Contractors know the importance of having tactile walking surface indicators when handling their projects. Tactile indicators safeguard a facility from accidents. It informs pedestrians about nearby hazards.
Definition of tactile indicators
They are either directional bars or raised truncated domes that are applied to or built into walking surfaces. They are made of different materials.
They are designed to give pedestrians warnings of hazards. To detect the modules visually, pedestrians with low vision can also use color contrast.
Types of tactile indicators
Contractors can install the two types of tactile indicators in their projects. They include;
Guidance tactile walking surface indicators
It consists of flat, parallel, and a topped elongated bars. They are extended towards the direction of travel. These indicators include;
- Train stations’
- Transit stops
- Stadium and sport
- Airports
- Door areas of the expansive open areas
- Light rails or subway transit platforms
When installing these indicators, contractors need to ensure that you can distinguish the road surfaces from the pedestrian area and ground surface.
- Attention Tactile walking surface indicators
They give safety information to pedestrians. The indicators play a vital role in identifying potential hazards. It consists of a flat-topped truncated dome that is installed on the walking surface.
Based on reliable tactile walking surface indicators suppliers, contractors use TWSI on ferry docks, drop-offs, and platforms.
The difference between directional and warning tactile indicators
- Directional tactile indicators
They are also known as leading tactile indicators. They contain textured surfaces. The indicators help vision-impaired persons in navigating in open spaces. People are guided when accessing a crossing point or entrance to an essential public facility.
- Warning tactile indicators
They are also referred to as tactile hazard indicators. They notify pedestrians who are vision-impaired or blind to hazards.
Which are the most durable tactile indicators?
- Brass
It is a durable material for tactile indicators. Brass varies in quality hence the need to manufacture from high-grade materials to avoid corrosion. Brass ensures a truly premium finish.
- Polyurethane
They are highly durable. The manufacturer uses a high-quality and proven UV-stable material.
- Aluminum
Their material is exceptionally soft hence not suitable for any use.
- Precast concrete
They are used for external applications. Their durability depends on the mixed design of the concrete. When installing them, select manufacturers who have extensive experience.
- Ceramic
They are used for indoor installation. However, they are limited to foot traffic. Ceramics are not recommendable for exterior use because they are prone to chipping and cracking.
- Rubber peel-and-stick
They are the most unreliable and vulnerable types of tactile indicators.
How are tactile indicators perceived by the vision paired?
A pedestrian who has low vision or blind needs to;
- Determine when it is safe to cross
- Maintaining orientation while crossing the road
- Finding the opposite kerb crossing point
- Determine the direction to cross
- Identifying when the footpath ends
- Know when the roadway is about to be entered
Summary
Contractors will be able to install the right indicators with this information. Pedestrians will enjoy walking through footpaths without any worry.
