LATEST NEWS

How to design outside steps?

Outside steps need to withstand exposure from extreme weather conditions and often need to comply with Part M and K of the Building Regulations if they are for public use or provide access to a council-owned dwelling. We further advise a slip-resistant walkway surface and a fire-resistant step system for users’ safety.

Front door step ideas

There are different materials that a front door step can be constructed from, including concrete, timber and steel. This article breaks down each material's advantages and disadvantages.

How wide should a wheelchair ramp be?

Wheelchair ramps for public use should be 1500mm wide or more. Ramps for dwellings should have a minimum width of 900mm. These are minimum requirements set out by the Buildings Regulations.

Designing a narrow wheelchair ramp

A narrow wheelchair ramp is often appropriate for projects with limited space. We usually only install compact ramps when no other suitable exits are available. However, if a fully compliant system is obligatory regardless, then a reasonable amount of space is needed to achieve the minimum compliant ramp gradient and width.

Are ramps suitable for trolleys?

Different ramps may support a varied maximum trolley load. The Rapid Ramp system has a tested loading capacity of 1,000kg. Therefore, if your trolley and its contents do not exceed this weight limit, it will be safe to use.

The Scottish ramp regulations

The Scottish ramp regulations are very similar to the UK guidelines. For example, The Part M regulations state that a ramp must achieve a minimum gradient. Buildings and spaces for public use must accomplish a minimum ramp gradient of 1:15, while for dwellings, this is 1:12.

How steep can ramps be?

We advise that a ramp gradient should not be steeper than the maximum gradient and meet the minimum set by Part M of the Building Regulations. Preferably a shallow and practicable incline should be achieved.

Wheelchair Lifts vs Wheelchair Ramps

Wheelchair lifts, sometimes referred to as disabled lifts or wheelchair platform lifts, raise and lower the user from one level or another. Modular ramps provide a gradual incline from an external entrance or exit.

How much does a ramp cost?

The cost of a ramp will vary from project to project. For example, a standard, straight Rapid Ramp will start from £2,500. Quotations can be subject to site survey reports, and VAT exemptions apply.

An environmentally friendly ramp company

At Rapid Ramp, we dedicate ourselves to reducing the impact our products, services, and activities have on the environment.

Ramp handrails

Ramp handrails are designed to provide the user with stability and support. A standard handrail comes included with our modular ramps and steps. An infill handrail is also available.

What surfaces can a modular ramp be installed over?

Our steel Rapid Ramp Systems and steps can be installed over a variety of soft and hard surfaces. This might not be the case for other materials.

Fire escape guide for disabled people

Everyone, including disabled people, have the right to access safe escape routes and exits in the event of a fire. Those with disabilities and wheelchair users are considered especially at risk. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 sets out the legislation that England and Wales must comply with.

How to be a DDA compliant Prison

Prisons must comply with guidelines set by the Equality Act 2010. This act protects the rights of both staff and disabled prisoners. It replaced the individual discrimination laws, including the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA).

Caravan access ramps & steps

Our caravan ramps and steps are galvanised modular kits designed for external use and include powder-coated handrails.

Wheelchair ramps in Ireland

Rapid Ramp has ramp installers based in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Plus, Supply Only, Supply & Installation and Ramp Rental packages are available across all regions of the country.

Walkway solutions

Walkway solutions can be achieved with the Rapid Ramp modular system in minimal time for different purposes, including bridging the gap between two levels, wheelchair access to a building/space or as a temporary footpath during construction works.

Wheelchair ramp manufacturing

As a UK based wheelchair ramp manufacturer, we are not dependent on ports for stock and continue to supply and install our ramps and steps rapidly across the UK (typically within 3- 5 working days).

Part M ramps

We appreciate ramps and part m of the building regulations can be puzzling; therefore, we have broken down the main fundamentals concerning ramped access. If you require part m ramps, please get in touch as we have a fully compliant system for temporary and permanent use.

The Ramp Process

From enquiry, quotation right through to installation, the whole ramp process is covered at Rapid Ramp, the UK's leading modular ramp provider.

Modular ramp kits

Modular ramp kits are steel, flat-packed access systems assembled on-site for external use and suitable for various applications.

The correct wheelchair door width

UK regulations surrounding door widths vary depending on the type of building and whether the door is for public access.

Creating a temporary walkway

A temporary walkway is often required at festivals, events and on temporary car parks and construction sites. Frequently, it provides access for footfall and wheelchair users over physical obstacles such as pipes, cabling, and rough terrain.

What is a permanent wheelchair ramp?

A permanent wheelchair ramp is a system that is fixed to the ground, does not move, and provides a gradual incline over a threshold.

Disabled Access In The Workplace

Many disabled people are seeking to access or stay in employment. A government grant such as Access to Work can help provide practical and financial support for employees who have a disability or long-term physical or mental health condition.

Do Schools Need An Accessibility Plan?

Yes, it is a legal requirement under the Equality Act 2010 for schools to have an accessibility plan. This needs to be approved by their governing or trust board. Fundamentally, it must support disabled pupils in accessing and benefiting from education, facilities, and services.

Royalty Walks On Rapid Ramp

Prince Edward (Earl of Wessex) & his wife Sophie (Countess of Wessex) attended the opening of a new community centre and sensory garden for disabled children and their families in Wokingham Borough.

Modular Access Systems - Videos

Helpful videos that explore the features and benefits of a modular access system.

The Standard Step Height - UK Regulations

The standard step height you require depends on your answers to the following questions: Does it need to comply with step regulations? Are the steps for private use?

Post-Brexit Preparations – Accessible Buildings

Post-Brexit preparations are underway with Inland border facilities and lorry parks being produced to accommodate expected road congestions.

Ramps & Steps for Vaccination Centres & Pods

Vaccination centres and pods are being installed across the UK, and provisions are being made in existing hospitals and GP practices, in preparation for the COVID-19 vaccination programme.

Creating An Accessible Shopping Experience

In support of Purple Tuesday (a change programme to make the shopping experience accessible for the disabled); we have listed a few recommendations to benefit shop owners and service providers.

Specifying the right airport ramp

When discussing airport ramps, we first need to look at an example of passenger footfall for context: London Heathrow was one of the world’s busiest airports, with over eighty million passengers passing through in just 2019 alone (Heathrow Airport Limited, 2020).

COVID-19 Advice for Schools

Schools and other educational facilities are undertaking precautions in line with the latest government guidelines to prevent the spread of Covid-19 amongst staff, students, and visitors.

Improving Hospital Discharges (NHS Long Term Plan)

People in the UK are living longer than ever before. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) estimated that in 2019, the life expectancy for women increased to 83.6 years, up four months compared with 2018. For men, this increased to 79.9 years, up three months.

How to design a ramp?

There are varies design possibilities when configuring ramps, factors including what are listed are considered when designing:

What is a portable ramp?

A portable ramp is an easily removable system that provides temporary wheelchair access over a small step, kerb or entrance into a car. The product is mostly used when a fixed ramp solution such a modular ramp is not required. Portable ramps are made from a variety of materials, e.g. plastic, rubber or aluminium.

Ramps suitable for hospital beds & Patient equipment

Patient-moving equipment such as hospital beds and stretchers are in use daily in healthcare and NHS facilities. At times, these are moved in and out of buildings, and provisions need to be made to allow a quick exit for beds in the event of a fire.

What is a Disabled Facilities Grant?

A Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) is a means-tested grant for disabled people who need financial assistance with home adaptations.

Our Official COVID-19 Response: Supporting The National Health Service (NHS)

During this Coronavirus pandemic, Rapid Ramp seeks to continue our services to the high priority cases, which will reduce the pressure on our National Health Service.

Improving disabled access at UK festivals

Most people can enjoy access to music at any time, anywhere. However, for wheelchair users and those with disabilities, seeing their favourite band live can be mentally or physically challenging without the right provisions in place.

Wheelchair Ramp Maintenance, Cleaning, Powder-Coated Finish

The Rapid Ramp System needs very little maintenance. However, we have given a few suggestions that should help increase your wheelchair ramp's longevity.

What is a DDA compliant Ramp? - Compliance with Disability Discrimination Act

The Equalities Act 2010 replaced the Disability Discrimination Act of 2005 (DDA). However, the term 'DDA compliant ramp' is still commonly used when discussing laws protecting the rights of disabled people to access buildings, services and spaces.

How to build a modular wheelchair ramp

Building a wheelchair ramp is no easy feat, and as a company with over 20 years of industry experience, we wouldn't encourage any untrained individual to build a ramp independently.

What is a GRP Ramp?

GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic), an slip-resistant surface solution for ramps and steps.

Wooden Ramps vs Metal Ramps

Metal ramps are increasing in popularity. They are quick and easy to install and overcome many of the obstacles faced by wooden ramps.

Concrete Ramps vs Metal Ramps

Metal ramps are increasing in popularity. They are quick and easy to install and overcome many of the obstacles faced by traditional concrete.

Why do we talk about ‘Warm-to-Touch’ Handrails?

When bitter weather sets in, external uncoated metal handrails can become extremely cold to the touch. Likewise, when the sun beats down on uncoated rails, the heat becomes unbearable.