Recommendations on Standards for the Design of Medical Diagnostic Equipment for Adults with Disabilities, Advisory Committee Final Report

Ramps M303:3.3, 3.3.1, 3.3.2

M303.3 Proposed Provision: Changes in Level at Entry to Wheelchair Spaces includes technical criteria for changes in level at the entry to a wheelchair space as may occur at wheelchair weight scales with raised platforms. The technical criteria are consistent with the 2004 ADA and ABA Accessibility Guidelines. Level changes up to ¼ inch high are permitted to be vertical. Level changes between ¼ inch high and ½ inch high would be required to be beveled with a slope not steeper than 1:2. Level changes greater than ½ inch high would be required to be ramped. Ramp runs would be required to have a running slope not steeper than 1:12 and a cross slope not steeper than 1:48. The clear width of ramp runs would be required to be 36 inches minimum. Ramps with drop offs ½ inch or greater would be required to provide edge protection 2 inches high minimum on each side to prevent users from inadvertently travelling off the sides of the ramped surface.

• Sub-Committee Recommendation: Steepest Slope permitted to be:

• Rise 0 to 1 ½ inches – 1:2 Slope
• Rise >1 ½ to 2 ½ inches – 1:8* Slope
• Rise >2 ½ inches – 1:12 Slope

Rationale: Based on Weight Scales Subcommittee recommendation with full Committee’s input and partly the 2004 ADA and ABA Accessibility Guidelines. *The rise of >1 ½ to 2 ½ inches - 1:8 slope is from section 405.2 Maximum Ramp Slope and Rise for Existing Sites, Buildings, and Facilities - [A steeper ramp for a limited rise is allowable].

A ramp, using a 1:2 slope, will allow for short rise ramps found on stow-a-weigh scales. Space constraints are of consideration in this recommendation, as medical equipment and adequate space in the acute care or in the medical office setting are often competing. Scales that can be wall mounted or that are portable would facilitate where there are space constraints. Patients are always supervised and assisted by a healthcare provider when taking weight.

Current weight cell load technology that exists, allows for a low platform profile between ¾” to 1½”. As the height of the platform decreases, the length of the ramp can also decrease. The trend for the industry is towards lower weight cell technology development; however, this existing low weight cell profile may represent the limits of technology.

• Sub-Committee Recommendation: Edge Protection

o Single ramp scales: 2 inch edge protection absolute is required opposite the entry ramp on the platform as a safety feature to prevent wheeled mobility device drivers from over-shooting the platform as not all devices stop immediately when braking.

o A 2 inch maximum height is recommended so the edge protection does not obstruct the footrest from hanging over.

o Edge protection is required for either side of the platform (front edge and rear edge) and ramp. This is an additional safety recommendation.

 Single and dual ramp scales: 2 inches minimum required on both sides (front edge and rear edge) of platform
 Single and dual ramp scales: 2 inches minimum required on both sides of entry ramps
 Not required where platform is ≤ 1½ inches

Rationale: Edge protection provides additional safety features so user of wheeled mobility devices do not inadvertently drivel off ramp and/or platform.

Single Ramp Scale with 2” Edge Protection

Opposite the ramp entry and on both sides of the platform and ramp

Figure 2: Picture of single ramp scale showing the 2” edge protection at the opposite side of the platform and showing the 2” minimum edge protection on both sides of the ramp and platform

Dual Ramp Scale with 2” Edge Protection

On both sides of the platform and ramp

Figure 3: Picture of a dual ramp scale showing the edge protection on both sides of the platform and ramp