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

What does the Equality Act cover?

The act protects a person against discrimination on the grounds of (including but not limited to):

• Disability
• Age
• Gender
• Race
• Religion
• Sexual orientation

The Rights of Disabled People under The Equalities Act

The Equalities Act requires employers, local authorities, schools, and service providers to make reasonable adjustments for disabled people by removing barriers that could stop individuals from gaining and remaining in employment or education; or customers from accessing and using goods and services.. Find more about the Equalities Act.

Physical barriers

Physical barriers can include steps, stairways, kerbs, exterior surfaces and paving, parking areas, building entrances and exits (including emergency escape routes), internal and external doors, gates, toilets and washing facilities, public facilities (such as telephones, counters or service desks), lighting and ventilation, lifts and escalators, floor coverings, signs, furniture, and temporary or movable items (such as equipment and display racks).

What is considered reasonable disabled access? 

This is dependent on the type of building being reviewed. 

Private Dwellings 

To achieve a DDA compliant ramp to a home, please follow the ramp regulations surrounding access to dwellings.

Public Buildings 

Individuals refurbishing or constructing buildings for public use must guarantee high-grade DDA access is achieved. 

Remember that permanent or semi-permanent access systems including wheelchair ramps and steps, must comply with the disability act and requirements stated in Documents M and K of the Building Regulations. 

Temporary Buildings

Ramps and steps for temporary public buildings must comply with the Documents M and K of the Buildings Regulations.  

Additional Safety Features 

Extras are available with our modular wheelchair ramps and steps, including:

• Infill Handrails - prevents users from climbing or falling through gaps.

• Yellow Tread - A safety feature designed to help those with impaired vision identify the nose of the ramp or step. Additionally, it helps users distinguish any level changes.

• GRP Platform - A slip-resistant and non-corrosive surface that is ideal for areas with high footfall such as schools and public spaces. The product comes in dark grey as standard.

• Standard Underside Mesh - This is designed to prevent children from gaining access to the underneath of the ramp.

Request A Quick Quote For A DDA Ramp

Quotations can be returned within 24hrs if there is clear information given, including project address, drawings, photos and contact details.

Sources:

Crown and database, Equality Act 2010, legislation.gov.uk (https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/contents)

Crown, 2021, The Building Regulations, Approved Document M: access to and use of buildings, volume 2: buildings other than dwellings (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/60b0ea89d3bf7f43560e324a/Approved_Document_M_vol_2.pdf)

Crown, 2013, The Building Regulations 2010, Approved Document K: protection from falling, collision and impact (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/60d5bdcde90e07716f516cfd/Approved_Document_K.pdf)