Why are landings required on ramps, and where should they be located?

• A. To provide stable landing spaces after a flight of ramps; located at the top and bottom of each ramp section and after certain lengths
• B. To provide stability; located only at bottom
• C. To reduce slope; located at random lengths
• D. To enable turning; located mid-ramps

Answer: (A)

Landings are there to create flat, stable spaces after a stretch of ramp, giving people a place to rest, regain control, and prepare to continue. They also provide a place to change direction or reorient yourself if the ramp changes direction, which helps with safety and maneuverability for wheelchairs and other mobility devices. Because a ramp isn’t meant to be a single long slope, these level platforms break up the incline into shorter segments and prevent fatigue or loss of control on a continuous ascent or descent. That’s why landings are required at the top and bottom of each ramp section and after a certain length of ramp. They aren’t placed randomly, and they aren’t primarily for turning when mid-ramp; turning opportunities are provided by appropriate landing placements, especially where direction changes occur.