Tactile indicators are produced from a series of raised studs or bars and installed onto the ground. Their major function is to increase pedestrians’ awareness of their surroundings.

Tactile indicators rise 5.08 mm above the ground. Their purpose is to alert visually impaired people that they have reached the entrance to a crossing or other hazardous area. Besides feeling them through footwear, tactile indicators also produce a unique sound when tapped with a guidance cane.

Tactile indicators should be installed in places that have a lot of foot traffic. For example in elevators, stairs, escalators, building entry and exit points, pedestrian crossings and ramps.

Types of tactile ground surface indicators

Tactile ground surface indicators (TGSI) are made up of two main types.

Warning tactile ground surface indicators

These indicators have a circular dome with a height of 4-5 mm and a diameter of 35 mm. They can be used to tell the pedestrian that they’re approaching a potentially dangerous area. For example;

    • Steps or staircases
    • Ferry terminals
    • Bus stops and areas where the direction or position of the surface changes

Directional tactile ground surface indicators

The directional tactile indicators usually have a height of 35 mm and a diameter of 4-5 mm. They serve as a guide for safe routes, indicate the direction of driving for street interceptions and public transport access points.

Both of these tactile indicators are available in different types of materials like stainless steel, brass and polymeric.

Types of stainless steel tactile indicators include:

    • Long stem
    • No stem
    • Screw-down
    • Carborundum insert
    • Black PVD coated
    • Stainless steel peel and stick.

How to install tactile indicators

Steps to follow:

  1. You should be involved in the design, and construction process.
  2. Measure out the placement of your studs.
  3. Make sure that you have the right tactile indicator layout.
  4. Check the luminance contrast requirement of your tactile studs.
  5. The external condition where the studs are being used should be considered.

Some requirements for tactile indicators in accordance with (BCA) regulations

    • On a veranda, it should not be less than 2500mm above ground level
    • When it projects over any street, it should not be erected less than 2500mm above the roadside cover drain.
    • From a building line, it should not be more than 1500mm from the normal street line.

Tactile indicators in Sydney are important during property refurbishment. They make your property safe as well as accessible to all kinds of people.

To do this, it is essential that you consult an experienced supplier like Floorsafe. As an added bonus if you order 500 tactile indicators from us, you receive a free interlocking plastic tactile template. We also deliver tactile indicators in Brisbane and Melbourne.

Now that you know these tips, installing your next tactile indicators will be easy! If you have any questions, get in contact with us through our website. We are always ready to help!