EZ-ACCESS PATHWA MODULAR ACCESS SYSTEM - Manual (Page 7)

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SITE EVALUATION
1) DISCUSS THE NEEDS OF THE CUSTOMER
Evaluate the ramp site and explain to your customer the guidelines relating to a 1:12 slope (12 inches of ramp
to one inch of rise, or 4.8°). There are times that a site may not allow for this incline; this and other
considerations need to be addressed for each site evaluation.
2) PICK A START AND END POINT FOR THE RAMP
What is the approximate workable area that the ramp system can occupy? For a wheelchair to transition
smoothly onto or off from the ramp, the top and bottom of the ramp should be placed on a firm, level surface.
Are platforms or landing pads needed? (Guidelines suggest a 5’ x 5’ maneuvering area, which can be either a
porch or platform.) Consider these variations:
A) CONNECTS TO EXISTING PORCH
If the top of the ramp connects to a porch, account for the door swing and chair maneuvering room
(FIG B).
B) OVER AN EXISTING PORCH OR STEPS
If the platform is over an existing porch, be aware that the deck of the platform will be 3½-inches
higher than the surface of the porch or steps. If the door (or screen door) swings outward, the
platform will not allow the door to open. If this happens, two options are available:
i. A custom porch platform is available that adds only 1½” to the height of the porch surface.
ii. Mount the platform flush to the front edge of the porch.
C) DIRECTLY AGAINST A DOOR (WITHOUT PORCH)
If a platform used is directly against a door it is best to keep the platform surface even with the
doorway threshold.
D) IT IS RECOMMENDED NOT TO CONNECT A RAMP DIRECTLY TO A DOOR WITHOUT A LANDING.
This does not allow safe maneuvering room to open the door.
3) IS THE PORCH WOOD OR CONCRETE?
The upper end of the ramp or platform must be attached to the porch. Fasteners are supplied that will attach
to either wood or concrete (a masonry bit or rotary
hammer will be necessary for the concrete fasteners).
4) MEASURE THE TOTAL RISE (see diagram at right)
A) The length of the ramp needed is determined by
the total rise (the vertical height of the area
requiring a ramp). The total rise is the difference
in height between the top of the steps or landing
and the ground. Using a builder’s level or tape
measure, determine the rise and keep in mind
that this measurement always includes door
thresholds, steps, and all slopes down to the
lowest area (uneven yard, etc.).
B) Once this height is determined, (i.e., 40” rise), measure out 40’ to see if there are additional drops or
difference in rise due to uneven yard, etc.
5) CONSIDER HANDRAILS
EZ-ACCESS, along with most regulatory agencies and building codes, recommends the use of handrails for
all modular ramps. A minimum of 1½” of outside clearance is needed for finger allowance (see ADA 4.8.5 for
additional information on handrails).
When handrails are attached, the overall outside width of the ramp is 43” (includes handrails as well as
supports). When measuring for the system, be sure to allow for 43”.
6) LOOK FOR OBSTACLES
Describe any porch railings, trees, shrubs, etc. that may interfere with the ramps, platforms, platform support
tubes, rails, and ramp support assemblies.
7) COMBINED LENGTH
What is the combined length of ramp system (NOT including platforms)?
8) DETERMINE SURFACE
What type of surface is at the bottom of the ramp? Is it level and suitable for wheelchair use?
9) COMPLETE “SITE EVALUATION WORKSHEET” and QUOTE RAMP