What's Wrong with This Photo - Curb Ramp - 7/17/21

Please look at the photo below. This is a walkway leading to a curb ramp down to the curb ramp landing at street level, This design is to allow a pedestrian to walk across the street to the facility on the other side of the street. What’s wrong? HINT: Wet surfaces can be slippery.

2010 ADA Standard 302.1, [Floor or Ground Surfaces] General, states, “Floor and ground surfaces shall be stable, firm, and slip resistant and shall comply with [Standard] 302.”

Also, 2010 ADA Standard 406.1, [Curb Ramps] General, states, “Curb ramps on accessible routes shall comply with [Standards] 406, 405.2 through 405.5, and 405.10.”

2010 ADA Standard 405.10, [Ramps] Wet Conditions, states, “[Ramp] Landings subject to wet conditions shall be designed to prevent the accumulation of water.”

ANSWER: Pooled water covering a curb ramp landing will likely be slippery, especially in freezing temperatures. This installation is a slip/fall accident waiting to happen. Exterior hardscape installations should be designed and installed to drain water off and prevent standing water from accumulation. Within the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) surfaces that are required to be “level” are allowed to have a maximum slope of 1:48, or 2.08%, to provide for surface drainage and prevent pooled or standing water.

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If you observe a facility that is not ADA compliant and you would like to know how to proceed, please see the link at What To Do When A Building Is Not ADA Compliant or Accessible.

ADA Inspections Nationwide, LLC, offers ADA/ABA/FHA accessibility compliance inspections for buildings and facilities, as applicable to the different laws, and expert witness services with respect to ADA/ABA/FHA laws for facility owners, tenants and managers. Also, ADAIN offers consulting for home modifications as a CAPS consultant for people wishing to age in place in their homes. For a complete list of services please see ADAIN Services.

Thank you.