Winter weather can make navigating a wheelchair ramp challenging, with snow and ice creating hazardous conditions. Ensuring a safe and accessible ramp is crucial for individuals who rely on mobility aids. Fortunately, there are several effective ways to prevent snow and ice build-up.
Whether you or your loved ones are preparing for the first snowfall or looking for long-term solutions, these six practical methods will help maintain accessibility and keep any wheelchair ramp clear and safe throughout those colder months.
Using a de-icing agent is one of the best solutions for preventing slick surfaces. However, wheelchair ramps, no matter the material, require the use of specific de-icing agents. These agents typically indicate, “pet friendly” or have the active ingredient “magnesium chloride”. It’s important to ensure the de-icing agent used on a wheelchair ramp indicates this because it will help break down the ice without damaging the ramp.
Pro tip: Never use agents that have sodium chloride as an active ingredient. This can cause corrosion and long-term damage.
If you have a wooden ramp, grip tape can be beneficial. It adds additional traction to prevent accidental slips caused by moisture accumulation, rot, warping, and splinters.
In some cases, access to de-icing agents, snow shovels, leaf blowers, or any other tools to prevent snow and ice build-up can be limited. If this is the case, using a tarp or large plastic bag to cover the ramp is another great alternative solution. This helps prevent moisture accumulation.
If using a steel or aluminum ramp, non-slip surfaces are usually built into the ramp. However, if a wooden ramp or non-metal ramp is used, adding anti slip mats can provide grip on a slippery surface.
Pro tip: Anti-slip mats can also be used on metal ramps for added traction.
In the event snow and ice is unexpected, using a household item like cat litter or sand can be used. These agents are great for creating textured surfaces to create extra grip on slippery surfaces.
The best way to prevent snow and ice build-up is to plan for inclement weather. Keep an eye out on the weather for any unforeseen changes, always keep the wheelchair ramp free of debris (including fallen leaves), keep winter materials in an easily accessible location, and reinforce the ramp with any of the above solutions prior to the weather change.
Whether choosing to use a safe de-icing solution, anti-slip maps, or following a regular winter maintenance schedule, adding these six preventative measures can help reduce the risk of slips and falls for anyone who may rely on a wheelchair ramp.
By putting the right strategies in place and taking a proactive approach to winter maintenance, a safe and more accessible environment can be created no matter the harshness of the winter weather.
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