Massachusetts Unrestricted Construction Supervisor License Practice Test

Is a ramp with a slope of one unit vertical in 10 units horizontal allowed to be used as part of a means of egress?

1. Yes

2. No

3. Only for wheelchair access

4. Only if it has handrails

The correct answer is: No

A ramp with a slope of one unit vertical in 10 units horizontal has a gradient of 1:10, which corresponds to a slope of approximately 10%. In Massachusetts, building codes and accessibility standards, such as those outlined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), provide specific requirements for means of egress. The criteria generally stipulate that any ramp used as part of an egress route must not only have appropriate slope ratios but also adhere to safety and accessibility requirements. For ramps to be considered suitable as part of a means of egress, they typically must comply with a maximum slope of 1:20 (5% slope) for accessible routes, making a 1:10 slope too steep for safe and effective egress use. This steeper slope can pose significant risks, particularly in emergencies when rapid descent or movement is necessary, as it hinders the ability of individuals to navigate the ramp safely. In summary, due to safety regulations regarding slope requirements and the suitability of the ramp for egress purposes, using a ramp with a 1:10 slope is not permitted as part of a means of egress.