Ladder and ramp for vertical transportation

A ladder is a set of rungs (steps) fixed between two side rails, set at a steep slope (60-90 degrees). It gives access to lofts, roofs, water tanks and manholes, and is used for fire escape or maintenance. Fixed ladders are made of steel, timber or aluminium, with rungs 250-300 mm apart. A ladder takes little space but is steep, unsafe for children and the elderly, and not suitable for regular traffic.

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A ramp is an inclined plane (without steps) connecting two floors at different levels; it carries wheelchairs, trolleys, bicycles, vehicles and stretchers.

• Slope: 1 in 12 for wheelchairs (up to 1 in 10 only for short lengths), and about 1 in 8 to 1 in 10 for goods trolleys and vehicles.
• Width at least 1.2 m (1.5 m in public buildings), with a level landing of at least 1.5 m x 1.5 m at the top, at the bottom, at turns and after every 9 m of ramp length (barrier-free design requirements).
• Handrails at 0.8-0.9 m on both sides, a kerb or edge protection, and a non-slip surface.
• Requires a long horizontal space: a rise of 1 m needs about 12 m of ramp.

        ______ upper level
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      / | rise
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  length = 12 x rise