ADA Handrails for Ramps: A Simple Guide

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) helps people with disabilities by providing legal protection against discrimination. As part of this protection, the ADA stipulates that businesses and public spaces must provide people with disabilities with equal opportunity to access the goods or services offered. Many of the ADA’s core requirements for businesses that serve the public are related to architectural barriers or the physical elements of a building or public space that prevent or limit movement or access to people with disabilities. One significant element that affects a building’s physical accessibility is its inclusion of ramps, but an often overlooked component of accessible ramps is the inclusion of ADA handrails for ramps.

Understanding ADA Handrails for Ramps

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has significantly changed the landscape of facility and home design, ensuring that individuals with disabilities have the same opportunities to access and use spaces. Ramps play a significant role in ensuring that a building is physically accessible. 

Ramp and Curb Ramp Requirements

ADA accessibility standards apply to new construction, alterations, and additions for the following:

• Places of public accommodation
• Commercial facilities
• State and local government facilities

The ADA also stipulates that businesses make reasonable modifications to policies, practices, and procedures where needed and further requires the removal of architectural barriers in buildings when it is “readily achievable to do so.”

While they are just one component of ADA-compliant construction, understanding the requirements of ADA-compliant ramps, curb ramps, and handrails is essential for buildings and facilities that must comply with the ADA. But beyond meeting the necessary legal requirements for ramps and handrails, remember that making your building or facility more accessible also makes your building safer and more welcoming to all members of the community.

Legal Definitions

The ADA Standards for Accessible Design are legally binding for all new constructions and modifications.

The ADA defines a ramp as a walking surface with a running slope steeper than 1:20. ADA Standard 303.4 states that ramps and curb ramps are required along accessible routes when a change in level greater than ½ inch (13 mm) high occurs. Portions of accessible routes with running slopes steeper than 5 percent also must be treated as ramps.

Curb ramps do not require handrails. Otherwise, ramps with a rise greater than six inches must have handrails on both sides. 

ADA Handrail Requirements

The ADA specifies the height, clearance, and dimension standards for handrails to make them accessible and useful for all. The top surface of the handrails must be between 34 and 38 inches high. ADA-compliant handrails for ramps should have the following characteristics:

• Be free of obstructions along tops and sides
• Have a surface diameter of between 1.25 and 1.5 inches
• Provide at least 1.5 inches of clearance between the handrail and any adjacent surface
• On ramps with switchbacks, handrails must be continuous between flights or runs
• Have rounded edges and be free of sharp or abrasive edges
• Not rotate within their fittings

While the standards do not require lower handrails for children (except for ramps serving children’s play areas), they do include a recommended height (28″ maximum) and separation (9″ minimum) from the required handrail to minimize entrapment hazards for children.

If you’re unsure where to start with ADA-compliant handrail components, Aluminum Handrail Direct is your perfect partner. For example, our CHR handrails meet ADA standards for diameter and handrail grip-ability and are designed to be installed continuously, meaning there are no gaps in handrail support. A continuous handrail is an excellent option for individuals who might be worried about mobility in public or residential spaces.

Still have questions about handrails? Contact Aluminum Handrail Direct for assistance. We offer high-quality, maintenance-free aluminum handrails and accessories, and we would be happy to help you understand how to install our products. With more than 15 years of experience in the industry, we can help you choose the proper railings for your application. We’ll even ship your handrails to you to simplify your building process. For more information, call us at 417-409-3179 or contact us online.