Designing for Compliance: The Advantages of Modular DDA Ramps
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Making buildings accessible and compliant isn’t optional – it’s the law. If you run a site that’s open to the public or used by employees, you need to make sure people with disabilities can get in and out safely. Installing a DDA ramp is one of the simplest and most effective ways to achieve this.
At Fisher Alvin, our ramps are designed to help you meet UK accessibility standards while offering practical features that work in real life. In this article, we’ll explain why our ramps are a strong choice for compliance, who they’re for, and how they’re built.
What Is a DDA Compliant Ramp?
A DDA compliant ramp is designed to meet legal standards set out in Building Regulations Document Part M, BS8300, and the Equality Act 2010 (which replaced the Disability Discrimination Act). These rules aim to give equal access to people with disabilities across all types of public buildings, businesses, and homes.
To comply, ramps must:
- Have a maximum gradient of 1:15 for public access
- Be wide enough—typically 1200mm or 1500mm
- Include grab rails and guardrails
- Provide top and bottom landings
- Include intermediate landings every 5 metres on a slope
- Have a slip resistant surface
- Be safe for wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and other mobility aids
These ramps support the safe access to and use of buildings, reducing barriers for everyone.
Why Choose a Modular Fisher Alvin Ramp?
1. Quick Installation
Fisher Alvin ramps are built using tubular Kee Klamp® fittings, which means there’s no welding or heavy groundwork. A standard ramp can be installed in just a day, depending on the design. This makes it ideal when you need access quickly, whether for a workplace, school, healthcare facility, or home.
2. Adaptable to Different Sites
We understand that every building is different. Our ramps are designed to be adapted around features like doorways, uneven ground, and changing levels. Load-bearing feet can be adjusted on site, and the modular structure allows for easy layout changes if needed.
We offer ramps in two standard widths—1200mm and 1500mm—to meet different compliance needs.
3. Made for Long-Term Use
Our ramps are permanent or semi-permanent, and they’re built to last. Unlike wooden or concrete ramps, ours require very little maintenance. The galvanised steel frame resists rust and moss, and the GRP (glass reinforced plastic) walkway includes built-in grit and drainage holes. This prevents water and ice from building up and keeps the surface safe in all seasons.
Key Features That Support Compliance
- Smooth, continuous handrails that can be powder-coated in any RAL colour for better visibility and comfort
- Anti-climb vertical bar infill panels for added safety
- Toeboard edge guards to help with guidance and support
- Intermediate landing areas for longer ramps or changes in direction
- Optional child-height rails and stair modules where needed
- Colour-contrasted floor panels to assist users with visual impairments
All features are designed in line with British Standards and tested by professional engineers. Test reports are available on request.
Legal Context: DDA and Equality Act Requirements
The Equality Act 2010, which replaced the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA), requires building owners and businesses to make reasonable adjustments to remove physical barriers. This includes providing wheelchair access and clear, navigable entrances.
Whether you’re designing new buildings, updating older sites, or managing public access, installing a proper ramp is a key step. It ensures compliance and shows that your building is open to all users.
Where Fisher Alvin Ramps Are Used
Our DDA ramps are suitable for:
- Public spaces such as GP surgeries, schools, and libraries
- Retail and commercial entrances
- Care homes and supported housing
- Office buildings and workplaces
- Private homes requiring step-free access
We work with businesses, councils, contractors, and property managers to provide ramps that are simple to install and easy to maintain.
Designed for Safety. Delivered Quickly.
Fisher Alvin ramps are engineered for performance. From slip resistance to ramp lengths, we make sure each project meets the right specification. Our team can guide you through the whole process – from planning to delivery.
Thanks to the use of standard components and strong stock availability, most ramps can be delivered within days of your order. We also offer a free design service to help ensure the right layout from the start.
Summary: A Practical Way to Stay Compliant
Installing a compliant ramp isn’t just about ticking boxes. It’s about creating safe, usable access for everyone. With Fisher Alvin’s modular system, you get a reliable, long-lasting ramp that helps meet the Disability Act, improves access, and gives peace of mind to building owners.
Whether you need to meet building regulations, support disabled access, or install a ramp for wheelchair users, our system is a cost effective way to meet the standard without cutting corners.
Need help choosing the right ramp?
Visit our DDA Compliant Ramps page or call us on 01905 779944 to speak with a member of the team.
DDA Compliant Ramps FAQs
1. What is the recommended width of the ramp for wheelchair access?
The standard width of the ramp for public use is 1200mm, but we also supply ramps in 1500mm width for sites that need more space. This ensures safe access for wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and carers walking side-by-side.
2. Do your ramps include any additional safety features?
Yes. Our ramps include grab rails, toeboards, vertical infill panels, and a slip resistant GRP surface. These additional safety features are designed to support users with limited mobility and those with visual impairments.
3. What kind of materials are used in Fisher Alvin access ramps?
We use durable materials including galvanised steel for the frame and glass reinforced plastic (GRP) for the walking surface. These materials are low-maintenance and suitable for year-round outdoor use.
4. Can these ramps be used for all types of public access?
Yes, our ramps are suitable for public spaces, non dwelling buildings, and public buildings. They are designed to meet access to and use of buildings standards under UK building regulations.
5. What if my site has limited space for a landing area?
We can design around that. A landing area is required at the top and bottom of a compliant ramp, and every 5 metres on a 1:15 slope. We can help you work within space limitations while still achieving dda compliance.
6. How does Fisher Alvin help ensure ramps comply with British standards?
Our ramps are designed by professional engineers and follow British Standards, including BS8300. We take care to meet slope requirements, width, railing heights, and other key compliance points set out in the approved document for access.
