If you’re a wheelchair user, learning to identify what makes a ramp potentially hazardous to use is extremely important, as being able to do so can prevent serious injury. They key qualities to look for in any ramp are stability, firmness, and a slip-resistant surface, but one should also check for all of the following issues:
A steep slope
This may not be as obvious to spot as you might think—a truly safe wheelchair ramp has a very, very gradual incline, with the general rule of thumb being a single inch of rise will require 12 inches of ramp. Anything more than this can easily over-tire a wheelchair user ascending a lengthy ramp. In many countries, rules and regulations require new buildings to be built with such gradual ramps, but there are no regulations for portable and van ramps, so be especially careful when using them.
Insufficient width
A ramp should be at least 36 inches wide to accommodate a standard wheelchair or walker. Once again, rules and regulations now enforce this in many areas, but some wheelchairs are extra-wide, and may have issues on even these ramps. But sure to know the particular size requirements for your make of chair. Wheelchair ramps that are meant to accommodate two-way traffic (sometimes used on buildings in very busy areas) should be at least 120 inches wide.
Insufficient landings
In order to be safely accessed, all permanent wheelchair ramps are required to have a level landing both at the top and bottom of the ramp. Long ramps (those with a total rise of over 30 inches) must have a landing midway through, so that users who are less able (such as the elderly) have a space to safely rest if they become tired while scaling the ramp. Also, never try to turn around on an interim landing that is less than 60 by 60 inches, or you may get stuck.
Insufficient barriers and/or railings
Any ramp that rises over six inches (which is, obviously, most of them) should have hand railings on both sides. This applies to both the ramp and all landings. Low ramps that do not have railings should have a curb or some other form of barrier to keep wheels firmly on the ramp at all times—even a low ramp can be dangerous if one wheel goes abruptly over the side.
Insufficient protection from the elements
Any wheelchair ramp can become unsafe when it is slippery due to heavy rain, snow, or ice. If you live in an area with severe winter weather, always check carefully for the presence of ice on ramps—thin ice, or ice partly hidden under snow, can be hard to spot, and can present a real hazard to any wheelchair user. Ramps, like roadways and walkways, must be thoroughly cleared of snow and salted at all times where winter weather conditions are present.