Key considerations when assessing for threshold ramps

Threshold ramps provide safe access in the home and community and are designed to suit diverse environments. To ensure your clients are safe and get the most out of their ramps, we have provided some quick tips for assessing and measuring for threshold ramps.

• Consider the needs of your client and their mobility aid. Particularly with manual and power wheelchairs it’s important to consider the width and total weight of the chair, user and attendant. You will need to check this with the safe working load of the ramp.
• What gradient is required. Often threshold ramps are a steeper gradient (1:10 or 1:8) however if your client is using the ramp independently then you may need to consider a more gradual gradient (1:12 or 1:15).
• Is an internal threshold ramp required? There are options for rubber, aluminium or a ramp with a flip-down top plate which may require assistance to put in place.
• Portability vs fixed – would your client benefit from a portable option that can be used elsewhere in the house or community?
• Is there an external door or does the door open outwards? This will limit your selection as a number of the aluminium and height adjustable ramps either need to rest on a lip or have vertical support stands that would interfere. Often a rubber threshold ramp is the best option.
• Consider the surface the ramp is going on? Is the ground uneven? This may impact how the ramp sits on the surface particularly for aluminium ramps that don’t have the flexibility of rubber.

Aluminium threshold ramps are pre-made and are available in specific sizes. Whereas rubber threshold ramps have a lot more versatility and require more accurate measurements. So now it’s time to get out your tape measure and print off our rubber threshold ramp template.

1. Height – with your tape measure check the height across the width of the doorways for any variations, take the lowest height otherwise the door won’t close and this could become a trip hazard.
   • If you’re not able to take a flush accurate measurement then hold a book, level or phone to get an accurate measurement.
2. Cut-outs – These accommodate for any curves, skirtings or uneven ground that will impact the ramp sitting flush and flat. See the rubber ramp template for a drawing and what measurements are required.
3. Gradient – the pre-made rubber ramps range from 10 – 150mm high and are a 1:10 gradient. If you require a different gradient (1:12, 1:15) we are able to provide these as a custom option.
4. Length – check the length, for example a 150mm high ramp will be 1500mm long.
5. Width – the pre-made rubber ramps vary in width from 760mm to 1525mm, however the standard is 900mm.
6. Taper – do you require the sides to be tapered/sloped. This is recommended to assist with multi directional use (on lower ramps) and minimises trip hazards for ambulant users.
7. Wings – for higher ramps, a wing may be a great option (for the same reasons as the taper) as you can see pictured below.

We understand that sometimes ramps can be tricky to get right, and we are here to help. Contact our team by email [email protected] or give us a call on 0800 656 527