Safety should never be compromised for aesthetics or cost. Let's prioritize making our stairwells fully accessible.
These were the inspiring words from one of our valued unit owners that stuck with me. As the facilities manager of a large high-rise building in downtown Toronto, I always strive to ensure maximum safety and independence for all. Nevertheless, over time, accessibility concerns were growing in some of our aging infrastructure like exit stairways.
My client, a regular user of our building for over a decade, faced significant navigation difficulties traversing the fire stairs due to low vision. "It's frightening having to feel each step carefully in the dark. Would be great if stair edges were more detectable," he mentioned. His feedback got me thinking deeper about our duties in fostering an inclusive environment.
I performed a thorough compliance assessment of all exit staircases in line with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the National Fire Code of Canada (NFC). Some key areas lacking were:
Uniform riser height and tread depth as per dimensional standards
Required 50mm wide contrasting markings on all treads and landings
Photoluminescent elements for continued illumination post-power failures
Code-mandated handrails and performance properties
Specific fire-rated enclosure and pressurization standards
It was evident immediate upgrades were necessary. Non-compliance not only jeopardized the safety of vulnerable populations but also carried heavy monetary penalties. I knew it was time for a comprehensive solution.
I reached back to my client who recommended speaking with Tactile Solution Canada, who had provided code-compliant products for his previous condominium project. An informative consultation with their industry experts revealed multiple cost-effective solutions meeting all provincial and federal codes.
A walkthrough of our stairwell infrastructure helped identify specific product recommendations. "Ecoglo photoluminescent stair nosings will illuminate step edges for 70+ hours in darkness while also preventing slips. They can be easily surface-mounted without disrupting stair usage," explained the sales executive.
Other highlighted options were AccessTile fire-rated truncated dome tactile floor indicators to demarcate all landings clearly and Ecoglo luminescent exit signs placed prominently at each stair entry point. "The contrasting safety strip of stair nosings coupled with fire-rated detectable warning tiles and directional signs creates a coherent accessible wayfinding experience," he added. I was convinced these solutions provided an ideal balance of aesthetics, longevity, and mandatory compliance.
Tactile Solution Canada's experienced installation team guided us efficiently over a weekend to complete our stair upgrade while minimizing disturbance.
Ecoglo photoluminescent stair nosings were surface-adhered along full nosings, and AccessTile fire-rated surface applied tiles were grouted at specific spacing per code as per drawings.
Exit signs were professionally mounted at B-1, G, and all higher floor landings under strict protocols. Post inspection, our facility committee was greatly impressed with the seamless transformation achieved. Our facility was now fully wheelchair accessible, including refuge areas in case of emergencies. Residents felt reassured evacuating independently.
Over the past six months of usage, Ecoglo nosings have proven their excellence without degradation of photoluminescence. Exit signs illuminate clearly in low light and tactile tiles provide unmistakable attention cues. Despite 15,000 residents utilizing the stairs daily, no incidents have occurred, validating code-compliant designs' effectiveness.
By upholding universally accessible principles, we now foster dignity and independence for a diverse resident base confidently. Our conscientious compliance efforts including future preventive maintenance shall go a long way in upholding this duty of care around the clock. Tactile Solution Canada continues supporting prompt servicing needs. Most significantly, lives are undoubtedly being protected on a daily basis with minimum risks of lawsuits, a true reward in itself.
This undertaking has reinforced the notion that safety begins with planning for all. By thoughtfully and systematically bringing our infrastructure in line with regulations through expert-guided solutions, any individual, regardless of ability, now enjoys equal circulation freedoms. This is what an ideal community feels like - one with no unwarranted barriers to participation.
Going forward, similar facility-wide accessibility audits shall continue identifying upgrade scopes. Budgeting for universal access for all instead of reactionary fixes proves most fiscally prudent over the long run while achieving profound social outcomes simultaneously. Tactful planning makes inclusion the embedded standard, not an afterthought, letting people from all walks of life simply focus on their daily lives rather than unnecessary struggles.
In final words, by seamlessly embracing code-compliant Tactile Solution Canada upgrades, our organization successfully demonstrated its strong commitment to conscientious stewardship, community well-being, and safety for all. Constant progress is the only way to guarantee we leave no one behind. A big thanks to Tactile Solution Canada for its strategic approach and helpfulness during the upgrade!
