Ramps & Pathways
Ramps and pathways provide equitable and dignified access to most premises and public areas, but in most cases it is not being built and maintained to standard.
The following are some of the criteria which might be available and non-compliant or unavailable:
- A Continuous Accessible Path of Travel (CAPT) with a width of 1500mm-3000mm which includes at least a level (1:50 gradient), firm, even and slip resistant surface with applicable handrails, guardrails and Tactile Ground Surface Indicators (provide orientation/wayfinding to people who are Blind or Vision Impaired) with step free access.
- Ramps should have an unobstructed min. width of 1000mm and a min. gradient of 1:12 (recommendation is 1:20 to accommodate a wider range of people) with a firm, even and slip resistant surface with a max. access height 5mm.
- Threshold ramps at doors can have 1:8 gradient.
- Deep pile carpets cause wheelchair wheels to lose traction and manoeuvrability.
- Handrails is required on both sides of ramps exceeding 800mm in length and there is an alternative step access.
- End and intermediate landings on a ramp should be 1500mm in length.
- Protection and guarding should be present at the side of a path and ramp if a slide hazard is present.
If you believe that you have been discriminated against through Non Compliant Routes & Pathways, please feel free to fill out the form below and we will come back to you within 48 hours.
You can also read the information and follow the links below the form to find out more about Accessible Routes and Pathways and the companies and organisations that can assist you which provide Universal Design & Access in South Africa.
The South African National Standard for Building Regulations
The South African Government through The South African National Standard for Building Regulations passes laws that insure that new buildings & structures are designed & build with certain regulations, which includes regulations on Accessible Routes and Pathways.There must be a means of access that is suitable for people with disabilities to use. In addition, access must be available from various approaches of the building via the main entrance and any secondary entrances, and should lead to the ground floor.
Click on the two links below to find out more about these regulations that have been put in place to assist persons with disabilities and read the information below to find out about the Organizations and Companies that specialize in Universal Design and Access and who can advise you on how to adapt your environment to make sure that it is safe and accessible to persons with disabilities .
Building Regulations For Persons with Mobility Impairments: .....
Building Regulations For Persons with Visual Impairments: .....
Organizations & Companies That Can Assist With Universal Design & Access
Despite these regulations, there are still unfortunately many Accessible Routes and Pathways in South Africa which are not compliant to accommodate all persons with disabilities. There are however various Organizations and Companies that specialize in Universal Design and Access and can advise you on how to adapt your business and surrounding area to make sure that persons with disabilities have equal rights and access to all roads, pavements, and shopping centres.
Click on the links below to find out more about these Organizations and Companies and how they can assist you.