Thread: Potential Liability??

Based on US standards, they like the ramp to be (IIRC) 1 in 12. The issue is going down the ramp. You don't want your mate to hit the bottom going 50 KPH in his chair. We also require a landing about 1 m square, every 12 feet of ramp.

https://www.ada.gov/regs2010/2010ADA...Astandards.htm

The above is a link to our standards.

Yes Kidbee, he did that in the last house they had. Unfortunately this setup is in a shed that has one of those kit shed structures. if he pulled on it, it wouldn't be him moving. Taking on board all the ideas and will talk to him today.

Originally Posted by KBs PensNmore

If it were me, I'd contact your local TAD (Technical Aid for Disabled) who will have all the details of the necessary requirements for ramps, and possibly a design for an aid, for your mate to get in and out of the spa/pool. The only costs involved will be the costs of material. They also have the insurance to cover these types of things, as nearly all items would checked by an engineer, for compliance. Whether they will give you a copy I don't know as you may have to join, to get the information.
Kryn

You Aussies are so lucky to have such services for the disabled. My dad was a confined to a wheelchair for 20 years (quad) and there was nothing like this sponsored by any organ of government, I built the majority of his ramps, prostheses and so on with no support from anyone.

Rob TAD has been opperating for a long while now, probably at least 35 years. A lot of my work colleagues volunteered their time to develop telecommunications aids as far back as the Telex etc.

One of the problems is that what he can do now, may not reflect what others, including able bodied can do now or in the future. At 1:3 I would be wary. Yes it will cost space but 1:8 should be the minimum.
Yes you are doing the job for him, but your responsibility is for everyone - carers, relatives, friends and visitors.

Hi Rob, the UK has a similar organisation called Remap, their website is Remap | Making things possible should you wish to see what they are all about. Maybe you could look at starting a similar organisation over there, I'm certain that getting volunteers of a technical calibre required, shouldn't be a problem.
I've read of one case, where a person loved photography, but had a stroke and couldn't do her favourite past time as the cameras are set up for right hand use and she was a southpaw. Using acetyl I think it was, machined out a section to hold the camera and a few other mods, the camera was ready to go and worked excellently.
Another was a walking frame that the person had virtual no use of the left hand and limited use of the right, not enough to apply the brakes, so solenoids were used along with a battery and a modified switch for the person to use. I am sure that any information that Remap and TAD in Australia have, they would be only to happy to share for someone prepared to start a similar Organisation.
Regards
Kryn

Originally Posted by rob streeper

You Aussies are so lucky to have such services for the disabled. My dad was a confined to a wheelchair for 20 years (quad) and there was nothing like this sponsored by any organ of government, I built the majority of his ramps, prostheses and so on with no support from anyone.

Hi Rob

my memory is probably faulty, but my recollection is that TAD was started by a group within the Australian equivalent of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. (in Australia civil and mechanical engineers belong to the same professional body.)
to quote from About - TAD Disability Services

It all began in 1975. A small group of engineers led by George Winston AM decided to use their skills to profoundly change the lives of people with disabilities.
Today, TAD’s core workforce consists of close to 200 skilled volunteers who donate thousands of hours to designing, building and modifying more than 1,000 diverse items in NSW every year.

there is probably a similar organisation in the US