Navigating the Complexities of Code Compliance for Multi-Use Facilities

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Multi-use facilities, which combine various functionalities such as commercial, residential, educational, and recreational spaces under one roof, are increasingly popular in urban and suburban landscapes. These complexes serve a dual purpose, catering to the community’s diverse needs while optimizing space and resources. However, the amalgamation of different uses presents unique challenges in ensuring safety and compliance with various regulations.

Understanding the Regulatory Landscape

For facility managers and safety professionals, understanding the intricate web of regulations is crucial. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the International Building Code (IBC) provide a framework for safety and accessibility standards. OSHA focuses on workplace safety and health, ADA addresses accessibility for individuals with disabilities, and IBC outlines the minimum building standards for public safety. Multi-use facilities must navigate these guidelines, ensuring they meet the specific requirements for each space’s intended use.

  1. OSHA Compliance:
    • Stairways and Ladders (29 CFR 1926.1052): OSHA regulations stipulate specific requirements for stairways used in construction, including the width, treading, and railings, to ensure worker safety. These standards are crucial for multi-use facilities during both construction and operational phases.
    • Source: Occupational Safety and Health Administration. “Stairways and Ladders: A Guide to OSHA Rules.” OSHA 3124-12R 2003.
  2. ADA Accessibility:
    • Accessible Design (ADA Standards for Accessible Design, 2010): The ADA standards require that all public facilities, including multi-use developments, must be accessible to individuals with disabilities. This includes providing ramps, doorways, and restrooms that meet specific size and accessibility guidelines.
    • Source: United States Department of Justice. “2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design.”
  3. IBC Compliance:
    • Means of Egress (International Building Code, 2018, Section 1011): The IBC requires that buildings have a sufficient means of egress, including exit access, exit, and exit discharge, to allow safe evacuation in case of an emergency. For multi-use facilities, this means considering the unique needs of different types of spaces within the facility.
    • Source: International Code Council. “International Building Code, 2018 Edition.”
  4. Local Zoning and Land Use Laws:
    • Local regulations can also significantly impact multi-use facilities, particularly concerning zoning, land use, and density requirements. These laws vary widely by locality and can dictate everything from the height of buildings to the types of activities permitted in certain areas.
    • Example Issue: A multi-use facility may face challenges if local zoning laws restrict the blending of commercial and residential spaces, requiring careful planning and potentially variances to proceed.
  5. Environmental Regulations:
    • LEED Certification and Green Building Standards: While not always mandatory, many multi-use facilities aim for LEED certification or compliance with other green building standards, which can influence aspects of construction and operation, from energy use to materials selection.
    • Source: U.S. Green Building Council. “LEED v4 for Building Design and Construction.”

Compliance becomes even more complex as local, state, and federal regulations may introduce additional requirements or variations. Staying informed and compliant demands diligence and a proactive approach to safety management.

  1. California:
    • Known for the California Building Standards Code (Title 24, California Code of Regulations), California’s regulations are among the most stringent in the United States, especially regarding seismic safety, energy efficiency, and accessibility.
    • Source: California Building Standards Commission. “California Building Standards Code (Title 24, California Code of Regulations).”
  2. New York:
    • New York’s building codes, particularly the New York City Building Code, are comprehensive, addressing everything from fire safety to energy conservation. New York City also has its unique ADA requirements, which can be more stringent than federal standards.
    • Source: New York City Department of Buildings. “NYC Building Code.”
  3. Florida:
    • Florida’s building codes are heavily influenced by the state’s susceptibility to hurricanes. The Florida Building Code includes specific requirements for wind resistance, flood mitigation, and coastal construction.
    • Source: Florida Building Commission. “Florida Building Code.”
  4. Texas:
    • Texas has a decentralized approach to building codes, allowing local jurisdictions significant leeway to adopt codes that meet their specific needs. This can result in a patchwork of regulations, particularly regarding accessibility and safety standards.
    • Source: Texas Department of Insurance. “Building Code Information.”
  5. Illinois:
    • Illinois, particularly the City of Chicago, has its own set of building codes that include detailed requirements for fire safety, structural integrity, and environmental sustainability. Chicago’s energy code is among the most progressive in terms of promoting energy efficiency and sustainability in buildings.
    • Source: City of Chicago. “Building Code.”

Challenges in Ensuring Compliance

One of the primary challenges in multi-use facilities is designing spaces that cater to varied occupancy loads, accessibility needs, and safety standards. For instance, a facility that houses both a school and a community center must accommodate the stringent safety requirements for educational spaces while ensuring community areas are accessible and welcoming to the public, including individuals with disabilities.

A notable concern is emergency egress. Multi-use facilities must have clear, accessible exit routes that can safely accommodate everyone during an emergency, regardless of the building’s current use.

Best Practices for Compliance and Safety

Achieving compliance in such complex environments requires strategic planning and innovative solutions. Regular facility assessments are vital to identify potential compliance gaps and safety risks. Collaboration with architects, contractors, and safety consultants can lead to designs that meet or exceed regulatory standards while maintaining the facility’s functional and aesthetic goals.

Here’s where Upside Innovations’ products become crucial. Our custom safety access solutions, including OSHA-compliant stairs, ADA-accessible ramps, and durable canopies, offer flexible and reliable options for multi-use facilities. For example:

  • Customizable Stairs and Ramps: Our adjustable stair systems and ramps ensure safe, compliant access for all users, including those with disabilities. These solutions are designed to adapt to various environments and meet the specific needs of different facility areas, ensuring seamless integration without compromising on safety or accessibility.
  • Canopies and Awnings: To enhance the safety and comfort of outdoor spaces, our canopies provide shelter and protection, ensuring that entrances and exits are clearly marked and accessible in all weather conditions. This not only contributes to the facility’s aesthetic appeal but also to its overall safety and compliance.

Conclusion

The complexity of ensuring safety and compliance in multi-use facilities cannot be understated. With the convergence of various regulations and the unique challenges these buildings present, facility managers and safety professionals must be vigilant and innovative in their approach. Leveraging custom solutions like those offered by Upside Innovations can significantly ease the burden of compliance, ensuring that multi-use facilities are not only safe and accessible but also welcoming and functional for all users.

By staying informed, collaborating with experts, and utilizing adaptable safety solutions, stakeholders in multi-use facilities can navigate the complexities of compliance, creating spaces that thrive on versatility while prioritizing the well-being of every individual who walks through their doors.

Protecting your Aluminum Stairs During Snowy Weather

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Upside Innovations understands the importance of maintaining safe, ice-free surfaces during the winter months. While our aluminum stairs and ramps (snow protection for ramps) provide slip resistance in dry and wet conditions, snowy and icy conditions can still pose safety hazards. In regions with harsh winters, facility managers must take steps to minimize safety issues caused by snow and ice build-up.

Here are three effective ways to ensure the safety of your stairs during snowy weather and some preventative measures.

A Stiff-Bristled Broom

When it comes to removing light snow accumulation from stairs, especially those with knurled decking for added grip, a stiff-bristled broom is a simple yet effective tool. The strong bristles of these brooms can easily clear snow from both the stair surface and the grooves in the decking that provide traction. However, when clearing the snow from the stairs, you’ll need to push it either up or down the stairs to a platform or the ground since the stair’s edges prevent snow from being swept off the sides. Once the snow is on a platform, it can be conveniently pushed off the edge or through the railings. It’s essential to apply enough pressure to get into the grooves of the stair surface but avoid scrubbing too vigorously to prevent scratching the aluminum, as scratches can lead to quicker oxidation.

Effective Snow and Ice Management for Aluminum Stairs

Heavy snow and ice may be more difficult for a broom to handle, this is when chemical snow/ice melt becomes a practical solution. However, it’s essential to note that common rock salt is not suitable for use on aluminum stairs, as it can react with the metal and cause damage over time. Instead, we recommend using magnesium chloride ice melt for most applications, thanks to its non-corrosive nature on aluminum. Calcium chloride can be a viable alternative for government entities or large businesses that may be seeking a cost-effective solution.

Additionally, the Melt Premium Enviro Blend Ice Melter is an excellent environmentally friendly product that can be effectively applied to snow and ice on aluminum stairs without causing damage to the metal or concrete surfaces.

Comparing Calcium Chloride vs. Magnesium Chloride

Decking Options on Upside Stairs

An alternative to dealing with snow build-up is purchasing stairs that have an open decking or stairs with open-back risers. Both of these options would allow for snow to pass through the stairs. This would create less snow and ice maintenance for the facility. Pictured below are Upside stair decking options and closed-back vs. open-back stairs. 

extruded stair decking
Extruded
fiber grate stair decking
Fiber Grate
bar grating option for decking
Bar Grating
grip strut stair decking
Grip Strut
Risers

Install an Awning or Canopy Over Your Stairs

For those who want to avoid the hassle of shoveling snow and melting ice altogether, another option is adding a canopy over your stairs. Our canopy systems are designed to keep precipitation off the stairs, significantly reducing snow and ice build-up. They provide a practical and aesthetically pleasing way to enhance safety during snowy weather.

For canopies – we offer a cantilevered awning, entryway canopy, and covered walkway canopy.

Rendering of the pairing options for entryway canopies
Protect entryways from snow and rain with Upside’s APEX canopy, engineered to integrate seamlessly with our stair and ramp solutions. Integration offers an efficient and cost-effective solution for modular buildings and loading docks.

No matter which method you choose, removing snow and ice from your stairs is crucial to ensure safety during the winter months. Whether you use a removal technique, install a canopy, or use open decking – prioritize safety, and stay warm during the snowy season.

Boardroom Brilliance: A Unique Holiday Safety Vision

Our annual Christmas video is here! Crafted with love, and a lot of laughs, it stars our team members’ adorable kids, embodying our simple yet profound belief: Safety is so fundamental, that even a child understands it. This annual labor of love is our gift to you – our family, friends, customers, and partners. Join us in celebrating a season of joy and safety! 

Upside Innovations Expands with New Facility, Elevating Quality and Innovation

SIXAXIS ANNOUNCES MAJOR EXPANSION WITH UPSIDE INNOVATIONS’ MOVE TO NEW, LARGER FACILITY

CINCINNATI, OHIO NOVEMBER 28, 2023-–Upside Innovations, a leading provider of ADA & IBC-compliant access solutions and a SixAxis company, is excited to announce its upcoming move to a larger facility, a significant milestone underscoring its remarkable growth and commitment to providing world-class service and innovative products. The move, expected to be completed by mid-December, is set to boost capacity and enhance Upside Innovations’ capabilities, reinforcing its position as an industry leader in manufacturing aluminum ADA ramps, commercial stairs, and canopies.

A New Chapter in Upside’s Success Story

Founded in 2009 by Kevin Sharp, inspired by his grandfather’s struggle with accessibility, Upside Innovations has consistently filled a market gap with high-quality, attractive ramp systems. “We have always focused on customer relationships and responding to their needs. Our new facility is a testament to this commitment,” said Kevin Sharp. “With our recent product additions and internal process enhancements, this expansion is poised to accelerate our quality and service further.”

Enhanced Production, Safety, and Sustainability at the Forefront

The new facility is nearly triple the size of the current space, featuring advanced production areas, dedicated welding cells for new products, and improved employee amenities. “The additional space is not just about growth; it’s about improving the work environment for our team and enhancing our product quality,” said Ryan Chance, Safety Manager. Safety and sustainability are at the heart of this expansion. “With heightened production levels, our environmental impact will be more significant. We’re integrating sustainable practices like energy-efficient LED lighting and water-saving technologies,” added Chance.

Continued Focus on Customer-Centric Solutions and Innovation

Upside Innovations remains dedicated to its entrepreneurial roots, constantly evolving its product lines and processes in response to customer feedback. The move to the new facility is expected to significantly improve the manufacturing process, enhancing employee safety, material flow, and overall product quality.

Artist Rendering

About Upside Innovations:

Upside Innovations, located in Cincinnati, OH, specializes in designing, manufacturing, shipping, and installing ADA & IBC-compliant access solutions. Their range of modular, weather-resistant aluminum products, including ADA ramps, commercial stairs, and canopies, eliminates custom fabrication and reduces costs and complexity while enhancing accessibility in various sectors. Upside Innovations is committed to sustainability, customer-centric solutions, and maintaining the highest quality and safety standards.

About SixAxis

SixAxis has provided access and safety systems to the truck, rail, ship, aviation, and aerospace industries using state-of-the-art technology since 2003. Their award-winning patented products are marketed under brands including SafeRack, ErectaStep, MarinaStep, AeroStep, YellowGate, RollaStep, and Upside Innovations to increase safety and boost productivity for industry-leading Fortune 500 companies such as Boeing, Dow, and Coca-Cola. For information about how SixAxis is changing the manufacturing world, visit sixaxisllc.com. 

Career Opportunities

At SixAxis, we don’t just create products; we’ve revolutionized safety. Our people’s diversity and ideas inspire the innovation that runs through everything we do, from patented technology to industry-leading thinking. Interested in helping us make the world a safer place? Join our growing team. Get started by visiting us at sixaxisllc.com/careers

wheelchair ramp installation

Wheelchair Ramps for Public Spaces: Improving Accessibility and Inclusivity

wheelchair ramp installation
This wheelchair ramp was installed at a modular building in Forest View, IL.

Regardless of a person’s physical capabilities, accessibility is a fundamental right that should be protected. Yet, despite recent advancements, accessibility for people with impairments remains a problem. The absence of wheelchair ramps in public areas is among the most frequent issues. We’ll talk about the value of wheelchair ramps in public places and how they can increase inclusion and accessibility in this article.

It is crucial first to comprehend what a wheelchair ramp is and why it is required. A wheelchair ramp is a sloping surface that serves as an alternative to steps and allows users of wheelchairs or other mobility aids to enter a building or public area on their own. For everyone to have equal access to public spaces, including those with mobility impairments, wheelchair ramps are crucial. However, they have several advantages for everyone, including parents with strollers, delivery personnel, and those who have sustained temporary ailments.

TK Render of Wheelchair Ramps

Our ADA-compliant wheelchair and access ramps feature modular components that bolt together. The solution eliminates custom fabrication, code compliance issues, and time-consuming engineering while reducing costs, installation time, and complexity. Weather-resistant aluminum can be reconfigured to adapt to changing applications or remobilizations, ensuring the industry’s longest service life.

The APEX System is a line of integrated access products that can be configured to meet the most challenging applications.

View our wheelchair ramp installations

The fact that wheelchair ramps encourage inclusivity is one of its main advantages. People with disabilities can participate in activities and events that they might not otherwise be able to attend by providing wheelchair ramps in public areas. This could be visiting friends, shopping, attending a show or athletic event, or attending class. People with disabilities feel more at home, have more independence, and value themselves more when allowed to enter public spaces.

Moreover, wheelchair ramps increase safety. Without a ramp, those in wheelchairs may have to travel across steep or uneven ground, increasing the risk of accidents and injury. People with mobility issues can enter public areas and move around more safely, thanks to wheelchair ramps.

Wheelchair ramps also increase the number of clients or guests in shops and public places. For instance, a restaurant’s revenue will increase if it features a wheelchair ramp that attracts people in wheelchairs. Similarly, more people can visit parks if they have wheelchair ramps, which will promote tourism and benefit the neighborhood’s economy.

In summary, wheelchair ramps enhance inclusivity and accessibility in public spaces. They promote inclusivity, make traveling easier and safer for those with disabilities, and generate income for local companies and the community. No matter how physically disabled someone is, society must ensure that public spaces are accessible to all.

wheelchair ramp installation

10 Reasons to Install Wheelchair Ramps in Retirement Communities and Nursing Homes

wheelchair ramp installation
This wheelchair ramp system was installed for Brookdale Retirement Home in Emporia, KS

As we age, navigating stairs and other obstacles can become increasingly challenging. This is particularly true for retirement community and nursing home residents, who often face mobility limitations.

TK Render of Wheelchair Ramps

Our ADA-compliant wheelchair and access ramps feature modular components that bolt together. The solution eliminates custom fabrication, code compliance issues, and time-consuming engineering while reducing costs, installation time, and complexity. Weather-resistant aluminum can be reconfigured to adapt to changing applications or remobilizations, ensuring the industry’s longest service life.

The APEX System is a line of integrated access products that can be configured to meet the most challenging applications.

View our nursing home wheelchair ramp installations

Installing wheelchair ramps in these settings can significantly improve the quality of life for residents. Here are 10 reasons why wheelchair ramps are essential in retirement communities and nursing homes:

  1. Improved Accessibility – Wheelchair ramps offer a safe and straightforward way for residents using wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility aids to move around the community or facility. With ramps, residents can maintain their independence and enjoy greater freedom without depending on others for help.
  2. Compliance with the Law – The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates that all public buildings and facilities be accessible to individuals with disabilities, including wheelchair users. Installing wheelchair ramps is crucial in complying with the law and ensuring equal access for all residents.
  3. Increased Safety – Ramps provide a stable and secure surface for walking, reducing the risk of falls and other accidents. Additionally, ramps are designed to accommodate mobility aids such as walkers, canes, and crutches, making it safer for residents to use these devices to move around.
  4. Improved Quality of Life – The ability to navigate the community or facility without barriers or obstacles fosters a sense of independence and freedom. Residents who can move around freely are more likely to engage in social activities, attend events, and participate in community life, leading to increased happiness, reduced isolation, and improved quality of life.
  5. Easy to Install – Wheelchair ramps are simple to install and can be customized to meet the unique needs of each community or facility. They can be constructed from various materials and designed to blend in with the surrounding environment.
  6. Cost-Effective – Installing wheelchair ramps is a cost-effective way to enhance accessibility in retirement communities and nursing homes. The cost of ramps can vary depending on the materials used and the size of the installation, but overall, ramps are a relatively inexpensive solution to accessibility challenges.
  7. Long-Lasting – Wheelchair ramps are durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions, making them a long-lasting solution for improving accessibility in retirement communities and nursing homes. Our ADA-compliant wheelchair and access ramps feature modular components that bolt together. The solution eliminates custom fabrication, code compliance issues, and time-consuming engineering while reducing costs, installation time, and complexity. Weather-resistant aluminum can be reconfigured to adapt to changing applications or remobilizations, ensuring the industry’s longest service life.
  8. Easy to Maintain – Once installed, wheelchair ramps require minimal maintenance. They can be easily cleaned and inspected periodically to remain safe and secure.
  9. Aesthetically Pleasing – Wheelchair ramps can be designed to blend in with the surrounding environment and architecture of the community or facility. This can enhance the property’s overall aesthetic appeal while also improving accessibility.
  10. Inclusivity – Installing wheelchair ramps promotes inclusivity and demonstrates a commitment to providing equal access to all residents, regardless of their mobility challenges. This can create a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone.

In conclusion, installing wheelchair ramps in retirement communities and nursing homes is vital in providing accessible, safe, and inclusive living environments for all residents. Wheelchair ramps can significantly improve the lives of seniors and people with disabilities by making it easier for them to get around, keeping them safe, enhancing their quality of life, and fostering a sense of belonging.

Upside Robotic welder

Innovation for the win

At Upside Innovations, we are constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the manufacturing of OSHA, IBC, and ADA-compliant stairs. Our team of skilled welders and technicians is dedicated to creating high-quality products that are not only safe and reliable but also aesthetically pleasing.

In recent years, we have been investing in the latest technology to enhance our manufacturing process, and we are proud to introduce our cutting-edge robotic welder. This advanced machine is revolutionizing how we produce stairs, making our operation safer, faster, and more efficient than ever.

Robotic welder ushering innovations in Upside manufacturing process

Our robotic welder is designed to work seamlessly with our expert welders and technicians. It helps them to perform complex welding tasks with precision, speed, and accuracy, reducing the likelihood of human error and increasing the consistency of our product quality. Additionally, the robot can work around the clock, ensuring that we can deliver products to our clients in a timely and efficient manner.

Integrating robotics into our manufacturing process has allowed us to enhance the safety and well-being of our team members. The robot welder performs tasks that would have been hazardous to our welders, such as welding in tight spaces, welding in awkward positions, and welding near hazardous materials. With the robot taking over these tasks, our welders can focus on other important aspects of the manufacturing process, such as quality control, design, and customer service.

The robotic welder has also increased our productivity significantly, allowing us to handle larger orders and complex projects with ease. With this new technology, we can produce our products faster, without compromising on the quality of our final product. This means we can meet the growing demand for our products while maintaining our commitment to excellence.

In conclusion, integrating robotics into our manufacturing process at Upside Innovations has been a game-changer for our business. We are proud to be at the forefront of technological innovation, using cutting-edge machines to enhance our manufacturing process and provide our clients with the highest quality products. Our team is excited to continue exploring new ways to use technology to improve our products and services.

Launch of Upside Innovations APEX and DOCK Step 

SIXAXIS ANNOUNCES THE LAUNCH OF UPSIDE INNOVATIONS APEX AND DOCK STEP MODULAR ACCESS SYSTEMS

CINCINNATI, OHIO OCTOBER 28, 2022 —Upside Innovations, a SixAxis company, has launched an innovative new modular access system. The APEX System is a modular, prefabricated line of ADA, IBC, and OSHA-compliant stairs, ramps, and canopies designed to improve safe access for businesses in a wide variety of industrial, commercial, educational, and professional sectors. Industrial-grade aluminum components bolt together to create infinite configurations, making the APEX System ideal as the needs of an installation change. By eliminating the need for custom fabrication and time-consuming engineering, the APEX System reduces costs, installation time, and complexity.

DOCK STEP industrial loading dock stairs are manufactured for use in warehouses and distribution centers. Also made from industrial-grade aluminum components, DOCK STEP systems will never rust, warp, or rot. While most loading docks only require OSHA compliance, Upside systems are also IBC and ADA compliant maximizing safety for those entering and exiting the loading dock area.

TK Render of OSHA/IBC DOCK Steps
DOCK Step

President Kevin Sharp is pleased with the expansion of the Upside Innovations modular access product line. “DOCK STEP joins the APEX System family of products including the SEMI and OMNI product lines,” he explains. “Our integrated access system of prefabricated stairs, ramps, canopies, and awnings meet the needs of our customers on a more comprehensive level.” To learn more about the APEX System, visit https://upsideinnovations.com/

SixAxis has been providing access and safety systems to the truck, rail, ship, aviation, and aerospace industries using state-of-the-art technology since 2003. Their award-winning patented products are marketed under brands including SafeRack, ErectaStep, MarinaStep, AeroStep, YellowGate, RollaStep, and Upside Innovations.

About SixAxis

SixAxis was founded in 2002 to deliver high-quality loading rack and fall protection solutions to companies around the world. Their award-winning products and patents have been developed to increase safety and boost productivity for industry-leading Fortune 500 companies such as Boeing, Dow, and Coca-Cola. For information about how SixAxis is changing the world of manufacturing, visit sixaxisllc.com. 

Career Opportunities

At SixAxis, we don’t just create products, we’ve revolutionized safety. The diversity of our people and their ideas inspire the innovation that runs through everything we do, from patented technology to industry-leading thinking. Interested in helping us make the world a safer place? Join our growing team. Get started by visiting us at sixaxisllc.com/careers

Upside Employees Lining Up at Foodtruck

Celebrating two years without a lost time accident

Upside Innovations’ team celebrates two years since a lost-time accident

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

WEST CHESTER, OH (October 5, 2022) – Upside Innovation celebrated 2-years without a lost-time accident last week by bringing in J’s Fish Taco truck for a luncheon at our West Chester, OH headquarters on October 5th. This milestone comes after significant focus by the team on accident prevention. We have driven a safety culture by identifying and highlighting “Good Safety Catches” from all levels within the organization.

Our “Good Catch” program has grown over the last few months and works by encouraging employees to identify and acknowledge safe acts from coworkers, and address potential safety hazards as they are noticed and before they can cause an injury. Safety and prior day good catches lead the discussion at our daily lean daily management meetings every morning. This laser focus has created an environment where an employee sees something and immediately does something to reduce the risk.

We look forward to embarking on our third year without a lost-time accident and believe this will be possible with continued focus on keeping an eye out for each other, commending each other on good safe practices, and taking action on identified hazards.

Upside Innovations is a SixAxis portfolio company.

Render of Wheelchair Ramp Requirements

Creating Safe & Equal Access for All with Wheelchair Accessible Ramps

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Call (513) 889-2492

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

Safe access to public, private, and commercial buildings is necessary to keep schools, health care services, churches, and businesses accessible for people of all physical abilities. Whether you are welcoming visitors, customers, patients, or employees to your hospital, school, church, or private business, ensuring appropriate, independent access for those with limited mobility is essential, and in many cases required by law.

Commercial-grade wheelchair ramps can be permanent or portable and modular and enable people equal access to your modular building regardless of their mobility limitations. Safe, smooth access for anyone, regardless of their physical challenges, is necessary for creating a welcoming and inclusive environment. Modular wheelchair ramps are an excellent way to do just that.

Choosing a Ramp to Fit All Mobility Devices

It’s important to consider the wide variety of mobility equipment that will be utilized by people on your ramp when choosing a proper fit. Patients in various states of recovery from surgery or injury may need the assistance of a wheelchair, scooter, walker, or cane. As healing and recovery happen, visitors to your building may no longer need these devices and a portable ramp may feel like the best option. But don’t assume these needs will be temporary!

Investment in a permanent ramp may be the best option when considering the needs of those people with a permanent need for mobility assistive devices. Many people who live with lifelong or progressive mobility challenges will benefit from a permanent ramp to accommodate safe and easy access to your building. And don’t forget about weather impacts such as snow, ice, and wind. Ramp access should always include extra precautions to prevent slips, trips, and falls as a result of extreme weather. Take care to consider drainage and traction issues as the seasons change in your region.


DIY or Hire a Professional?
Whether you choose to install your wheelchair ramp yourself or hire a professional, it is vital that care is taken to ensure optimal safety as well as compliance with all regional or industry-specific laws. If you or someone on your team have construction skills, self-installation is an excellent option. No matter your skillset or background, always consult with your local building codes and compliance requirements to ensure your wheelchair ramp is installed correctly. 

Not ready to take this on yourself? Professional installation is probably right for you. Whether your wheelchair ramp will be permanent, semi-permanent, modular, or temporary, a complicated design or 180-degree switchback design will most definitely require the use of a professional installer. And it doesn’t end there! Consider how your wheelchair ramp will affect your building’s market value, and don’t scrimp on quality for any reason.

ADA Compliant Ramps

People with mobility impairments are entitled to reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Although the location and size of your business may exclude you from this obligation, compliance can be of great benefit to your business and the people you serve.

Professional installers should be well aware of ADA ramp regulations, the rationale behind each guideline, and the areas where safe deviations can be made based on the specific installation. While the ADA is not mandatory for ramps used at home, modular ramps for public use must still comply with the ADA in most cases.

Custom APEX Ramp Install Cleveland Court House
This 70′ APEX switchback Ramp was Installed at the Cuyahoga County Court House in Cleveland, Ohio.

Installers who are inexperienced may not know how to determine a wheelchair ramp slope that is safe for your building. A ramp that is too short could be unsafe for visitors using a particular mobility device. Additionally, details such as the exact width of your handicap ramp or turn platforms and when a rest platform is required are equally significant. Without attention to state and federal ADA regulations, your ramp could be unsafe, non-compliant, and in need of adjustments later.

In addition to proper installation, your wheelchair ramp must also provide safety features such as a slip-resistant surface, a sturdy decking or travel surface, and handrails with a suitable height. While some accidents are unavoidable, a professionally installed, ADA-compliant wheelchair ramp is more likely to prevent unnecessary mishaps. 

The Importance of Your Wheelchair Ramp

While your business’s wheelchair ramp may seem like a simple, straightforward component related to the infrastructure of your building, the proper installation, care, and maintenance of it will go a long way toward helping differently-abled individuals feel included and accepted by your service, business, or institution. Safe and secure wheelchair ramps send a positive message in any public space or establishment that aims to be inclusive and accessible for all. By providing a safe and easy way for wheelchair users to enter and exit buildings, wheelchair ramps empower differently-abled individuals to participate fully in shared public life. 

Safety & Accessibility Are Your Responsibility
There’s no denying that wheelchair ramps are an essential accommodation for people with mobility impairments, such as those who use walkers or crutches, and play a crucial role in promoting inclusion and accessibility. By doing the right thing and installing a safe and secure ADA-compliant ramp for your modular building, you are not only becoming a part of the solution, but you are helping to facilitate a broader cultural shift towards greater awareness and acceptance of disability as an integral part of society.

Creating Safe & Equal Access for All with Wheelchair Accessible Ramps
Safe access to public, private, and commercial buildings is necessary to keep schools, health care services, churches, and businesses accessible for people of all physical abilities. Whether you are welcoming visitors, customers, patients, or employees to your hospital, school, church, or private business, ensuring appropriate, independent access for those with limited mobility is essential, and in many cases required by law.


Commercial-grade wheelchair ramps can be permanent or portable and modular and enable people equal access to your modular building regardless of their mobility limitations. Safe, smooth access for anyone, regardless of their physical challenges, is necessary for creating a welcoming and inclusive environment. Modular wheelchair ramps are an excellent way to do just that.

Choosing a Ramp to Fit All Mobility Devices

It’s important to consider the wide variety of mobility equipment that will be utilized by people on your ramp when choosing a proper fit. Patients in various states of recovery from surgery or injury may need the assistance of a wheelchair, scooter, walker, or cane. As healing and recovery happen, visitors to your building may no longer need these devices and a portable ramp may feel like the best option. But don’t assume these needs will be temporary!

Investment in a permanent ramp may be the best option when considering the needs of those people with a permanent need for mobility assistive devices. Many people who live with lifelong or progressive mobility challenges will benefit from a permanent ramp to accommodate safe and easy access to your building. And don’t forget about weather impacts such as snow, ice, and wind. Ramp access should always include extra precautions to prevent slips, trips, and falls as a result of extreme weather. Take care to consider drainage and traction issues as the seasons change in your region.


DIY or Hire a Professional?
Whether you choose to install your wheelchair ramp yourself or hire a professional, it is vital that care is taken to ensure optimal safety as well as compliance with all regional or industry-specific laws. If you or someone on your team have construction skills, self-installation is an excellent option. No matter your skillset or background, always consult with your local building codes and compliance requirements to ensure your wheelchair ramp is installed correctly. 

Not ready to take this on yourself? Professional installation is probably right for you. Whether your wheelchair ramp will be permanent, semi-permanent, modular, or temporary, a complicated design or 180-degree switchback design will most definitely require the use of a professional installer. And it doesn’t end there! Consider how your wheelchair ramp will affect your building’s market value, and don’t scrimp on quality for any reason.

The Importance of Your Wheelchair Ramp

While your business’s wheelchair ramp may seem like a simple, straightforward component related to the infrastructure of your building, the proper installation, care, and maintenance of it will go a long way toward helping differently-abled individuals feel included and accepted by your service, business, or institution. Safe and secure wheelchair ramps send a positive message in any public space or establishment that aims to be inclusive and accessible for all. By providing a safe and easy way for wheelchair users to enter and exit buildings, wheelchair ramps empower differently-abled individuals to participate fully in shared public life. 

Safety & Accessibility Are Your Responsibility
There’s no denying that wheelchair ramps are an essential accommodation for people with mobility impairments, such as those who use walkers or crutches, and play a crucial role in promoting inclusion and accessibility. By doing the right thing and installing a safe and secure ADA-compliant ramp for your modular building, you are not only becoming a part of the solution, but you are helping to facilitate a broader cultural shift towards greater awareness and acceptance of disability as an integral part of society.

Covered walkway between buildings

4 Tips to Retain Commercial Tenants

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For landlords, retaining current tenants is extremely critical to generating and sustaining a good source of income for the long term. However, keeping them isn’t like a walk in the park, especially if you manage many renters. A variety of criteria influences renter retention in commercial retail establishments.

Here are four key tips that commercial real estate property owners can use to maintain commercial tenants:

Create an open channel of contact and be receptive to their concerns

Commercial renters often do not demand much care, but they anticipate a prompt answer when they contact a maintenance request or other problems. A quicker reaction is a positive indicator, and it will make retail renters feel more at ease in your facility. If the renter does not respond promptly, they may consider looking for another rental property. Providing greater attention to the interests like the safety of their workers will result in higher levels of satisfaction and a greater likelihood of tenants renewing their lease.

Simplify the procedure and include incentives

Attempt to make the processes as simple as possible for renters by streamlining them where feasible. Renter process optimization may go a long way in assisting you in increasing tenant satisfaction and increasing the possibility of obtaining commercial retail renters. Several strategies to expedite operations include allowing renters to pay rent online or providing them with online access to submit maintenance requests for metal awnings.

Another strategy to keep your tenants happy is to reward them for renewing their contracts. You can provide incentives such as limited-time deals, freebies, discounts, and so on.

Put together a plan

Operating a commercial property is similar to launching a small business, and there must be mechanisms in place for a retail location to be viable. To run a good property management company, you need to ensure that the property is well-kept and that the current tenants and employees are safe in their facilities like having handrails in proper OSHA-established heights. If a good system exists, a property owner can simply deal with maintenance concerns, repairs, and renters.

Begin as soon as possible

Be on the lookout for any leases that will be up for renewal or expiration in the next two years, as well. Negotiations can begin as soon as the due dates approach, depending on the property selections and the buy-and-hold plan.

Keeping tenants happy is a key part of managing the rental property. While many factors influence renter retention, these four tips can help you maintain your commercial tenants for years to come. Do you have any other suggestions on keeping renters long-term? Please share them with us in the comments!

Heirarchy-of-Controls

Active vs. Passive Fall Protection: Standing Within OSHA’s Hierarchy of Controls

It would be ideal for every safety professional to find a straightforward solution when dealing with fall accidents in the workplace.

It would seem that having a uniform height across all jobs and sectors would make enforcement easy. However, this is not the case for Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). While OSHA’s goal is to keep people safe in most businesses, keep in mind that local construction codes, such as OSHA, contracts, and site regulations may exceed statutory standards.

Heirarchy-of-Controls

The distinction between passive and active fall prevention is a reasonable starting point. Industrial operation managers will be more educated to choose one course over another after that. The importance of knowledge in terms of safety is never an understatement.

Falls need careful consideration from safety professionals, and adding fall prevention training may boost morale. Talking about what happened during the incident can show that the company cares and improves how it plans to avoid these accidents from happening or recurring if they have already occurred before.

At the baseline, the proactive approach in fall protection should include:

  • The organization should identify the reason for the fall.
  • Examine and dismantle any malfunctioning personal fall arrest devices or equipment, such as scaffolding, work platforms, or ladders that may have contributed to the fall.
  • Create a fall prevention strategy or assess one that the company already has in place.
  • Talk to employees about their difficulties openly and honestly.
  • Organize a fall prevention retraining course and make the need for fall protection known throughout the business. 

OSHA has set limits for workplace height. Suppose any company does not meet these proposed limits. In that case, it is recommended that employers take precautions before risking an employee’s life by falling too far onto specific equipment or into dangerous situations like staircases while moving materials around on-site at job sites with no guardrails nearby.

OSHA Height Limits

In summary, here are the OSHA height limits where fall protection is required:

  • Four feet (1.2 meters) for industrial workspaces OSHA 1910.28(b)(1)(i)
  • Five feet (1.5 meters) for shipyards
  • Six feet (1.82 meters) for construction sites OSHA 1926.501(b)(1)
  • Eight feet (2.43 meters) for longshoring operations 

Employers may safeguard workers against falls in various ways, including using traditional methods like guardrails, safety nets, personal fall protection devices, implementing safe work practices, and providing proper training. In some cases, OSHA allows the use of warning lines, designated areas, control zones, and other similar systems, which can offer protection by restricting the number of employees exposed. 

Thinking about fall risks before the job begins, whether completing a hazard assessment or building a thorough fall protection strategy, will assist the employer in managing fall hazards and focusing emphasis on preventive measures. If personal fall protection devices are utilized, special attention should be paid to locating attachment points and ensuring that personnel correctly understand operating and inspect the equipment.

Active vs. Passive Fall Protection

A passive fall prevention system includes all safety features that are essentially static, immovable, or unmovable. When installing a passive system for fall prevention, there is no requirement for human involvement with the device, and no personal protective equipment is required. As previously indicated, they serve as the second line of safety against falls. The well-known examples of passive fall protection systems are:

A stair railing is available to halt a fall regardless a person is holding onto it or not. Whether workers are watching their steps or not, a netting beneath a scaffold will capture them. Put another way, there is hardly anything anyone can do to ensure that passive systems preserve their life or limb.

On the flip side, active fall protection technologies can be used when passive fall prevention is not an option. The active system is often viewed as dynamic, feature moving elements and necessitates human intervention to operate effectively. Workers must put their safety first by putting on the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) as part of an active system. A fall prevention system that is active consists of the following moveable components:

Hierarchy of Controls for Fall Protection

OSHA’s Hierarchy of Controls for fall protection appeared in their 2011 student manual. This hierarchy explains how to prioritize fall protection solutions. The fall protection hierarchy is utilized as the framework for the most appropriate strategy to prevent workplace falls. This blueprint employs the fall protection hierarchy to identify fall risks and then provides the most beneficial and viable approach for addressing the existing threats.

Obviously, the best approach should first start with prevention — when an organization eliminates fall hazards. Fall protection should be our first alternative in many cases because preventative strategies are not always accessible. If the fall dangers cannot be removed, the next step is to choose the best fall protection solution for the job.

Hierarchy of Controls for Fall Protection

Naturally, no single fall prevention solution is sufficient for all work functions. We must always examine each work and activity to establish the correct form of fall protection since the structure will differ from project to project.

Passive and active fall protection methods are in the middle of the hierarchy, with passive methods ranking more effective than the active methods because these passive methods complement in eliminating fall hazards. Active fall restraints rank better than administrative controls and personal protective equipment (PPE). To construct a system that safeguards individuals from fall hazards, companies need a skilled engineer and a competent person to implement policies or make these restraints operate effectively.

Organizations do need any special equipment to confine themselves by eliminating hazards or passive fall protection. When prevention does not cut the hazards completely, protection methods in the lower rung of the hierarchy can be applied. Administrative controls like marking controlled access zones, the management, administrators, and other staff members must take a stand to implement the correct use of fall safety equipment. A knowledge-based teaching approach will provide workers with the skills they need to establish safe working environments for when personnel is required to operate at a certain height. Administrative controls and PPE provision will encourage the necessary intervention and engagement of the workforce to integrate with preventive strategies.

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Our team designs, manufactures, ships, and installs ADA & IBC-compliant stairs, ramps, and canopies to fit YOUR custom project. Our experts will work with you throughout the project to ensure your installation is correct to your specifications and code-compliant.

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