Ask the Expert
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At this point, everyone starts to get a little excited when they hear that for a ½ inch misalignment, they need to build a ramp or stairs, when in fact all we are taking about is placing some stable fill material (cement, macadam, etc.) between the adjoining surfaces to create a sloped transition (ramp). This newly created slope is not to be steeper than 1:12 (rise:run), which means that for every inch of rise (elevation change), the sloped fill material must run (extend away from the point of elevation change) a minimum of 12 inches creating the ramp; or as in the example of a ½ inch rise, the ramp will need to have a 6 inch run.
Of course, there are many variables to consider when determining which option is best to take and you will most likely want to consult a contractor for advice.
In addition to making the walking surfaces level, there are a number of other safety factors to evaluate that would help to minimize the risk of falls on your property. The first thing you should consider is to conduct a documented routine tour of all your walking surfaces to evaluate their safety (attached form). Often times you and your staff use their own entrance and problems with the public’s entrance can go un-noticed. A monthly check of your grounds will help to identify potential hazards, allowing you to get them repaired before they result in a claim.
Remember, walkways are not limited to sidewalks, but need to include internal areas such as floors and stairs, as well as external areas such as parking lots, which pose a variety of hazards.
Besides looking for deviations in adjoining surfaces, you should consider evaluating the following walkway safety issues, as well (sample survey form):
- Slip resistance – surfaces need to provide good traction under expected environmental conditions. If walking surfaces are painted, then abrasives need to be considered as additives to the paint. If mats or carpets are in the walking path, then they need to be affixed so they do not slide when walked on.
- Substandard conditions – walkways that have broken, cracked, raised, depressed, or other conditions where pieces of the walkway can either move or cause footwear to get caught or result in slippage needs to be repaired.
- Openings in walkways – if gratings are within the foreseeable walkway, their openings can not exceed ½ inch in the direction of predominant travel.
- Wheel stops – are not to be placed in foreseeable walking paths and need to be in visual contrast with surrounding surfaces.
- Speed bumps – in foreseeable walking paths need to meet change of elevation requirements listed above and should visually contrast with surroundings.
- Transition changes – should have visual warning cues to indicate the transition and all “distracting” views that could potentially hide these transitions need to be removed.
- Illumination – needs to be adequate for all walking surfaces. While most evaluations are done in daylight, consideration needs to be given to inspecting these surfaces at night to insure proper lighting. It is not uncommon for plants to grow and block lighting, or for bulbs/fixtures to fail.
- Stairs and handrails – should be installed in accordance with local building codes and need to be maintained in good working order.