PATHWAY HD Code Compliant Modular Access System Installation Manual
Page 26 of 92
4.2.
STARTER FRAME
The starter ramp (tapered transition section) includes starter frames, lower post supports, and 6’
handrails. The procedure for attaching starter frames is the same for both two-line rails and
picketed guards.
4.2.1.
One starter frame is required on each side of the ramp (frames are interchangeable
side-to-side). The shorter starter frame post is the lower post (positioned at
entrance of ramp).
4.2.2.
Connect the starter frame top rails and upper frame post to the ramp in the same
manner described in previous section.
4.2.3.
Refer to FIGs. 4.3 and 4.4 and the following steps when installing the lower frame
post supports:
4.2.3.1.
Lower frame post supports are left or right hand (looking up the ramp
from the start).
4.2.3.2.
Install a lower frame post support on both starter frame lower posts.
Orient the set screws in the pocket of the lower frame post support
facing outward and toward the start of the ramp (FIG. 4.4).
4.2.3.3.
Loosen the set screws in the pocket of the lower frame post support, if
needed, to fully engage the lower posts in the post support.
4.3.
ANCHORING FRAMES AND CODE COMPLIANCY
The lower frame post supports must be anchored to the ground if a code compliant system is
desired.
4.3.1.
Using the holes in the lower frame post support base as a template, mark the drill
holes for anchors.
4.3.2.
Drill four holes in each lower frame post support base (FIG. 4.3), then install four
1/4” or 3/8” x 2-1/2” (minimum) concrete anchors (supplied by others) per lower
post support. It is the installer’s responsibility to ensure the intended mounting
surface is of sufficient strength and quality to hold the anchors used.
You may wish to remove the lower frame before drilling anchor
holes, then reinstall when drilling is complete.
Always install concrete anchors per the manufacture’s
recommendations.
If attaching to a surface other than concrete, consult your
contractor for alternate anchoring methods.
4.3.3.
Attach the lower frame post supports to the ramp side rails using the supplied
5/16”-18 x 3” square neck carriage bolts, 5/16”-18 nylon insert locknuts and 5/16”
flat washers. Ensure that the head of the carriage bolts are on the ramp side as
shown (FIG. 4.4).
If the holes in the lower frame post support do not align with the
holes in the lower frame post and ramp side rail, the lower frame
post support is most likely installed on the wrong side of the
ramp.
4.3.4.
Tighten all fasteners securely including the 3/8”-16 headless socket set screws in the
pockets of the lower frame post supports.
4.3.5.
The procedure for ramp handrail installation is the same for the starter ramp as
other standard ramps; see ‘RAMP HANDRAILS’ section.
