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Access Tile Detectable Warning System: Everything you need to know!

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Access Tile Detectable Warning System: Everything you need to know!

In today's world, it is essential to prioritize accessibility and inclusivity when it comes to public spaces. People with visual impairments face many challenges in navigating their surroundings. That's where the Access Tile Detectable Warning System comes in - an effective solution designed to help visually impaired individuals navigate their surrounding safely & confidently. 

 

Detectable Warning Systems are not only a great way to comply with accessibility guidelines, but they are also a legal requirement under the CSA Act and other international standards. So whether you're a business owner or contractor, installing these systems can help you avoid potential lawsuits and penalties. In this blog post, we'll cover the different types of Access Tile Detectable Warning Systems to help you make an informed decision. Read out to know!

 

What is an Access Tile Detectable Warning System?

 

Access Tile Detectable Warning Systems are strategically installed in public spaces to alert visually impaired pedestrians of potential hazards or directions. These safety flooring systems are installed in curb ramps, doors, elevators, lifts, transit platforms, stairwells, and marinas.

 

They consist of truncated domes, also known as tactile paving or tactile walking surface indicators (TWSIs), which can be detected by the use of a cane or underfoot, providing vital information about changes in the environment.

 

Benefits of Access Tile Detectable Warning Systems

 

1. Increased safety for visually impaired individuals: 

 

Access Tile Detectable Warning Systems provide tactile indicators that can be felt through a cane or underfoot, alerting visually impaired individuals to potential hazards, such as street crossings or changes in elevation. These systems significantly enhance safety by enabling users to detect and avoid obstacles.

 

2. Compliance with accessibility regulations: 

 

Access Tile Detectable Warning Systems are designed to meet the accessibility requirements outlined in regulations like the CSA or AODA Act. By installing these systems, public spaces can ensure compliance with accessibility standards and create an inclusive environment for all individuals.

 

3. Durability and low maintenance: 

 

Access Tile Detectable Warning Systems are engineered for long-lasting performance. They are designed from durable materials that can withstand heavy foot traffic, extreme weather conditions, and other environmental factors. Additionally, these systems require minimal maintenance, reducing the long-term costs associated with upkeep.

 

Types of Access Tile Detectable Warning System

 

Access Tile Detectable Warning Systems are available in various types to accommodate different installation requirements and environments. The three main types include:

 

1. Access® Tile Replaceable Cast-in-Place Tiles: 

 

The Replaceable Cast-in-Place tiles are installed directly into wet 

concrete, effectively integrating the industry's foremost replaceability feature for tactile warning systems.

 

The Access Tile Replaceable Cast-in Place tile indicators are designed to be embedded directly into the concrete, providing a long-lasting and reliable tactile surface for both interior and exterior applications. They comply with Canadian accessibility codes and feature a non-slip texture to enhance safety for all pedestrians. The Access Tile Replaceable Cast-in Place tile indicators are lightweight, durable, and perfect for inside and outside applications, such as: 

 

  • Doors and doorways
  • Ramps and stairs
  • Elevators and lifts
  • Washrooms and showers
  • Drinking fountains and service counters
  • Signs and wayfinding

 

Access® Tile Replaceable Cast-in-Place Tiles are divided into types: Attention Domes and Wayfinding Bars.

 

Attention Domes:  Access Tile's Cast in Place Replaceable Tactile Attention Domes are durable and compliant with Canadian accessibility codes. Installed into wet set concrete at building exits, they provide a safe barrier-free path for pedestrians to cross and can withstand weather and wear and tear. 

 

Wayfinding Bars: Access Tile Replaceable Cast in Place Tactile Walking Surface Indicators are durable, non-slip tiles installed directly into concrete. They comply with Canadian accessibility codes and are ideal for interior and exterior applications. With Access Tile Cast in Place Wayfinding Bars, pedestrians can safely navigate the environment through barrier-free pathways.

 

 2. Access® Tile Surface Applied Tiles: 

 

Access® Tile Surface Applied Tiles are specifically designed to be installed on top of any existing flooring- providing a detectable tactile warning for visually impaired individuals. These tiles are particularly useful in alerting pedestrians when they have reached an unsafe edge. Access Tile Surface Applied Tiles offer a cost-effective alternative to wet set Cast in Place tiles, making them a popular choice.

 

The Surface Applied Tile stands out as the easiest and fastest option available in the market. It is also environmentally conscious, addressing the need for sustainable solutions. Furthermore, Access Tile Surface Applied Tiles fully comply with Canadian Accessibility codes, ensuring adherence to regulations and guidelines.

 

Access® Tile Surface-Applied Tiles are divided into types: Attention Domes and Wayfinding Bars.

 

Attention Domes: Access Tile Surface Applied Domes are affordable detectable warning tiles that are slip-resistant, corrosion-resistant, and abrasion-resistant. They're perfect for retrofitting and can be used in many situations, including transit stations, curb ramps, pedestrian crossings, parking areas, stair landings, and escalator approaches. These tactile attention domes are especially useful for those with visual impairments, as they can be felt through footwear and provide unique sound reflection for guidance canes. With different colors available, they provide visual contrast to warn the public when they have reached an unsafe edge.

 

Wayfinding Bars: Access Tile Surface Applied tiles are the top choice for Tactile Walking Surface Indicators. Easy to handle and install on large open floor areas, the indicated routes with wayfinding bars lead from the entrance to major destinations, such as an information kiosk, registration desk, stairway, elevator, scalators, or store or service doors. Access Tile offers a cost-effective and compliant solution that includes Wayfinding bars for barrier-free navigation. Access Tile Way finding bars also creates barrier-free pathways - ensuring that all pedestrians can navigate their environment safely.

 

3. AccessTile Fire Resistant Surface Applied Tile

 

Access Tile Surface Applied Fire Retardant FIRESENTRY-X Composite Technology offers exceptional resistance against fire. Access Tile Fire Resistant FR complies with the ULC-S 102.2 fire standard, limiting flames to less than 25 and smoke to less than 50. 

 

This fire-resistant tile is the first composite tile to meet the requirements of the Ontario building code. They are compliant to both building code and Fire code and mandatory in all buildings that are higher than 7 floors. Access Tile FR is a cost-effective interior solution for applying TWSI (Tactile Warning Surface Indicators) on tactile warning floor surfaces in areas such as exit stairwells, vestibules to exit stairs, lobbies, and corridors. The Ontario tactile walking surface indicators Surface Applied Fire-Resistant tile is available in three different colors and various sizes to meet the specifications of your building.

 

Features

 

  • A cost-effective approach to meet the requirements of the Tactile Warning Surface Indicator (TWSI) for interior tactile warning floor surfaces such as exit stairwells, vestibules to exit stairs and lobbies, and corridors
  • Easily cut to conform to various sizes and radius landings
  • Comes in three (3) standard colors with Federal color identification numbers
  • 5-year manufacturer's warranty