Edge protection at ramps

There is a standard that requires that the side edges of a ramp be protected from wheelchair casters from falling off the edge if the ramp edges are open and located 10″ above the ground. Edge protection along ramp runs and landings keep wheelchair casters and crutch tips on the surface and can be provided by curbs, barriers, or extended surfaces.

At one of my inspections yesterday, there was a ramp that had handrails alongside of low planter wall (so the edges were not open). But it also had a low bar that was mounted 4″ above the surface of the ramp. The additional edge protection was not required, since there was no drop off on either side of the ramp edges.

At one of my inspections yesterday, there were two examples of cane detection: one was not necessary and one was a good example of a prevention from becoming a protruding object.

Below are the two examples:

The photo above shows a diaper counter located along a circulation path in a restroom. It is a recessed type diaper counter with handles that project out onto the path. (the diaper counter was a Koala product)

The photo above shows the handles below the counter that are mounted lower than 27″ a.f.f. and act as cane detection.

The photo above shows a drinking fountain located in an alcove. It is not technically protruding onto a circulation path and the walls on either side of the drinking fountains act as cane detection. So the cane detectable apron installed under the “high” drinking fountain was not required.