4.1	General:  Landings shall be level and unobstructed by projections and door swings, except as permitted by 521 CMR 24.4.6.

24.4.2	Width:  The landing shall be at least as wide as the ramp run leading to it.   

24.4.3	Length:  The landing length shall be a minimum of 60 inches (60" = 1524mm) clear.  

24.4.5	Dimensions for turning: If ramps change direction at landings, the minimum landing size shall be 60 inches by 60 inches (60" by 60" = 1524mm by 1524mm).  See Fig. 24c.  

24.4.6	Doorways at Landings:  If a doorway is located at a landing, then the level area in front of the doorway shall also comply with maneuvering clearances in Fig. 26d and 26e.
 

24.5	HANDRAILS 
Handrails shall be provided at all ramps.  Handrails shall have the following features: 

24.5.1	Location:  Handrails shall be provided along both sides of ramp segments.   



24.5.2	Heights:  Handrails shall be provided in pairs, one at a height between 34 inches and 38 inches (34"38" = 864mm  965mm), and a lower one at a height between 18 and 20 inches (18"20" = 457mm508mm), measured vertically from the surface of the ramp to top of handrail.

24.5.3	Continuous surface:  Handrails shall be continuous without interruption, except by doorways and openings, so that a hand can move from end to end without interruption.

24.5.4	Extensions:  Handrails shall extend at least 12 inches (12" = 305mm) beyond the top and bottom of the ramp and shall be parallel with the floor or ground surface (see Fig. 24d), except where the extension would cause a safety hazard.

	

24.5.5	Size: The handgrip portion of the handrail shall not be less than 1Ľ inches nominal (1Ľ" = 32mm) nor more than 1˝ inches nominal (1˝" = 38mm) in diameter.

24.5.6	Shape:  The handgrip portion of the handrail shall be round or oval in crosssection.  See Fig. 24e.

24.5.7	Surface:  The gripping surface shall be free of any sharp or abrasive elements. 

24.5.8	Clearance:  When a handrail is mounted adjacent to a wall, the clear space between the handrail and the wall shall be 1˝ inches (1˝" = 38mm).  Handrails may be located in a wall recess if the recess is a maximum of three inches (3" = 76mm) deep and extends at least 18 inches (18" = 457mm) above the top of the rail.  See Fig. 24e.

	


24.5.9	End condition:  Ends of handrails shall be either rounded or returned smoothly to floor, wall, or post.  
24.5.10	Handrails shall not rotate within their fittings.  


24.6	CROSS SLOPE
The cross slope of ramp surfaces shall be no greater than 1:50 (2%)


24.7	SURFACES
Ramp surfaces shall be stable, firm, and slip resistant.  Ramps may be carpeted only if carpeting is installed in accordance with 521 CMR 29.3, Carpets.


24.8	EDGE PROTECTION
Ramps and landings with dropoffs shall have edge curbs,  walls, railings, or projecting surfaces that prevent people from slipping off the ramp.  Edge curbs shall be a minimum of two inches (2" = 51mm) high.


24.9	OUTDOOR CONDITIONS
Outdoor ramps and their approaches shall be designed so that water will not accumulate on walking surfaces.  If gratings are used to disperse water, they shall comply with 521 CMR 22, WALKWAYS.


24.10	CIRCULAR RAMPS
Circular ramps are not permitted, except with the approval of this Board.


	521 CMR:   ARCHITECTURAL ACCESS BOARD

RAMPS


	521 CMR:   ARCHITECTURAL ACCESS BOARD

RAMPS



2/23/96	521 CMR - 96


2/23/96	521 CMR - 95