Does your project require the installation of code-compliant tactile solutions? But, are you aware of the code standards applicable in your area? If not, it will be challenging for contractors to meet the required project standards. Contractors are under constant fear of deviating from the code-standards and coming in the bad books of the project inspector. The primary reason for the non-compliance with the project standards is the lack of knowledge about the provincial, national, and federal code standards. So, to safeguard the interest of contractors and to ensure compliance with the project standards, here we have a list of all the points contractors have to keep in mind before installing Tactile Walking Surface Indicators (TWSI). From the types to the installation guidelines and required code standards, contractors will get the complete information for installing TWSI’s.
What are tactile walking surface indicators?
According to legislation, the contractors must install code-compliant TWSI in their projects. But, are contractors aware of what TWSI is and what its types are. TWSI’s is another name for detectable warning surface or tactile attention indicators. TWSI’s are used to convey information to people, especially visually impaired about the built-in environment. TWSI’s convey information through texture and sound. They are detectable by foot when walking or by using a long white cane. Contractors can use the tactile walking indicators for both the pre-existing surfaces as well as for newly constructed facilities. But, before choosing the code-compliant tactile solutions, contractors must be aware of the types of TWSI’s. Tactile walking surface indicators are broadly divided into two categories, attention and guidance TWSI’s.
Attention tactile walking surface indicators
They are also known as warning TWSI, the reason being they alert pedestrians about the hazards in the path of travel. To warn the pedestrians about the potential dangers, contractors must install the Attention TWSI’s at the start of the staircase or the edge of a platform. Also, to avoid deviations from the code standards, contractors must ensure that the attention TWSI’s meet the following specifications.
- Contractors have to ensure that the attention indicators have circular, flat-topped truncated domes or cones.
- Contractors have to place the truncated domes in a square grid pattern, parallel to the main direction of travel.
- Before installing the attention indicators, contractors have to make sure they meet the size requirements. Contractors have to ensure that the height of the truncated dome or cone should be 4-5 millimeters. For the interior environments, the minimum height for the attention TWSI is four-five millimeters.
- As far as the diameter of the top of the flat-topped domes is concerned, it should be 10 mm, more than the diameter of the top.
- The attention tactile walking surface indicators (TWSI), must have a code-compliant color contrast with the surrounding surface. Color contrast plays a crucial role in making a built environment accessible for people with visual impairment.
Application of attention TWSI
Where to install the tactile walking surface indicators, is the first question contractors need to address before starting the project. If the TWSI is not installed at the designated place, it will result in the deviation from the required standards. Some areas where contractors can install the attention TWSI include:
- Platform edges
- Ferry dock edges
- At the top of the stairs and landings
- At the curb ramps and depressed curbs
- At the entry points of the vehicular routes to separate pedestrians from the vehicles.
Guidance tactile walking surface indicators
Apart from attention TWSI’s, contractors can also use the guidance TWSI for their project as long as they comply with the code standards. Guidance tactile indicator is another name for wayfinding tactile walking indicators. Unlike the attention, TWSI’s convey information about the direction of travel by making use of the open spaces. They play an essential role in guiding people across the path of travel. Before installing the guidance TWSI, contractors must follow the following specifications.
- The guidance TWSI’s must consist of a pattern or parallel fat topped elongated bars that must be in the direction of travel.
- Contractors have to ensure that the guidance TWSI’s must have a width of 250-300 mm.
- If the guidance TWSI’s are used as an indicator of a diverging route, width contractors have to comply with is 600-650 mm. The height of the bars should be 4-5 mm.
- The width of the flat-topped elongated bar should be between 17-30 mm. And, the base of the bars should have a width of 10 mm.
- Like the attention TWSI’s, guidance TWSI’s must be color complaint with the surroundings.’
Places of application of guidance tactile walking surface indicators
- Transit stops
- Train stations
- Airports
- Sports arenas and stadiums
- Large open spaces like public squares.
Now, as we come towards the end of this guide, contractors will have a complete understanding of the different types of tactile walking surface indicators (TWSI). By following the above installation guidelines, contractors will be able to install the code-compliant tactile solutions and ensure compliance with the project requirements.
