What Are Tactile Indicators and Where Can They Be Used?

A commercial or a public place gets all kinds of crowds. This makes it imperative for the property owner to take all the necessary measures that help visitors to the area to move freely without the fear of slips and falls. Also, there are certain norms that every commercial property needs to follow during its construction process.

Out of various precautionary measures, one piece of safety equipment that every owner must consider installing are tactile indicators.

Here is a quick guide about tactile indicators and their applications.

What are Tactile Indicators?

As an industry practice, tactile indicators are one of the many safety flooring systems which should be installed in places that are exposed to heavy foot traffic like public properties and pedestrian areas.

The purpose behind using a tactile indicator is providing a tactile surface on public pathways and access routes where people can feel them underfoot or with a symbol cane and be aware of a staircase or an impending pedestrian hazard.

This particularly helps the visually impaired and also adds to the general safety precaution for all pedestrians.

Tactile Indicators and Urban Environments

Tactile indicators give directional information to pedestrians. Additionally, people with visual impairment can easily feel the raised stud or bar pattern of these indicators and can be alerted by feeling the textural changes through their feet or even with a white cane.

Tactile indicators also come in various colours. They are designed in contrast with the ground surface to so that you are able to detect the modules visually.

Tactile indicators can be used in places like:

• Intersection kerb ramps
• Pedestrian crossings
• Stairs
• Elevators
• Ramps
• Escalators
• Entry and exit points
• Public transport facilities

Using tactile indicators at different public transport facilities can alert pedestrians to the platform edges at train stations, bus and tram stop areas as well as at ferry docks.

Unique Design and Appearance of Tactile Indicators

The tactile indicators are designed and manufactured using the latest technology and highest quality materials.

Preventing trip hazards and potential collisions with vehicles, this safety equipment is available in different types that you can choose from according to the usage needed and requirements of the specific area.

• Peel and Stick

This high-grade UV stabilised polyurethane indicator has an aggressive resin adhesive ready to stick to the surface. Suitable for both indoors and outdoors, it works best typically on a surface that is smooth and clean.

• Single Studs

Available in different materials including polyurethane, stainless steel, carborundum filled or polyurethane filled, they are ideal to be used in smaller or angled areas where there is a curved surface, however they are suitable for all commercial applications.

• Tactile Plates

These tactile indicators can withstand even the heaviest of the traffic areas as they are extremely hard wearing as well as UV stabilised. They are designed with a high slip rating, making them the perfect option for both indoor and outdoor applications. These tactile plates are suitable for new builds as well as existing sites.

Application of Tactile Indicators - Where They Should Be Placed?

The common public spaces where you can use tactile indicators include:

• Hospitality Venues

Places like restaurants, bars and hotels often have different elevation and lighting styles. Hence, management must consider installing tactile indicators. The approaching hazards can easily be noticed by pedestrians.

• Train Stations and Tram Stops

Public transport stations generally have people rushing. Thus, it becomes imperative to take enough precautions to avoid any accidents and to cater for vision impaired commuters. Placing tactile indicators along the surfaces where they embark or disembark from their transport can really help this cause.

• Schools and Hospitals

These are highly sensitive areas where the custodians must consciously take efforts to create optimum safety for the children and patients respectively. Using tactile indicators on main entry and exit points is highly recommended as the ratio of trips, slips or collisions is very high in these areas.

• Public Offices

We have emphasised the importance of workplace safety many times. There is constant foot traffic in offices with employees and their clients. Placing the tactile indicators here, especially around stairwells as well as in entrances can help prevent slips and falls.

• Retail Stores

People should have a safe shopping experience. There are stairs or elevators in most of the big shopping centres and malls. Using tactile indicators near stairs or elevators can be a great safety measure.

• Recreational Facilities or Events

An event or a recreational facility will experience heavy foot traffic. To provide your guests with a safe experience, it is best to use tactile indicators, particularly around steps and other sporting or exhibition areas.

• Parks

Parks are the places that have uneven and undulating surfaces. Some even have obstacles in terms of rocks and water bodies. Having tactile indicators at such places can instantly alert various users and prevent any accidents.

• Pedestrian Crossings

A simple indication of where a safety crossing begins and ends can really help pedestrians. The tactile indicator helps to achieve the desired level of safety for pedestrians ensuring that they do not cross the road until it is safe to do so. With increasing amounts of people who use mobile technologies and neglect to be aware of their surroundings, tactile indicators can be an important safety tool to alert them of changes in their environment and encourage them to lift their eyes from their screen as they are forewarned.

Installing a tactile indicator is a sensible way to safeguard a building or an outdoor site. If you own or manage a public or commercial property, do not forget to install tactile indicators.

Safety Xpress is a premium supplier of tactile indicators in Australia. We offer a huge variety of tactile indicators and all our products are Australian standard compliant. Our prices are competitive and our product quality is superior.

You can place an order directly on our website and even request for same day delivery. Simply place your order before noon, we will work with you to get your order dispatched fast!