In fire safety, what does a 1:10 ramp ratio indicate regarding width and people?

The 1:10 ramp ratio indicates the requirement for the ramp's width in relation to the number of people that may use it. Specifically, this ratio means that for every 10 people, the ramp must have a width that accommodates their safe passage. This is critical for ensuring that individuals can evacuate quickly in the event of an emergency.

In this context, having 1 inch for every 10 people implies that as the number of individuals increases, so does the width of the ramp proportionately. The design ensures that in case of an emergency evacuation, multiple people can exit simultaneously with a reduced risk of crowding or bottlenecking at the ramp, thus promoting safety and efficiency during high-stress situations.

Other interpretations of the ratio, such as those relating to inches or feet per person, do not align with the industry standards for ramp safety, which focus on providing sufficient width relative to the number of individuals it serves.