ADA COMPLIANCE TESTING ANNOUNCEMENT
Wheelchair Ramp Study Shows SafePath Products are ADA Compliant While Most Others Are Not.
CHICO, Calif., March 16, 2017 –
In a recent independent study of rubber wheelchair ramps, SafePath Products were verified as being ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant, while most other ramps tested did not meet the ADA standards. The study, conducted by Sotter Engineering Corporation, tested seven rubber ramps from leading manufacturers against the standards established in the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design.
Tim Vander Heiden, CEO of SafePath, explained,
“ADA has specific standards for wheelchair ramps
regarding the front edge and slope of transition. However there has never been anyone monitoring
compliancy. Sotter’s study is significant because for the first time there are independent
measurements to verify manufacturer’s ADA compliancy.”
Of the seven ramps studied, only two met the ADA requirement, which states,
“Ramp runs shall have a running slope not steeper than 1:12″ (8.33%). Results of the study show that the SafePath Products ramp, with a slope of 7.0%, exceeded ADA standards and provided the most gradual slope.
Other ramps had slopes as steep as 14.5%. Sotter’s study also evaluated the side approach, which
does not have an ADA standard, but which is a concern in many applications. SafePath Products,
with a slope of 21.2%, provided the best side accessibility. Two of the ramps had no side approach,
and the others ranged from 35.5% to 76.9%.”
Read the full report at:
http://safepathproducts.com/press_releases/ramp_study_final_2017.pdf.
In discussing the report, Vander Heiden said,
“Exceeding ADA standards is a cornerstone of our
product development process, so we were not surprised to have the best results in Sotter’s study.
SafePath is committed to being a compliance leader in the architectural and building industry,
eliminating structural barriers through innovative products.”
About SafePath Products:
SafePath Products in Chico California is one of the largest suppliers of transition products, including
ramps, landings, seismic surface transitions, flooring reducers and other industrial and residential
products for ADA access code compliance. They were the first company to patent and produce
recycled transition products and continue to be a leader in developing “green” products. They are
the largest manufacturer’s of recycled ADA and FHA transition products in the United States. All
products are 100% made in the USA.
ADA Compliance Testing
Licensed by the State of California Board of Professional Engineers And Land Surveyors Approved by the City of Los Angeles for testing slip resistance of flooring
Ramp ADA Compliance Testing Results
Client: DK Enterprises
Report date: 1/4/17 Page 1 of 1
Test no.: 1610-1921
Ramps tested: 7 D
Date tested: 5/17/16
Guidelines for this study were provided by the Department of Justice’s revised regulations for Titles II and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), published in the Federal Register on September 15, 2010.
These regulations adopted revised, enforceable accessibility standards called the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, “2010 Standards.”
On March 15, 2012, compliance with the 2010 Standards was required for new construction and alterations under Titles II and III. March 15, 2012, is also the compliance date for using the 2010 Standards for program accessibility and barrier removal.
The 2010 Standards set minimum requirements – both scoping and technical – for newly designed and constructed or altered State and local government facilities, public accommodations, and commercial facilities to be readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities.
Specific to these regulations, the following sections were utilized for this ramp study: 303 Changes in Level 303.1 General. Where changes in level are permitted in floor or ground surfaces, they shall comply with 303.
EXCEPTIONS:
303.1. Animal containment areas shall not be required to comply with 303.
303.2. Areas of sport activity shall not be required to comply with 303. 303.2 Vertical. Changes in level of ¼ inch (6.4 mm) high maximum shall be permitted to be vertical
303.3 Beveled. Changes in level between ¼ inch (6.4 mm) high minimum and ½ inch (13 mm)
high maximum shall be beveled with a slope not steeper than 1:2.
303.4 Ramps. Changes in level greater than ½ inch (13 mm) high shall be ramped, and shall
comply with 405 or 406.
And from 405 Ramps:
405.1 General. Ramps on accessible routes shall comply with 405.
EXCEPTION: In assembly areas, aisle ramps adjacent to seating and not serving elements
required to be on an accessible route shall not be required to comply with 405.
405.2 Slope. Ramp runs shall have a running slope not steeper than 1:12.
EXCEPTION: In existing sites, buildings, and facilities, ramps shall be permitted to have running
slopes steeper than 1:12 complying with Table 405.2 where such slopes are necessary due to
space limitations.
