California Residential Inspector Practice Exam

What is the maximum slope allowed for a ramp serving an egress door?

1. 1:10

2. 1:12

3. 1:14

4. 1:20

The correct answer is: 1:12

The maximum slope allowed for a ramp serving an egress door is set at 1:12. This means for every inch of vertical rise, the ramp must have at least 12 inches of horizontal run. This standard is crucial as it ensures accessibility and safety for individuals who may have mobility impairments, making it easier for them to navigate from inside to outside. The 1:12 slope is widely recognized and used within the guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and California accessibility standards. Compliance with these standards is essential for egress paths to ensure that they are usable by everyone, including those who use wheelchairs or other mobility aids. While other slopes like 1:10, 1:14, or 1:20 may reference different applications or contexts, they do not meet the standard for ramps serving egress doors. A steeper slope can pose dangers and make it challenging for individuals to safely use the ramp, while gentler slopes (like 1:14 or 1:20) are often in scenarios where space or height limitations apply but are not allowable for egress ramps specifically. Thus, the 1:12 slope serves as both a safety and design guideline.