ADA states that all classrooms must be wheelchair accessible. With over forty-one thousand schools in the US utilizing a ramp for their portable classrooms, it’s no surprise that districts are looking for a safer alternative to wood ramps.
Does Your Ramp Leave You in Limb-o? Contrary to what you might think, wood is slick when wet, especially if grip tape is not applied to the surface. Whether its snow or rain, wood can become a virtual slip ‘n slide. Imagine walking down a slippery wood ramp. Now imagine maneuvering a wheelchair down one. Maybe it’s time to branch out and try EZ-ACCESS’s aluminum ramp system. It has permanent, extruded tread that not only reinforces the strength of the structure but also provides a slip-resistant surface.
Nailed It, or not? If it’s not slipping you’re worried about, it’s probably those pesky nails that seem to poke out over time. They can snag clothes, ruin wheelchair wheels, and even rust, causing a whole list of problems to lumber over. Over time, nails can lose their grip on the wood and start to work their way out. Anything from humidity to ground settling can send those nails straight out of the wood and right into a hand or foot. Wood you guess what kind of ramp won’t leave you with nails protruding everywhere? The PATHWAY® Code Compliant Modular Access System, which is easy to install and doesn’t leave you with nails or edges that can snag and grab. The PATHWAY® features smooth, aluminum handrails and sides that are finished and flush with no hazardous nuts or bolts protruding into the usable ramp area.
The Root of the Problem? Wood Is Trippy Enough beating around the bush, let’s talk about one of the biggest safety issues with wood ramps: warping. It seems like in no time at all, the wood from the ramp is suddenly warped, misshapen, and twisted. And unfortunately, there is little you can do to prevent this from happening. You have gone from a nice wood ramp to a tripping hazard that is nearly impossible to push a wheelchair over. The way the wood is cut, humidity, ground movement, and poor workmanship can all have an effect on the way the wood bends. Aluminum ramps won’t shift and bend with time. They are made of high quality aluminum that is corrosion-resistant and is immediately ready for years of maintenance-free use.
Is it time to turn over a new leaf and upgrade your wood ramps to aluminum? The PATHWAY® brings a level of safety and security that wood can’t offer.