5.2.1 Ramps, stairways, rung ladders, and step ladders Ramps, stairways, rung ladders, and step ladders each have different recommendations for slope and tread dimension, but the steps or rungs always should be evenly spaced - even the spacing between the top step or rung and the surface of the platform. Table 6 contains recommended dimensions for: access slope; tread or rung width; tread depth; rung diameter; and vertical rise for rung ladders, step ladders, and stairways. Table 6 also contains slope and width recommendations for ramps. However, these recommendations are not intended to address ramps designed for access by wheelchairs. • Openings between steps or rungs and between the top step or rung and underside of a platform should prevent entrapment. • When risers are closed, treads on stairways and ladders should prevent the accumulation of sand, water, or other materials on or between steps. • Climbing equipment should allow children to descend as easily as they ascend. One way of implementing this recommendation is to provide an easier, alternate means of descent, such as another mode of egress, a platform, or another piece of equipment. For example, a stairway can be added to provide a less challenging mode of descent than a vertical rung ladder or flexible climbing device (see Table 5). • For toddlers and preschool-age children, offering an easy way out is particularly important since their ability to descend climbing components develops later than their ability to climb up the same components. Handbook for Public Playground Safety 23 Table 6. Recommended dimensions for access ladders, stairs, and ramps* AGE OF INTENDED USER Type of Access Toddler Preschool-age School-age Ramps (not intended to meet ADA/ABA specifications) Slope (vertical:horizontal) < 1: ≤ 1: ≤ 1: Width (single) ≥ 19” ≥ 12” ≥ 1 ” Width (double) ≥ 30” ≥ 30” ≥ 3 ” Stairways Slope ≤ 35º < 50º < 50º Tread width (single) 12-21” ≥ 12” ≥ 1 ” Tread width (double) ≥ 30” ≥ 30” ≥ 3 ” Tread depth (open riser) Not appropriate ≥ ” ≥ ” Tread depth (closed riser) ≥ ” ≥ ” ≥ ” Vertical rise ≤ ” ≤ 9” ≤ 12” Step ladders Slope 35≤ 5º 50- 5º 50- 5º Tread width (single) 12-21” 12-21” ≥ 1 ” Tread width (double) Not appropriate Not appropriate ≥ 3 ” Tread depth (open riser) Not appropriate ≥ ” ≥ 3” Tread depth (closed riser) ” ≥ ” ≥ ” Vertical rise > 5 ”and ≤ ” ≤ 9” ≤ 12” Rung ladders Slope Not appropriate 5-90º 5-90º Rung width Not appropriate ≥ 12” ≥ 1 ” Vertical rise Not appropriate ≤ 12” ≤ 12” Rung diameter Not appropriate 0.95-1.55” 0.95-1.55” * entrapment recommendations apply to all openings in access components
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