Ramps, Steps and Kerbs: Small External Civil Works That Affect Safety and Access

Ramps, steps and kerbs are small pieces of civil work that carry a lot of responsibility. Every person who enters a building, and every trolley, wheelchair or delivery that goes with them, uses them daily. When they are badly built, the result is slips, trips and complaints.

Ramps

A ramp must be gentle enough to be used safely, with a surface that grips when wet and a clear landing at top and bottom. Slope, width and handrail requirements for accessible routes are set by applicable accessibility standards, so check what applies to your building before design. A ramp that is too steep is not an accessible ramp, whatever the drawings say.

Steps

Treads and risers should be consistent in size along a flight. Uneven steps cause falls, even when each step looks fine on its own. Edges need a non-slip finish and, ideally, a visual contrast so they are visible in low light.

Kerbs

Kerbs separate traffic from pedestrians and hold paving in place. They need a proper concrete bed and backing, because loose kerbs allow paving to spread and open at the joints. Our post on interlock sub-base preparation explains why edges matter.

Drainage and surface finish

Water should drain away from ramps, steps and landings. Standing water on a slope is a slip hazard and, over time, damages the surface.

Handrails and lighting

Handrails must be fixed into sound material and strong enough for the load. Lighting along ramps and steps should avoid shadows that hide edges.

Common problems we see

•     Smooth finishes that become slippery when wet.

•     Cracked or spalled step edges.

•     Loose kerbs and settled landings.

•     Slopes steeper than they should be.

Need a ramp, steps or kerb repair? Book a free site visit and we will check the safety, drainage and finish together.