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Access to indoor and outdoor spaces like corridors, lobbies, staircases, sidewalks, and pedestrian crossings is a fundamental right for all individuals-regardless of their physical abilities. Access® Tile is an innovative Detectable Warning systems provider set to transform how we approach accessibility! Access to public spaces, buildings, and transportation systems is a fundamental right for all individuals, regardless of their physical abilities. Introducing Access® Tile, an innovative Detectable Warning systems provider that is set to transform how we approach accessibility!

Delivering the best walking and accessibility systems to accessibility professionals, specifiers, installers, and contractors, Access® Tile strives to enhance public places with the utmost safety and accessibility. This write-up explores the comprehensive details of Access® Tile systems and their types in detail. Let's get started -

Access® Tile: Offering Detectable Warning & Guidance systems 

Access® Tile is a leading code-compliant detectable warning and guidance system provider to help visually impaired individuals navigate their surroundings safely & confidently. These warning and guidance systems are not only a way to comply with accessibility guidelines but also a legal requirement under the CSA Canadian Standards Association) Act and other international standards. 

Access® Tile detectable warning systems are exclusively made to be installed in public spaces to alert visually impaired pedestrians of potential hazards or safe directions. These flooring systems are strategically placed in curb ramps, information kiosks, registration desks, stairways, elevators, escalators, store or service doors, transit platforms, stairwells, and marinas to help visually impaired individuals navigate while walking. 

Attention and wayfinding systems include tactile paving or tactile walking surface indicators (TWSIs). These indicators can be detected by a cane or foot, providing important information about environmental changes.

Types of Access® Tile: Detectable Warning & Guidance systems

1. Access® Tile: Cast-In-Place Tile

Access® Tile has designed a highly advanced, durable, tactile walking surface indicator system. Their Cast-in-Place tiles are made with top-notch processing, material technologies, and engineered polymers, resulting in a durable and intelligent design. These tiles can be installed into wet concrete, offering the industry-leading replaceability feature. 

The Features of Access® Tile: Cast-In-Place Tile 

• The cast-in-place Tactile Walking Surface Indicators (TWSI) are designed for various applications, including curb ramps, registration desks, stairways, elevators, escalators, store or service doors, parking areas, pedestrian crossings, and more. They also work well for top-of-stair landings, escalator approaches, and transit platforms. These TWSI solutions are highly versatile and can also be used in multi-modal transit stations.

• These tiles are lightweight and durable, making them ideal for curb ramp, sidewalk designs and all-weather applications.  The cast-in-place tiles comply with Canadian accessibility codes and have a non-slip tactile surface for interior and exterior applications. Additionally, Access Tile systems provide barrier-free pathways, ensuring safe navigation for all pedestrians.

The two categories of Access® Tile Cast-In-Place Tiles 

• Access® Tile: Cast-In-Place Tiles with Attention Domes
• Access® Tile: Cast-In-Place Tiles with Wayfinding Bars

Access® Tile: Cast-In-Place Tiles with Attention Domes

Access® Tile cast-in-place tiles with attention domes are necessary for all environments to meet Canadian accessibility code standards. Providing a detectable warning surface that contrasts with the ground alerts pedestrians to potential hazards. Put simply, attention domes convey the walkers about the hazardous path they are approaching, so they can walk on the safer side! These attention domes are durable, weather-resistant tiles available in various sizes and colors.

Access® Tile: Cast-In-Place Tiles with Wayfinding Bars

Access® Tile has crafted durable and lightweight cast-in-place tiles with wayfinding bars—for accessible pedestrian navigation. The tiles are designed to comply with Canadian accessibility codes that can be installed only on wet concrete surfaces. These tiles provide visually impaired and blind travelers with a safe tactile indication about the safe path!

The installation of wayfinding warning and guidance surfaces indicates the direct routes of travel within a public space in a non-visual way. Their non-slip surface and wayfinding bars ensure safe passage for all pedestrians.

1. Access® Tile: Surface Applied Tile

Access® Tile surface applied tiles are the ultimate Tactile Walking Surface Indicators (TWSI) solution-perfect for unpredictable site conditions with easy handling and cutting. These tiles significantly benefit individuals with visual impairments, alerting pedestrians to hazardous edges and safe walking paths.

The Features of Access® Tile Surface Applied tiles

• Access® Tile Surface Applied tiles are a cost-effective and rapid alternative to wet set Cast in Place tiles and are environmentally friendly. Additionally, they are entirely compliant with all Canadian Accessibility codes. 
• To create obstacle-free pathways that guarantee the safety of all pedestrians. These are versatile and can be applied to many areas, including curb ramps, Building exits, lobbies, meeting rooms, washroom access, garage entrance/exit, office buildings, apartment/condo buildings, parking areas, pedestrian crossings, and transit platforms.  
• On top of that, these tiles are handy for ensuring the safety and accessibility of wheelchair ramps and top-of-stair landings.

The two categories of Access® Tile Surface Applied Tiles

• Access® Tile: Surface Applied Tiles with Attention Domes
• Access® Tile: Surface Applied Tiles with Wayfinding Bars

Access® Tile: Surface Applied Tiles: Attention Domes

The word attention says it all! Access® Tile surface-applied tiles with attention domes are affordable, slip-resistant warning tiles that can be used in various settings to alert people of hazardous edges. Providing tactile warnings for walkers, surface-applied tiles with attention dome are durable, corrosion-resistant, and available in 8 colors for visual contrast—benefiting those with visual impairments through tactile cues about the upcoming unsafe surface.

Access® Tile: Surface Applied Tile: Wayfinding Bars

Access® Tile surface, applied tiles with wayfinding bars, is a cost-effective solution for Tactile Walking Surface Indicators (TWSI). They can be easily installed on existing surfaces, providing safe navigation for walkers, especially people with visual impairments. Access® Tile offers these wayfinding bars for creating accessible pathways and assures people that the way they walk is a safe path. These are specially designed for barrier-free navigation in public spaces.

Benefits of Access® Tile Detectable Warning and Guidance Systems 

• Access® Tile offers a groundbreaking system of tactile pavement indicators designed to guide and assist people with visual impairments or mobility challenges.
• The tiles utilize a combination of visual and tactile cues, including patterns, textures, and contrasting colors, to help people navigate confidently and independently.
• Making our environments more inclusive and efficient, Access® Tile stands tall as a leading Code-compliant warning tactile tiles manufacturer.
• The tiles help in providing clear and consistent attention and wayfinding indicators, improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, and enhance the walker's safety.
• These tiles are not just a solution for people with disabilities but a universal tool that fosters an inclusive and harmonious environment for all members of society.

The Wrap Up

Beyond enhancing accessibility, solutions by Access® Tile also offer remarkable efficiency benefits for everyone. If you are a contractor, builder, building manager, landscaper or architect, contractor or builder, you must consider Access® Tile for the best Detectable Warning systems! Tactile Solution takes pride in being one of Canada's leading suppliers of Access® Tile! Since we have the most extensive sales and distribution network of Access® Tile systems, you can always reach us to get Access® Tile systems for your projects.

In Canada, where accessibility and safety regulations are strictly enforced, finding innovative solutions that prioritize both accessibility and protection is crucial. This is where Access Tile® Surface Applied Fire-Resistant Tile comes in. It's specially designed to meet all the requirements of the Ontario Building Code and other Canadian codes 

At Tactile Solution, we understand the importance of creating safe environments that cater to everyone's needs. Our Access-tile surface-applied tiles offer an unparalleled level of safety while ensuring compliance with accessibility standards. To learn more about Acess tiles, read the below blog post: 

An Overview of Access Tile® Surface Applied Fire Resistant Tactile

The Access Tile® Surface Applied Fire Resistant Tactile is a necessary product for buildings that are higher than 7 floors. It provides tactile walking surface indicators (TWSI) with truncated domes for indoor use, particularly in high-rise buildings. This product is designed to warn individuals with visual impairments of any potential hazards or changes in direction on the floor surface. 

The Access Tile® Surface Applied Fire Resistant Tactile not only is compliant with building code but also with Fire Code - that makes it unique.The FIRESENTRY-X Composite Technology used in Access Tile Surface Applied Fire Retardant ensures maximum resistance against fire. Access Tile FR is an affordable option for adding tactile warning surface indicators (TWSI) to interior floors, such as exit stairwells, vestibules, lobbies, and corridors. This product is highly slip-resistant, durable, and strong, which means it can be used in a variety of environments and traffic conditions.

Features: 

• It is cost-effective and easy to install, maintain, and replace.
•  Compliant with Canadian accessibility codes and meets the fire safety standards of the Ontario Building Code.
•  Easily cut to conform to various sizes and radius landings
•  5-year manufacturer's warranty

Applications

• This product is specifically designed for interior use in high-rise building applications in accordance with Ontario Building Code.
• For tactile warning floor surface at exit stairwells, vestibules to exit stairs and lobbies, and corridors.

Advantages of Access Tile® Surface Applied Fire Resistant Tactile

• Durability: Access Tile fire-resistant surface-applied tiles are built to last, even under extreme conditions.
• Quick Installation: With the easy installation process, you can seamlessly place these tiles onto your existing surface without causing any disruptions.
• Enhanced Accessibility: The attention domes on these surface-applied tiles ensure that visually impaired individuals can navigate their surroundings safely and with confidence.
• Compliance with Regulations: These tiles conform to the strict accessibility guidelines set by the Canadian government, ensuring you meet all necessary safety standards.

Installation guide of Access Tile® Surface Applied Fire Resistant Tactile

• Position the tile in the selected area and outline the boundaries using a thin permanent marker.
• Set the tile aside and utilize a 4" diamond cup grinder to prepare the surface within the marked area, ensuring it corresponds to the section where the adhesive is required, as indicated on the backside of the tile.
• Remove any dust using a leaf blower, and then wipe the back of the tile and the surface with a cloth soaked in acetone.
• Apply Tactile Bond and Seal adhesive to the back of the tile (following the tile's instructions). Start by applying a thin bead ½" from the edge of the perimeter, and then apply a second, thicker bead 1" inside the first one.
• Position the tile accurately and squarely on the surface and firmly press it down.
• While exerting pressure, use a hammer drill and the recommended diameter drill bit to drill 3" into the concrete on either side of the preformed hole. Drill through the tile without the hammer function until the tile is penetrated, and then switch to the hammer function to drill into the concrete.
• While maintaining pressure, remove any dust and excess adhesive, and carefully set the provided color-matched Axius® Fasteners using a plastic-tipped hammer. Repeat steps 6 and 7 while working across the tile from one end until all pre-formed fastener locations are completed. 
• Clean the perimeter of the tile and the surrounding concrete immediately with acetone, ensuring any adhesive that has escaped from beneath the tile is removed. Apply and smooth sealant around the tile's perimeter.
•  Tape all perimeter edges.
• Apply Tactile Bond and Seal around the perimeter of the tile, taking care to fill any gaps between the tile and the concrete interface.
• Use a round plastic applicator or spatula to shape the sealant along the perimeter, creating a cove.
• Remove the tape immediately after shaping the perimeter sealant.
• Avoid foot traffic on the floor until the perimeter sealant has cured sufficiently to prevent tracking.

Conclusion

At Tactile Solution, we believe that safety should never be compromised when it comes to creating accessible environments. Our Access-tile fire-resistant surface applied tiles provide an innovative solution that combines functionality and aesthetics without compromising on quality or compliance. Contact us today to learn more about our products and how they can revolutionize safety in your space.

In today's fast-paced world, where time is a precious commodity, seamless navigation and flow of people in commercial and public spaces is paramount. Directional signage inside buildings plays a pivotal role in facilitating an unhindered journey through a venue by providing visual cues and prompts to direct visitors to key locations and points of interest.

Code compliance and workplace safety are two of the most crucial aspects of any facility. In Canada, directional signage is an indispensable tool that aids in safeguarding visitors in hazardous environments or emergency situations inside facilities. However, traditional directional signage solutions are ill-equipped to optimally facilitate egress during power outages or in low-lighting conditions inside the buildings. This is where innovative photoluminescent directional signage products from Ecoglo come to the fore.

Ecoglo is a pioneering manufacturing company that specializes in fashioning intelligent safety solutions for commercial and other facilities. Their Ecoglo Directional Signs are manufactured using a proprietary photoluminescent compound that absorbs and stores ambient light to emit a glow in low or dark conditions. This unique quality renders Ecoglo Directional Signage ideal for installation in environments where traditional electrically-powered signs would be ineffective or in case of power failures. They are eco-friendly, cost-efficient, and compliant with the latest National Building Code of Canada’s requirements for photoluminescent exit signs and directional indicators.

For general contractors and builders working on commercial construction projects across Canada, Ecoglo Directional Signage offers significant benefits for workplace safety as well as code compliance:

Optimized Egress

The photoluminescent nature of Ecoglo Directional Signs allows for improved emergency wayfinding and evacuation during power outages, low light, or zero visibility conditions. The signs absorb and store ambient light and re-emit it in the form of a bright glow for up to 70 hours in complete darkness. This failsafe visibility aids occupants in seamlessly navigating toward emergency exits, fire escapes, or muster points.

Enhanced Code Compliance

Ecoglo Directional Signage meets or exceeds CSA and ULC standards for photoluminescent exit signs in Canada. They are fully compliant with the NBC, OBC, and other provincial building codes for photoluminescent exit signage and directional indicators. Using these signs allows contractors to achieve certification and pass inspections with flying colors.

Minimal Maintenance

Unlike electrical signs that require wiring, charging, and bulb replacements, Ecoglo Directional Signs are completely self-powered and maintenance-free. They operate independently even during power outages and only need exposure to light for recharging. The photoluminescent compound in this signage is highly durable and very long-lasting, allowing for longer usage.

Cost Efficiency

Ecoglo Directional Signs eliminate the need for any electrical wiring, charging, or illumination to function. This makes them significantly more cost-effective in the long run compared to powered exit signs that entail high installation and ongoing maintenance expenses. The signs have an operational lifespan of over 25 years, so they do not require frequent replacement either.

Ease of Mounting

Ecoglo Directional Signs come with universally compatible mounting hardware that allows for simple installation on any indoor surface, like walls, floors, staircases, doorways, walkways, etc. They can even be used as freestanding signs with additional mounting stands. The variety of sizes and mounting options available make integration into any space quick and easy.
 

Specifications of Ecoglo Directional Signs
 

• Ecoglo Directional Signs are available in a range of standard sizes of 8 inches x 4.6 inches. They meet ISO standards for symbol height to viewing distance ratios for optimal visibility and legibility. The signs feature high-performance photoluminescent text, arrows, and safety symbols that illuminate brightly in low light and dark conditions for up to 70 hours after only 1 hour of 54 lux charging.
• The signs are constructed using lightweight yet durable aluminum and vinyl composite material panels with UV-resistant laminate. This makes them durable, chemical-resistant, and suitable for indoor use. The film is applied using a specialized heat transfer process that ensures maximum bond strength and glow intensity.
• Ecoglo Directional Signs require exposure to regular ambient lighting like office lighting or natural light from windows and skylights to function. Minimal light exposure of around 5 to 10-foot candles per day is adequate to fully charge the signs and enable them to emit a bright glow during power failures or in emergency situations. The more light they receive, the brighter and longer they will glow.
• The highly efficient compound used to make these signs is non-toxic, non-radioactive, and eco-friendly. It does not contain any hazardous heavy metals like lead or zinc that can pollute the environment. The signs have a long service life and do not degrade or lose glow intensity even with continuous exposure to light.

Takeaway
 

Ecoglo Directional Signs offer the optimal solution for facility safety, emergency preparedness, and building code compliance for any building or construction project. Their self-illuminating photoluminescent quality makes them ideal for installation indoors where traditional signs would be ineffective. By choosing these innovative exit signs available at Tactilesolution.ca, Canadian contractors and builders can achieve the highest safety and risk mitigation standards on their projects.

CIBC Square is a stunning office complex with two office towers spanning over 3 million square feet. Undoubtedly, CIBC Square is setting the new standard for community in terms of innovation, transformation and accessibility. A perfect workspace, place to socialize and celebrate cuisine and culture, CIBC Square connects the Waterfront and Financial District, expanding and glorifying this stretch of Toronto.

CIBC SQUARE, a location for business, pleasure, and community, offers an unmatched experience in the heart of Toronto. This modern-marvel provides exceptional work environment equipped with modern-thinking features.

Annual Listening Sessions

It is really important to be empathetic towards your target audience to find the reliable solutions. The same goes with businesses and CIBC Square understands this in all sense.

“Listening exercises have focused on barriers created by remote and hybrid work, as well as concerns and considerations for return to work. Topics that are brought up during the listening exercises are leveraged to enhance our human capital strategy.”

The above statement is made by Claudette Knight, vice-president of workplace design and transformation at CIBC. Let’s go a little deeper.

CIBC hosts annual listening sessions to understand the constraints and barriers disable people face every day at the building premises.

Design of Public Spaces

An inclusive design strategy was created and applied to the whole CIBC campus, including-

• Employee space
• Conference & event centre
• Flagship banking centre

The design strategy fulfills the building code and industry standards for well-being, accessibility and inclusion by incorporating built-environment design principles that state the complete range of human diversity.

CIBC also incorporated accessibility elements across the structure that meets legislative requirements. Elevator destination dispatch with audio and visual indicators; accessible, all-gender washrooms on every floor; a relief area for service animals; and code-compliant tactile solutions on cautionary places and Braille signage for improved way-finding are among the features of the accessible CIBC campus.

All the new branches are built considering the accessibility needs of clients. CIBC, at a minimum, follows industry standards for all new branches, including the Barrier Free Design Standards and the Barrier Free Design for Automated Banking Machines that were established by Canadian Standards Association International.

The Canada’s Leading Accessibility Solutions Provider

One of our brands, a reliable tactile solutions provider, Kinesik has a major role in making CIBC Square the most accessible public and commercial space. We leverage the power of intelligent design and precision engineering. Our products enhance the quality of CIBC Square’s infrastructure and ensure safe passage and code-compliant exit signs.

Let’s see which products from the Kinesik’s arsenal made CIBC Square accessible.

Photoluminescent Floor/Stairwell Number Sign

Ensuring the safety of the building’s occupants is a top priority, and floor-level exit signs play a critical role in achieving this goal. The photoluminescent egress path marking system includes floor identification signs (FID) that enhance egress speeds and provide essential information for egress safety in CIBC Square.

Photoluminescent Handrail Strips

Photoluminescent handrail markings have been expertly engineered, and rigorously tested, to enhance both the ease and speed of egress for stairs with railings. Our handrail strips are versatile enough to fit in any space without distracting from the design of the CIBC Square building while providing an excellent handrail marking solution for CIBC’s infrastructure. 

They were proven to be highly resistant to UV/weathering, which helped reduce the building’s depreciation.

Photoluminescent - Slip-Resistant High Contrast Nosings

With unique ridges and integrated anti-slip contrast strips, these nosings ensure all-weather slip resistance making CIBC Square’s premises much more secure. Thanks to its leading-edge technology, it is a pioneer in the emerging supplemental (or passive) emergency lighting market.

The City of Toronto Accessibility Project explained

As a Certified Distributor of Kinesik & Ecoglo Brands we Make Your Next Project a Huge Success

As a contractor you are responsible for constructing easily accessible buildings and premises for people with physical impairments, you are well-acquainted with tactile indicators and its applications. These are mandatory products in varied materials installed into or onto the ground with raised domes or bars.

Tactile walking surface indicators (TWSI) serve the purpose of giving pedestrians who are blind, or who have vision impairment directional information and warning of hazards to assist with safe navigation. You must follow the code standards and proper installation guidelines. Sometimes, it becomes challenging for contractors to comprehend the installation guidelines, even if they are aware of them. That is where our website comes into the picture. Our website can make it easy for contractors to navigate the codes, the installation guidelines and provides resources to choose the best option

IBI Group has been appointed to Lead TheCity of Toronto Accessibility Project

IBI Group is a globally integrated planning, architecture, engineering, and technology firm with more than 2,600 professionals around the world. They take pride in helping clients create liveable, sustainable, and advanced urban environments.

Retrofitting more than 350 buildings this creates one of the most spectacular opportunities for contractors in Toronto. IBI Group will be responsibleto create plans to introduce accessibility including the introduction of tactile solutions.

IBI Group Approvedour Kinesik and Ecoglo Branded Tactile Products for all these Projects.

IBI Group will be requesting contractors to bid on those projects with a mandatory use of the Kinesik and Ecoglo products for tactile.

Tactile Solutions- is the certified and leading Distributor of Kinesik&EcogloProducts.

If you are bidding on projects of the Toronto Accessibility Project, you'll need the Kinesik and Ecoglo products specified by IBI GROUP which you find with US - we are a licensed nationwide distributor for the Kinesik and Ecoglo products. Browse through our website - use our quote requesting tool or call us.

Tactile Solutions is a leader in providing Canadian business with compliant workplace solutions since 2008. We strive to help contractors find the best and most-effective code-compliant tactile solutions for their projects. We take pride in becoming your ultimate source for code-compliant solutions. Our mission is to provide our customers with accessibility solutions. These solutions are intricately designed to meet all current, federal, provincialand municipal standards.

All products offered on our website meet the most rigorous test requirements and comply with AODA, CSA, ISO, FADS, and IFC standards to ensure you achieve the highest compliance in your projects.

When you need mandatory code-compliant accessibility solutions for the next project you win you can always count on us.