Wheelchair and Access Ramps

Wednesday, March 10th, 2010

Installing wheelchair ramps and providing access to parts of the home, office or other premises that would otherwise be out of reach for wheelchair users is crucial in handing back individuals’ independence. These adjustments should conform to all wheelchair and access regulations, and specialists such as K5 have put together a host of solutions for users that meet stringent legislation while providing functionality and ease of use. Their lightweight construction ensures strength but easy pick-up, meaning they can be taken anywhere comfortably.

Many of K5’s wheelchair ramps fold away into a briefcase size, complete with a carry handle, in a matter of seconds. And they are easy to set-up in timely fashion as well. They have also launched a range of innovative wheelchair lifts that provide convenient and dignified access for people with disabilities into buildings where access has until now been restricted or completely unavailable.

BS 8300:2001 is a regulation regarding the design of buildings and their approach to the needs of disabled people. It is a source of best practice for architects, builders, landlords and facility managers. It encourages design solutions that enable ease of access for wheelchair users to public buildings such as schools, theatres, shops etc.

The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (c 50) is an Act of the Parliament that states that it is unlawful to discriminate against people in respect of their disability in terms of employment, the provision of goods and services, education and transport. It is a civil rights law, and ensures that disabled people are not inhibited in the life that they can lead.

If you are seeking the services of a wheelchair service provider, make sure that you work with an organisation that adheres to all wheelchair ramps and access regulations, and who strive to make the life of disabled people that little bit easier. One organisation that strives to do this is K5.

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Wheelchair Ramp Regulations

Thursday, March 4th, 2010

It is incredibly important that all businesses take adequate measures to ensure that individuals with disabilities are able to freely access their premises, from places of education and offices to restaurants and shops. As a business owner, it is therefore important to ensure that you have a variety of access aids on hand that your employees are trained to use. One of the most common disability aids that you will see in businesses are wheelchair ramps, these enable wheelchair users to access buildings that would otherwise be very difficult to enter.

It is essential that business owners purchase wheelchair ramps that comply with basic regulations to ensure the safety of all visitors. The main standards for regulations are related to the length, gradient and surface materials.

There is one company, K5 Evacuation Chairs, which specialises in a number of disabled aids including access ramps, wheelchair lifts, stair lifts, parking barriers, stretchers and other accessories.  All of their products possess the very latest features and follow all of the latest disability standards and regulations.

All wheelchair ramps should be covered in a non-slip material, this is incredibly important to maintain the safety of the entrance of a building for wheelchair users and non-wheelchair users. Wheelchair ramps should also be at least 1.5 m long to accommodate for wheelchairs of all sizes, with 100mm high kerbs on either side. For ramps that are longer than 2 m there should be hand rails on either side.

K5 Evacuation Chairs, supply both PerfoLight ramps and AeroLight ramps, both are extremely lightweight and strong, enabling them to hold a range of weights. The PerfoLight range can also be folded to a brief case size when not in use.

For further information about the wide selection of wheelchair ramps on offer, business owners can browse the catalogue on this specialist’s website. Customers can contact their team by calling their local telephone number or by filling out the contact form that can be found on their website.

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