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ONE , TWO , THREE , TRIP !
– By Brandon M . Gelderman
How many times have you walked up or down a set of stairs very comfortably and at the last step you trip ! Bad planning .
In design law and city by-laws , there are requirements on maximum and minimum step sizes of the rise and run . The most comfortable step is usually 5 inches high and 15 inches wide . 4-inch steps can make someone trip and 8-inch steps can be very difficult to walk up . Fix the whole step system when one step it out .
Railings are very important and are safe for the public . We need to think of who is coming to visit , especially during the winter months when there is black ice , the railing gives extra stability . Salt on walkways and steps can be very dangerous . The large rock salt can be like walking on gravel .
Walkways need to be boarded with plants or a paving stone that defines the user to be able to see where the path leads . Smooth surface is important for when you need to use wheels on it . Various patterns on walkways and uneven surfaces can be very difficult and distracting for people who have Dementia .
Do not use wood for any surface that you may walk on . A deck is understandable , and it is very dangerous when it is wet . 25 years ago , many people used wood for retaining walls and steps , which is very dangerous and rots very quickly .
Benches are important for the person using the walkway , because when the path is long they have a place to sit and relax when they get tired and need to break for a moment .
The entryway of a path , steps , and doorway , are very important to make noticeable for anyone that is going to come to visit . To define the edge please use lights , especially near steps and the edge of the path . It is great to light up a house , apartment , condo , and business building , the path is more important due to the changes in elevation of a step , change of direction , and surface .
One Two Three Trip ! – yes , we have all done this and get a big gasp of air in relation to being anxious that we are going face first into the ground or banging up a knee . Fix any uneven surface for yourself and anyone who will be visiting . Associability is very important for young children and the aging population . Everyone must be considered in every generation . Be safe and have a wonderful winter season ! •
Brandon is a landscape designer and founder of Gelderlands Inc . in Burlington . 905-637-1509 www . gelderlands . ca
How do fat , oil and grease cause sewer blockages ?
When warm fats , oils , and grease are washed down the sink or toilet into the plumbing system they cool , harden and stick to the inside of sewer pipes ( both in private sewer lines in your home and city sewers under the streets ). Over time , the grease will build up and can block the entire pipe .
What can you do to help prevent sewer system blockages ?
• NEVER pour grease down sink drains or into toilets .
• DO put basket / strainers into sink drains to catch food scraps and other solids . Empty the drain basket / strainer into the Green Bin for disposal .
• What should you do with your fat , oil and grease ? Let the grease cool and harden , then scrape it and food scraps from trays , plates , pots and pans , utensils , grills , and cooking surfaces into your Green Bin . •
12 More articles + recipes online : www . silvergoldmagazine . ca