N.Y.C. Admin. Code § BC 1012: Section BC 1012: Ramps

1012.1 Scope.

The provisions of this section shall apply to ramps used as a component of a means of egress.

Exceptions:

1. Other than ramps that are part of the accessible routes providing access in accordance with Sections 1108.2 through 1108.2.4 and 1108.2.6, ramped aisles within assembly rooms or spaces shall comply with the provisions in Section 1029.

2. Curb ramps shall comply with ICC A117.1.

3. Vehicle ramps in parking garages for pedestrian exit access shall not be required to comply with Sections 1012.3 through 1012.10 where they are not an accessible route serving accessible parking spaces, other required accessible elements or part of an accessible means of egress.

1012.2 Slope.

Ramps used as part of a means of egress or part of an accessible route shall have a running slope not steeper than one unit vertical in 12 units horizontal (8-percent slope). The slope of other pedestrian ramps shall not be steeper than one unit vertical in eight units horizontal (12.5-percent slope).

Exceptions:

1. Aisle ramp slope in occupancies of Group A shall comply with Section 1029.13.

2. In garages three stories or less in height and serving not more than one level below grade, ramps with a maximum slope of one unit vertical in seven units horizontal (14-percent slope) may serve as part of a nonaccessible means of egress.

1012.3 Cross slope.

The slope measured perpendicular to the direction of travel of a ramp shall not be steeper than one unit vertical in 48 units horizontal (2-percent slope).

1012.4 Vertical rise.

The rise for any ramp run shall be 30 inches (762 mm) maximum.

1012.5 Minimum dimensions.

The minimum dimensions of means of egress ramps shall comply with Sections 1012.5.1 through 1012.5.3.

1012.5.1 Width and capacity.

The minimum width and required capacity of a means of egress ramp shall be not less than that required for corridors by Section 1020.2. The clear width of a ramp between handrails, if provided, or other permissible projections shall be 36 inches (914.4 mm) minimum.

1012.5.2 Headroom.

The minimum headroom in all parts of the means of egress ramp shall be not less than 84 inches (2133.6 mm).

1012.5.3 Restrictions.

Means of egress ramps shall not reduce in width in the direction of egress travel. Projections into the required ramp and landing width are prohibited. Doors opening onto a landing shall not reduce the clear width to less than 42 inches (1066.8 mm).

1012.6 Landings.

Ramps shall have landings at the bottom and top of each ramp, points of turning, entrance, exits and at doors. Landings shall comply with Sections 1012.6.1 through 1012.6.5.

1012.6.1 Slope.

Landings shall have a slope not steeper than one unit vertical in 48 units horizontal (2-percent slope) in any direction. Changes in level are not permitted.

1012.6.2 Width.

The landing width shall be not less than the width of the widest ramp run adjoining the landing.

1012.6.3 Length.

The landing length shall be 60 inches (1525 mm) minimum.

Exceptions:

1. In Group R-2 and R-3 individual dwelling and sleeping units that are not required to be Accessible units, Type B+NYC units or Type B units in accordance with Section 1107, landings are permitted to be 36 inches (914.4 mm) minimum.

2. Where the ramp is not a part of an accessible route, the length of the landing shall not be required to be more than 48 inches (1220 mm) in the direction of travel.

1012.6.4 Change in direction.

Where changes in direction of travel occur at landings provided between ramp runs, the landing shall be 60 inches by 60 inches (1524 mm by 1524 mm) minimum.

Exception: In Group R-2 and R-3 individual dwelling or sleeping units that are not required to be Accessible units, Type B+NYC units or Type B units in – accordance with Section 1107, landings are permitted to be 36 inches by 36 inches (914.4 mm by 914.4 mm) minimum.

1012.6.5 Doorways.

Where doorways are located adjacent to a ramp landing, maneuvering clearances required by ICC A117.1 are permitted to overlap the required landing area.

1012.7 Ramp construction.

Ramps shall be built of materials consistent with the types permitted for the type of construction of the building, except that wood handrails shall be permitted for all types of construction.

1012.7.1 Ramp surface.

The surface of ramps shall be of slip-resistant materials that are securely attached.

1012.7.2 Outdoor conditions.

Outdoor ramps and outdoor approaches to ramps shall be designed so that water will not accumulate on walking surfaces. In other than occupancies in Group R-3, and occupancies in Group U that are accessory to an occupancy in Group R-3, surfaces and landings which are part of exterior exit ramps in climates subject to snow or ice shall be designed to minimize the accumulation of same.

1012.8 Handrails.

Ramps with a rise greater than 6 inches (152.4 mm) shall have handrails on both sides. Handrails shall comply with Section 1014.

Exception: Handrails for ramped aisles are not required where permitted by Section 1029.15.

1012.9 Guards.

Guards shall be provided where required by Section 1015 and shall be constructed in accordance with Section 1015. Such guards may be used to satisfy the requirement of edge protection of Section 1012.10.

1012.10 Edge protection.

Edge protection complying with Section 1012.10.1 shall be provided on each side of ramp runs and at each side of ramp landings not adjoining another ramp run or stairway.

Exceptions:

1. Edge protection is not required on ramps that are not required to have handrails, provided they have flared sides that comply with the ICC A117.1 curb ramp provisions.

2. Edge protection is not required on the sides of ramp landings having a vertical dropoff of not more than 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) within 10 inches (254 mm) horizontally of the required landing area.

3. Edge protection is not required where the floor or ground surface of the ramp run or landing extends 12 inches (304.8 mm) minimum beyond the inside face of handrail complying with Section 1014.

1012.10.1 Curb, rail, wall or barrier.

A curb, rail, wall or barrier serving as edge protection shall be provided as follows:

1.

Solid barriers. Solid barriers shall extend at least 4 inches (101.6 mm) from the floor or ground surface.

2.

Other types of barriers. Other types of barriers shall prevent the passage of a 4-inch (101.6 mm) diameter sphere, where any portion of the sphere is within 4 inches (101.6 mm) of the floor or ground surface.