University of Liverpool

DDA improvement works were scheduled for the Ashton Building, with plans including an accessible toilet and a permanent internal ramp to overcome the threshold height to the ground-floor lobby.

The ramp will provide an additional wheelchair-accessible escape route in the event of a fire.

As the building is grade II listed, any access improvements had to be accomplished gingerly and without damage being produced.

CAD drawings were produced and supplied to the client with their quotation.

The project was accomplished within a quick turnaround time, with the ramp only taking three hours to complete. This factor minimised disruption to the day-to-day running of the building, and the system was instantly useable after fitting.

It includes a 1:15 gradient compliant with Documents M and K of the Building Regulations. Plus, it has a safe loading capacity of 1,000kgs to support high traffic volumes over its surface.

Ground and wall fixing were unnecessary as once the components are bolted together, the system's weight keeps it neatly in place. Plus, slip-resistant rubber tiles were added underneath each foot plate to protect the flooring.

We continue to take the greatest care is taken with historic ramp installations, with measures to prevent any impact being caused to the different flooring & walls.

FEATURES INCLUDED:

• Standard Handrail - this handrail system ensures users always have support to hold onto.
• Trombone Ends - these are added to the ends of a Rapid Ramp to prevent clothes catching.
• Mesh Platform - the self-draining mesh allows water to pass through rather than collect on the surface.
• Powder coated Finish – rails are coated with thermosetting powder to provide a non-conductive, non-slip and scratch resistant surface.
• Telescopic Legs - these can be adjusted to accommodate different threshold heights

EXTRA FEATURE INCLUDED:

• Yellow Tread - this is a safety feature designed to help those with impaired vision identify the nose of the ramp.