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Program tool 9. Is your centre safe and activity-friendly?

Page 5 - Inside and outside ramp

checkmark What to check What to do if you if this is a problem
Yes No Ramp edges are marked with contrasting color.

Paint the edge of the ramp with contrasting color.

Contact your local youth group or volunteers to paint the edge of the ramp.

Identify a community partner to sponsor paint for marking ramp.

Comments:

 
Yes No Exterior ramps are kept free of ice and snow in the winter.

Make arrangements for snow clearance.

Put grit on icy spots.

Comments:

 
Yes No Ramps are lit so that there are no shadows or dark areas.
 Use 60-100 watts light bulbs on all ramps.

Comments:

 
Yes No

Ramps are maintained with no deterioration. If no, describe deterioration.

Make sure ramps are well maintained to prevent deterioration and repair as needed.

Comments:

 
Yes No

Ramps have a non-slip surface.

Using paints that have grit mixed in (by the manufacturer) will help make the ramp less slippery.

Comments:

 
Yes No Handrails are present on both side of ramps.

Install a sturdy handrail on both side of the ramps.

Identify local builder that would sponsor two handrails for your stairs.

Comments:

 
Yes No Handrail height feels comfortable when used for support.
 Adjust the height of your handrails to a comfortable level for users.

Comments:

 
Yes No Handrails extend 30 cm (12 inches) beyond the top and bottom of ramp.
 Replace or extend handrails.

Comments:

 
Yes No Handrails are round.

Replace handrails with round ones.

Comments:

 
Yes No Hand wraps around two thirds of handrail. Replace handrails that are too large or small with appropriately sized ones.

Comments:

 
Yes No During festive celebrations, no decorations are placed on the outside of the handrails. Decorations on handrails can interfere with their use. Keep handrails clear of decorations during festive celebrations

Comments:

 

Active Independent Aging was a joint venture between the University of Ottawa and the Public Health and Long-term Care Branch, City Of Ottawa. For more information please visit our website at: www.falls-chutes.com. Funding provided by Health Canada/Veterans Affairs Canada Falls Prevention Initiative. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the official policies of Health Canada, Veterans Affairs Canada, the University of Ottawa and the Public Health and Long-term Care Branch, City Of Ottawa. The information in this handout is current as of 2004.

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Last modified June 29, 2004