Safety

You’ll often find tactiles installed at stairways, ramps, escalators and moving walks - shared access points that are built to improve traffic flows but are often still challenging for the vision impaired. Here is a list of public access areas that must have tactiles installed to ensure safe access for visually impaired pedestrians.

• Stairways

• Escalators

• Passenger conveyor/moving walk

• Ramps

• Areas which lack suitable barriers

• Pedestrian crossings

Unfortunately, not all environments effectively use tactiles which can pose several challenges including:

• Higher risk of trips and falls

• Disorientation

• Diminished mobility due to loss of confidence

• Social exclusion warnings of impending hazards as well as crucial directional information. According to AS/NZS 1428.4, all newly constructed and renovated public or private works must include tactile indicators.

An inability or lack of confidence to safely navigate their environment not only risks their physical safety but can also adversely impact their overall health and wellbeing.

This Australian Standard guideline is further reinforced by the Building Code of Australia (BCA) Section D Clause 3.8, as well as the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA).

Types of Tactile Indicators Per Australian Standards

In general, there are two main types of tactile indicators, namely Warning Tactile Indicators and Directional Tactile Indicators. While both tactile types provide important directional and orientation cues for the blind and vision impaired, they serve slightly different but complementary purposes.

Warning Tactile Indicators (also known as Hazard Tactile Indicators)

Warning tactile indicators, also commonly referred to as hazard tactile indicators, are textured features installed onto walking surfaces to function as a ‘stop’ sign. These warning TGSIs alert any pedestrians who may be blind or vision-impaired of potential hazards in their path of travel, prompting them to stop and assess the situation before moving forward.

Commonly installed at:

• Ramps or ramp landings

• Kerb ramps

The Importance of Australian Standards in Tactile Indicators

With the built environment posing a significant safety and access risk for the vision impaired, the Australian Standards have developed a set of initiatives and guidelines to improve access and equality for all. Prioritising the effective design and planning of public spaces, tactile indicators play a critical role in providing necessary

• Steps and stairs

• Escalators

Directional Tactile Indicators (also known as Leading Tactile Indicators)

Directional tactile indicators, also commonly referred to as leading tactile indicators, are textured features comprising directional bars, installed onto walking surfaces to provide directional orientation. These directional TGSIs assist blind and visionimpaired pedestrians to determine and navigate their next best accessible path of travel.

Commonly installed in open areas to assist with continuous navigation, directional tactile indicators also guide people to safely deviate from one path of travel to another.

Commonly installed at:

• Crossing points and intersections

• Kerb ramps

• Open areas

• Public transportation access points

• Building entrances

Both warning and directional tactile indicators are available in different formats and materials to suit your project

Both warning and directional tactiles are available in two different application formats:

• Individual tactiles - installed in custom dimensions depending on the application area

• Plate format - installed in a pre-set plate format of 300mm x 600mm or 300mm x 300mm for standard applications

Choosing the best tactile materials

Once you’ve determined the type of tactile indicators you need (warning and/or directional), as well as your preferred format (individual and/or plate), you can also choose specific tactile materials to achieve your project’s functional and aesthetic requirements.

As long as they comply with the relevant dimensional and spacing requirements of the Australian Standards, tactile indicators can be manufactured from any material that will withstand the harsh roading environment.

Here are some popular options:

• Solid Brass Tactile Indicators - a durable and aesthetically timeless option, ideal for retrofitting across interior and exterior applications

• Stainless Steel Tactile Indicatorsoffer premium durability, perfect for retrofitting to existing applications across interior and exterior environments

• Aluminium Tactile Indicators – an affordable choice for interior use.

• Polyurethane Tactile Indicatorsavailable in a huge range of colours and suitable for both interior and exterior use

• Ceramic Tactile Indicators - UVstabilised for both interior and exterior applications

Installation of Tactile Indicators under Australian Standards

Tactile Ground Surface Indicators (TGSIs) must be installed in accordance with AS1428.4 .1-2009.

While there may be variances between tiled TGSIs and individual TGSIs, here are some general tips when preparing installation surfaces and planning the layout:

• Substrates must be virgin, uncontaminated, unsealed and free of hydrostatic pressure.

• Thoroughly clean all surfaces from dirt, moisture and grime, and conduct a final clean with a suitable non-residual cleaner, to ensure the adhesive has maximum surface area contact with the substrate.

• Any surface irregularities must be corrected before installation of the TGSIs o Stairs: All TGSIs must be installed 300mm from the leading nosing edge at the top and bottom of the stair flight, and 600mm deep to the full width of the path of travel o Ramps: All TGSIs must be installed 300mm from the change in plane, and 600mm deep to the full width of the path of travel o The 600mm depth requirement is exempt when there is a solid wall within 3 meters of the top of the stairs or ramp. In this scenario the tactile tiles/pads need to be 300mm deep to advise the visually impaired to turn right or left within 3 meters.

• Lay out the TGSis in the designated areas using a straight edge/ string line or tape to ensure straight lines.

Always be sure to seek specific advice from a reputable and accredited TGSI installer to ensure your complete compliance.

Ascertain your project’s compliance with Australian Standards and relevant safety laws

The built environment and high-traffic areas can be a challenge for everyday Australians to navigate, let alone those living with blindness and vision impairments. As a community, we should make it our priority to ensure safe and equal access for all members of the public, whether it be a renovation or a new project. www.classic-arch.com

To achieve a satisfactory and compliant result as per Australian Standards, the project needs to be planned and set out before any installation. If TGSIs aren’t properly installed according to recommended installation requirements and maintenance guidelines, they can pose a public safety risk and access hindrance, defeating their purpose. Furthermore, any non-compliance issues can be a costly fix while delaying your project’s handover timelines.

As the leading supplier and installer of stair and floor safety products, Classic Architectural Group offers architecturallydesigned tactile ground surface indicators, stair nosings, and a range of floor and safety products, in a diverse array of styles, materials and colours to support your project goals. Complying with all Australian Standards, you can also use their 3D/AR Product Visualisation Tool to get an accurate sense of scale, depth and special when making your product selections.

The team at Classic can assist you with assessing the best access products for your needs, as well as providing efficient installation services for an end-to-end solution. Or if you’re the DIY type you can visit their online resource hub for easy access to technical advice, including installation guides.

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