Types and Categories of Tactile Ground Surface Indicators

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Safety Xpress
Australias Premier Safety Equipment Supplier
P R E P A R E D A N D P R E S E N T E D B Y BEN
HOSIE
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Types and Categories of Tactile Ground Surface
Indicators
Tactile ground surface indicators are a great way
to enhance the accessibility for visually
impaired individuals. Available in different
types and colours, they not only help the needy
ones to navigate easily but also improve the
appeal of the space. If we look at the origin of
tactile indicators then they had an amazing
history. The first tactile indicator is
documented to be used in Japan in the year 1965.
Later the use spread across the globe due to its
great utility for visually disabled individuals.
Since then various new types, patterns, and
material of tactile ground surface indicators are
available in the market. Let's look at some
commonly available patterns in tactile
indicators.
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Blister Tactile Ground Surface Indicators These
types of tactile ground surface indicators are
used mainly to help visually challenged people to
locate where the footway starts or ends. These
indicators create a difference in floor height
making it easy for visually disabled people to
detect them. The height may vary depending upon
the purpose of use, place and type of the blister
indicator you are choosing. These indicators are
major safety features developed to help the
visually impaired people navigate through the
footpaths easily. Offset Blister Tactile Ground
Surface Indicators The offset blister tactile
ground surface indicator is often used in the
railway platform. It helps to warn the visually
challenged of the edge across the off-street
platforms. This type of indicator can be
characterised with a flat dome-like blister on
the surface with little height, spaced from each
other at a fixed distance. Just like blister
tactile, offset tactile indicators are also
available in a variety of hues, pattern and
texture that can be merged with relevant
surrounding for both appeal and accessibility.
Moreover, these indicators have an extensive
application. For example, they can be used for
heavy rail platforms, underground platforms or
off-street rapid transit platforms. Cycle Way
Tactile Ground Surface Indicators Like other
places, the cycle path is also an important area
where the use of tactile ground surface
indicators is a must. This is especially needed
for visually challenged individuals, to guide
them to enter on the correct side of the path.
Otherwise, in the absence of cycleway tactile
indicators, such individual may choose the wrong
path causing mishaps and unforeseen accidents. A
central delineator strip used in the pathway
helps to guide the individual to stick their
route to the pedestrians rather than entering the
wrong one.
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Two main categories of the tactile
indicators Tactile ground surface indicators can
be further categorised into types depending upon
their purpose

1. DIRECTIONAL TACTILE INDICATOR -

The name suggests these indicators are mainly
used to guide the visually impaired person on the
protected path. For example, guiding them to take
the pedestrian path rather than a cycleway.
Therefore, these types of indicators are mainly
used across street crossings and at areas where
they need help to access public transport. It is
available in a multitude of size, shapes and
colours, the most commonly used directional
tactile indicator comes with a height of 3-5mm
and 30-40mm diameter.

• WARNING TACTILE INDICATOR -

As the name says, these indicators are used
mainly as a warning sign for the visually
impaired people to change the direction or take
precautionary steps. These indicators come with a
dome-like blister having a height of up to 4-5mm.
They are often used in combination with
directional indicators to guide the visually
challenges people change the route. These
indicators are mainly used in areas like ramps,
bus stops, escalators, railway platforms, stairs
and more.
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If you are looking for tactile indicators then
you must pay a visit to Safety Express. We are
one of the leading suppliers of safety tools and
equipment for the construction industry across
Australia. We have to offer a wide range of
tactile ground surface indicators. We understand
the important application of these indicators and
therefore provide products made with only genuine
materials that last for long. To add more to
this, we also provide expert advice for proper
installation of the products. This assures that
all the installation work is being done as per
the Australian standards. Call us to know more.
CONTACT US
SAFETY XPRESS www.safetyxpress.com.au
ADDRESS 3 JELLICO DRIVE, SCORESBY, VICTORIA,
3179, AUSTRALIA
EMAIL SALES_at_SAFETYXPRESS. COM. AU
PHONE NO 0431049246 1300 049 246
WE ARE NOW OPEN 24/7
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