Kerb ramps are an excellent way of improving access to your business for staff, visitors and customers alike. Here’s our guide to why you should have kerb ramps, and what they are used for.
What is a kerb ramp?
A durable kerb-ramp allows people, goods and equipment to move between heights (pavement to road and vice versa, for example) easily and smoothly. Originally designed for wheeled traffic like wheelchairs, trolleys and dollies, they are also very useful for people who struggle with mobility and cannot comfortably take a step up or down.
What are the benefits of kerb ramps?
Smoother deliveries
If you are unloading or loading in any volume and you haven’t got a drop kerb, you absolutely need a kerb ramp. You can easily and quickly move trolleys, cages and dollies up and down kerbs with a ramp, and your deliveries will be much faster and smoother.
Car park and driveway management
If you have a cycle park or shelter on your premises, installing a kerb ramp nearby can make it easier for your customers and staff to access it. This in turn encourages more people to leave the car at home and improves your eco-friendly credentials.
If your driveway at home doesn’t have a drop kerb, or it is too narrow to get all your vehicles on your drive, use a kerb ramp. You’ll be saving unnecessary wear and tear or impact damage on your tyres, wheels and suspension and giving much better access for you and your guests.
Disabled access
More and more people in the UK are living with some kind of disability. The Equality Act of 2010 makes it a legal requirement for businesses to make reasonable adjustments to allow disabled people to access their services. A simple and effective way of improving access to your business is the installation of a kerb ramp.
What are kerb ramps made from?
Common kerb ramp materials are plastic and rubber.
Rubber models tend to be heavier duty and can carry more load – the designs here are typically triangular for added strength. Perfect for motorised wheelchairs, fully loaded cages and even vehicles.
Plastic ramps are usually capable of carrying or supporting less weight. The flat panel-like design makes them easier to move, store and transport. Ideal for non-motorised wheelchairs, cycles, pedestrians, trolleys and wheeled baggage.
Anything else to consider?
Before you purchase a kerb ramp, you’ll need to think about your intended use. If you need it to allow vehicles smooth passage, you need a heavy-duty rubber model with a solid ‘wedge’-shape. If you are simply looking for a way to help people in wheelchairs to move about easily, a plastic model will suffice – although you’ll want to make sure it is secured against slipping.
Additional considerations include portability – if you will be moving the ramp around frequently, or if you will only be putting it out to take deliveries once or twice a day, look for a version with a carry handle. And if you need a bit more versatility, you can find ramp options that have smooth, lip-free edges, meaning you can push two or more together to create a larger ramped area. On the other hand, those lipped-edges are a handy feature for keeping users on the ramp and preventing them from dropping over the edge.
Author Bio: First Mats started life as safety matting specialists, but have since expanded to become a complete industrial and commercial supplies company. The focus of First Mats is to provide safety-focused products that improve the wellbeing of staff through quality approved products, backed up by extensive knowledge. www.firstmats.co.uk