12th Aug 2024
Designing accessibility from the outset enhances usability for all. This concept of “inclusive design” should shape spaces to accommodate diverse needs from the early stages. When it comes to visual impairments, a key element of accessible design involves tactile wayfinding – integrated floor guidance systems that orient users non-visually.
As Canada’s leading accessibility solution provider, we at Tactile Solutions advocate incorporating compliant tactile wayfinding into public realm projects early. This blog explores what tactile wayfinding entails, its benefits, optimal applications, and how proactive design integration enhances accessibility.
Tactile wayfinding refers to textured ground surface indicators that help users with visual impairments navigate built environments. It comprises:
Detectable Warning Surfaces: Textured indicator tiles with raised truncated domes that alert users to upcoming hazards like platforms, vehicular areas, drop-offs, and more.
Directional Guidance Paths: Ground textures with raised parallel bars or cones to delineate pedestrian circulation routes between key points.
By scanning the patterns with their feet or cane tips, visually impaired individuals orient within spaces and trace safe passages along appropriate paths.
Navigating unfamiliar environments poses difficulties for blind or low-vision users. The lack of accessible wayfinding severely limits mobility and independence. Thoughtfully planned tactile guidance fosters confidence, dignity, and autonomy by providing a reliable navigational aid.
Promotes self-sufficient mobility
Reduces disorientation & Anxiety
Indicates paths between key decision points
Alert users to upcoming hazards
Creates inclusive environments accessible to all
Proactively designing tactile wayfinding makes public spaces navigable for citizens of all abilities from the outset.
Tactile wayfinding has widespread applications across public, commercial, and institutional spaces with pedestrian traffic, including:
Public Transit Hubs: Provides orientation between platforms, ticket counters, information kiosks
Parks & Trails: Marks pedestrian walkways and highlights hazards
Plazas & Squares: Outlines safe circulation routes
Museums & Galleries: Guides visitors between exhibits and amenities
Airports & Stations: Links check-in, security, gates, baggage claim
Sidewalks & Crosswalks: Indicates safe pedestrian areas
Office Lobbies: Directs users from entries to elevators, desks, conference rooms
Shopping Centers: Helps shoppers navigate between stores, levels, and assistance points
Globally, tactile wayfinding is transforming public spaces through proactive, inclusive design practices:
London, UK: The revitalized King’s Cross Area integrates guidance paths from transit to offices, plazas, and homes.
Singapore: Extensive barrier-free access policies ensure wayfinding in train stations, bus interchanges, Housing Board estates, and more.
Seattle, USA: The redeveloped Seattle Center has a comprehensive tactile network allowing intuitive navigation between museums and attractions.
Thoughtful tactile wayfinding design makes environments more equitable for citizens of all abilities.
For maximum accessibility and safety, tactile wayfinding should adhere to recognized standards like AODA and CSA B651, which covers placement, sizing, materials, and several nuanced specifications. Our specialists actively consult on optimal product selection and layout.
Some key planning considerations include:
Logical Layout: Tactile pads relate together intuitively based on space configurations. Wayfinding should correlate to the overall floor plan.
Clear Path Dimensions: Minimum 0.6m width for two-way travel between pads without veering.
Edge Contrast: Sufficient visual tone contrast between tactile surfaces and surrounding flooring for partial sight.
Hazard Indication: Warning indicators like truncated domes are placed appropriately to identify platform edges, vehicle routes, etc.
Durability: Withstand heavy foot traffic and weather. Surfaces are slip-resistant.
Consistency: Use consistent tactile textures throughout for congruency.
Several factors play into specifying appropriate tactile wayfinding. Our team helps navigate these choices:
Surface-Applied: Affix tactile tiles post-construction
Cast-In-Place: Embed tactile markers during construction
High footfall areas require durable metal, porcelain, and polymer tiles
Simple indoor installs can utilize more economical options
Long-term exterior applications warrant 20-25 year tiles
Replaceable solutions are preferred for interior upgrades
Metal or porcelain tiles make minimal sound underfoot
Rubber, urethane, or asphalt-based materials absorb more sound
Careful deliberation of setting, costs, and future needs ensures optimal product selection.
Ideally, tactile wayfinding decisions take place early alongside overall space planning considerations. This “accessible by design” approach allows wayfinding to drive layouts versus being an afterthought addition, which compromises inclusion. Our advisors provide recommendations during the initial design phases.
Some benefits of early integration include:
Unified Spatial Language - Wayfinding seamlessly blends with floor flows versus disjointed arbitrary placement as an add-on.
Cost Optimization - Forecasting full tactile flooring needs from the outset allows more accurate budgeting and material purchasing.
Enhanced Safety - Hazard and directional guidance indicators inform layouts to maximize safety.
Streamlined Approvals - Getting sign-off on holistic, inclusive designs is faster than major retrofits.
User-Informed Design - Testing wayfinding mockups early allows user input to refine layouts.
By interweaving tactile wayfinding early in design processes, public spaces can achieve true accessibility for citizens of all abilities.
As Canada’s top tactile solution provider, our extensive product range from leading manufacturers enables compliant, durable, and affordable wayfinding for every application:
ADA-compliant polymer tiles installed into concrete walkways
Heavy-duty tiles for intense outdoor foot trafficAdvantage Tactile Systems
Customizable stainless steel indicator plates screwed into surfaces
Sleek porcelain tiles meeting slip resistance standards
Photoluminescent cast in place and surface applied stair edge nosing
With in-house technical experts providing layout and product recommendations aligned with standards, our clients achieve seamless integration of wayfinding systems into public realm projects.
Beyond moral and regulatory imperatives, proactive accessibility planning creates better experiences for all citizens. Prioritizing tactile wayfinding early in design processes ensures spaces accommodate diverse mobility from conception.
To discuss specialized product solutions or advisory services on tactile wayfinding planning, contact our team at Tactile Solution Canada today!
12th Aug 2024
Elan Tile is revolutionizing the world of tactile indicators with its elegant and durable porcelain products designed for both interior and exterior applications. As a leading supplier of tactile warning systems in Canada, we at Tactile Solution are excited to showcase the unique benefits and applications of Elan Tile’s Truncated Dome Tiles and Wayfinding Bar Tiles.
Elan Tile has set the new standard for excellence in tactile indicators. Made from the finest raw materials, Elan Tile surpasses industry standards for porcelain stoneware. This allows the tiles to be used in demanding interior and exterior environments while providing unmatched durability, versatility, and style.
Available in contemporary colors like Cultured Grey, Vogue Black, and Sand Stone, Elan Tile marries form and function. These colors and textures seamlessly integrate into any design scheme. The tiles are an elegant solution for projects requiring both aesthetic appeal and accessibility compliance.
Elan Tile undergoes rigorous testing to confirm slip resistance and product performance over time. All Elan Tiles utilize advanced laser etching technology to ensure consistent depth and diameter across the detectable warning surface area. With a long-lasting R11 slip rating, Elan Tiles promotes safety and accessibility in high-traffic locations.
Elan Truncated Dome Tiles serve as a textured cue underfoot to alert pedestrians of an upcoming drop-off or change in elevation. Ceramic domes are a familiar and proven technology for enhancing accessibility. Elan builds on this legacy with unmatched porcelain quality in terms of performance, longevity, and style.
Elan Truncated Dome Tiles are ideal for:
With a 60% visual contrast between tile and domes, Elan Truncated Dome Tiles meet stringent detectability requirements. Dome spacing, diameter, height, and overall coverage area also adhere to accessibility regulations across Canada. Elan Tiles carries cUPC certification and contributes to LEED building certification.
Elan Wayfinding Bar Tiles incorporate discrete raised bars running in the direction of travel. The linear texture provides a cue for sight-impaired individuals to navigate safely through open interior spaces.
Elan Wayfinding Bars guide users along:
The elongated raised bars indicate directionality through the layout of the tiles themselves. Minimal depth makes them easy to traverse for those with mobility devices. Wayfinding Tiles can also incorporate directional arrows, numbers, letters, or symbols as added visual cues. Custom signage further enhances usability.
With limitless design options, Elan Wayfinding Tiles integrate seamlessly into any floorscape. Bars run perpendicular, diagonal, or parallel to walls and walkways. Mix and match with field tiles like granite, marble or porcelain pavers to match interior décor requirements.
Elan Tile offers complete tactile systems consisting of the tiles themselves, plus setting materials, protective sealants, and installation accessories.
Our team works directly with designers, contractors, and construction crews to specify and deliver the right tactile products for each unique application. We guide proper installation and provide onsite support to ensure correct implementation.
Contact our product experts today to request samples, specifications, shop drawings, or pricing.
Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about Elan Tile tactile products:
Truncated Dome Tiles act as a warning indicator and alert pedestrians to upcoming hazards like drop-offs or transit platform edges. Wayfinding Bar Tiles provide directional and navigational cues to guide visually impaired individuals through large open spaces.
Elan Porcelain Wayfinding Bar Tile and Elan Porcelain Attention Domes Tile are available in 12" x 12" sizes. You can get these tiles in three different colors,: Cultured Grey, Vogue Black, and Sand Stone.
Yes. With porcelain stoneware construction, Elan Tiles are frost and chemical-resistant for exterior use. Ensure proper pitch and drainage for outdoor installations.
Elan Truncated Dome Tiles comply with CSA B651 requirements. The tiles undergo regular independent testing to validate detectability, slip resistance, durability, and dimensional stability.
Elan Tiles require minimal maintenance thanks to the durable porcelain material. Gentle sweeping or damp mopping is generally sufficient for cleaning. Avoid abrasive chemicals or cleaning tools. Apply protective sealants as needed.
Our team at Tactile Solution Canada would be happy to quote Elan Tile tactile systems for your construction projects across the country. Contact us online or call toll free on 1-877-761-5354.
We hope this overview has showcased the unique benefits of Elan Tile for enhancing accessibility and safety with sleek tactile design. Get in touch with any other questions about these revolutionary porcelain indicators.
8th Jul 2024
As a leading supplier of tactile solutions in Canada, we understand the importance of selecting suitable tactile warning systems to enhance accessibility and safety in indoor facilities. With various options now available, choosing compliant and durable tactile products suited to your unique requirements can get overwhelming.
This blog provides a comprehensive guide to finding the ideal tactile solutions for any indoor facility – whether it's a commercial space, transit hub, institutional building, residential condo, or complex. We'll overview everything from product types and key standards to material options and installation methods. Read on for insights into specifying the best tactile warning systems for your next project.
Indoor tactile warning systems, also called Tactile Walking Surface Indicators (TWSIs), provide critical navigation cues and hazard warnings for pedestrians with visual impairments or other disabilities. Installing compliant tactile surfaces is mandated under accessibility legislation like the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).
Two main types of tactile solutions are used indoors:
Durable and thoughtfully placed tactile warning systems foster confidence, allowing people with disabilities to navigate unfamiliar indoor environments independently and safely.
Here are key considerations when choosing tactile solutions for an indoor facility:
With the factors above guiding selection, next explore available system options matching your needs:
Cast Iron Tactiles: Extremely durable metal tiles embeddable into concrete offer longevity in high-traffic locations. However, more costly and rigid material limits custom shapes.
Specify durable and compliant tactile warning systems indoors with these leading options from Tactile Solution Canada:
The AccessTile Replaceable Cast-In-Place tactile system from Access Products combines engineered polymers and intelligent design for the ultimate replaceable tactile tile. These lightweight composite tiles are embedded directly into fresh concrete, delivering industry-leading replaceability. Available with truncated dome textures or wayfinding bars.
Also, from Access Products, the AccessTile Surface-Applied tiles retrofit onto existing cured concrete—the durable polymer tactile feature beveled edges for a smooth transition and easy compliance with accessibility codes. Choose from attention domes assisting the visually impaired or wayfinding bars options.
ArmorTile Cast-In-Place truncated dome systems consist of vitrified polymer composite tiles that lead the industry in strength, durability, and weather resistance when embedded in new concrete builds. It fully meets ADA/CSA/ISO standards and has ten high-visibility color choices.
Similarly, the Surface-Applied ArmorTile tactile tiles from ArmorTile consist of durable polymer composites that can easily be retrofitted onto existing concrete. These non-slip tiles suit a variety of indoor applications needing visual contrast and tactile warnings.
Elan Porcelain Stoneware Tactiles made from premium natural materials surpass durability standards for long-lasting indoor performance. The porcelain tactile domes and wayfinding bars add aesthetic elegance to any commercial, institutional, or public space needing accessible design.
Eon flexible rubber tactile suit transit facilities, hospitals, and malls for heavy traffic environments. State-of-the-art polymers provide contemporary styling and category-leading quality matched with anti-slip textures that promote accessibility.
When selecting tactile solutions, first confirm all accessibility compliance based on the system's intended application within your facility. Work with manufacturers to get recommendations aligned to your specifications - surface type, high vs low foot traffic durability needs, required tactile texture, available dimensions, and any unique spatial constraints. We at Tactile Solution Canada offer a diverse range of the aforementioned top brands of tactile warning systems so you can find ideal options matching both form and critical function. Consult our product experts as a trusted resource in finding the best solutions for your next project.
For essential hazard warnings or interior wayfinding, investing in compliant and durable tactile warning systems brings immense value, enhancing safety, accessibility, and experience for all users.
Here are answers to some common questions about indoor tactile solutions:
Cast-in-place tactile tiles are embedded directly into freshly poured concrete, making them integral to the floor surface. Surface-applied systems adhere to existing cured concrete floors, allowing retrofit application.
Indoor areas like transit platforms, top/bottom of stairs, escalators, elevators, exit pathways, wide corridors, and lobbies typically need compliant tactile warning strips for hazard caution or wayfinding.
Quality indoor tactile tiles generally last 10-15 years. Heavy-duty cast metal or porcelain systems can have even longer lifespans of 20+ years. Higher foot traffic areas may require tile replacement every 5-8 years for polymer-based products.
Indoor tactile surfaces mainly just require routine cleaning as per the flooring around them. Some replaceable tile types allow convenient section-by-section replacement if damage occurs over time rather than replacing entire applications, saving costs.
Tactile warning systems installed along interior exit pathways generally need fire protection conforming to the National/Ontario Building Code. Fire-rated tactile products meeting flame spread/smoke development requirements are available.
Specifying compliant and durable tactile warning systems for facilities ranging from transit hubs to office towers is key for accessibility and safety. With creative solutions now available matching both form and critical function, selecting durable, tactile products specifically meeting your spatial needs is vital. Work with experts to find ideal options - whether porcelain tiles add contemporary elegance or composite products balance affordability and strength. Connect with the pros at Tactile Solution Canada today for lasting safety enhancements compliant with codes and standards.
8th Jul 2024
Wayfinding refers to how people orient themselves and navigate from place to place. In building design, thoughtful wayfinding enables all users, regardless of abilities, to traverse spaces safely, intuitively, and with confidence.
Optimizing wayfinding for architects, interior designers, engineers, and facility managers is crucial for creating truly accessible and inclusive environments. Confusing, unintuitive wayfinding disproportionately impacts individuals with disabilities, hampering their ability to access and enjoy spaces independently.
This comprehensive guide will explore the fundamentals of wayfinding design, strategies and solutions for enhancing navigability, and recommendations for creating seamlessly navigable buildings for diverse users.
At its core, effective wayfinding involves:
For many individuals, especially those with visual, cognitive, or mobility impairments, navigating unfamiliar buildings can be challenging due to an inability to acquire such spatial information intuitively.
Thoughtful wayfinding design provides cognitive and sensory cues through:
This enables all users to form a mental map of spaces, follow logical routes, and reach desired destinations seamlessly.
Done right, wayfinding design has an immense impact:
The following principles serve as a framework for optimizing wayfinding for diverse users:
Here are some impactful solutions and best practices for enabling seamless wayfinding:
By thoughtfully incorporating such inclusive wayfinding strategies, architects and facility managers can enable users of all kinds to form mental maps, follow logical routes, safely reach destinations, and intuitively orient themselves within built environments. The path to seamless navigation starts here!
For architects outlining office spaces, enhancing workplace wayfinding holds unique significance. Offices have high circulation needs, dense occupancy, and contain unfamiliar users like visiting clients and guests.
Here are some workplace-specific tips for intuitive wayfinding:
A clearly visible reception desk offers a welcoming reference point for first-time users to establish their bearings and seek assistance.
Use arrows, contrasting materials, and tactile guidance strips to delineate paths between key areas like elevators, meeting rooms, amenities, etc.
To make areas easily identifiable, Define unique personalities for sections via theming, architectural features, colors, and décor—for example, finance, marketing, executive offices, etc.
Well-lit information kiosks with tactile maps at strategic locations enable users to pinpoint their location and destinations.
Incorporate legible multilingual visual signage and audio announcements to assist international visitors.
Glow-in-the-dark emergency strips help guide people to exits and stairs in an emergency or power outage.
Use apps and beacons for automated turn-by-turn indoor navigation assistance through smartphones.
Educate all employees to provide courteous assistance or directions when approached by lost or disabled visitors.
Actively request input from disabled employees or visitors on any wayfinding difficulties faced to drive improvements.
Conduct accessibility design reviews of offices accounting for diverse user perspectives to identify wayfinding gaps.
By proactively planning workspaces with wayfinding inclusivity in mind, architects and office managers can enable employees and guests to navigate interior work environments with ease, comfort, and independence.
As Canada’s premier accessibility solutions provider, Tactile Solution Canada partners with builders, architects, and building owners to incorporate inclusive wayfinding systems in public and private projects. Our extensive product range includes:
Designed for simple installation and long-lasting intuitive guidance, our wayfinding products make public environments seamlessly navigable for citizens of all abilities.
Wayfinding is a complex multidimensional process that requires thoughtful design considering the abilities, behaviors, and needs of the diverse populations who will use spaces. This guide provides a blueprint for developing highly navigable built environments for all.
Tactile Solution Canada offers a complete range of compliant wayfinding products and solutions to enhance accessibility for your next building project. Our team of experts can recommend and custom-tailor guidance and warning tactile, optimal signage, and step-edge markings to transform confusing spaces into intuitive, accessible environments.
To explore compliant wayfinding products or get design guidance to create seamlessly navigable buildings, contact the experts at Tactile Solution Canada today!
8th Jul 2024
In today's world, universal design and human-centric thinking have become indispensable pillars of any well-planned built environment. The idea of designing for all people, regardless of physical ability, age, or other factors, creates welcoming public realms that integrate accessibility seamlessly.
Tactile solutions play a vital role in putting human-centric design into practice. As a leading Canadian provider of tactile warning systems for over a decade, we at Tactile Solution Canada recognize how thoughtful tactile design caters to diverse needs and creates intuitive spaces.
This blog explores how tactile technologies enhance the human experience through an accessibility lens. We discuss key principles of human-centric design, showcase innovative applications of tactile solutions, and provide guidance on elevating tactile user experience.
The Basics: What is Human-Centric Design? -centric design, also known as user-centric or human-focused design, puts human perspectives and needs at the core of planning. It views problems through a human lens, aiming to deeply understand contextual factors that shape user interactions, pain points, and behaviors.
Armed with human insights, the design process then shapes solutions to enhance usability, accessibility, and experience quality for diverse users.
Here are 10 key principles for a human-focused approach with tactile systems:
Research targets users' abilities, limitations, and accessibility needs. For example, understand how vision impairment impacts public space navigation.
Engineer empathy for the user perspective through immersive observation and feedback. Test designs from a user viewpoint.
Consider the complete user journey. How can tactile guidance enhance wayfinding, safety, independence, and confidence?
Consider the physical, cognitive, and emotional aspects of user experience. How do tactile textures make people feel? How usable are the patterns?
Seamlessly integrate accessibility into designs to be useful naturally, not as an afterthought. Tactile cues should enable intuitive navigation.
Design for diverse physical and mental faculties. Children, the elderly, and those with disabilities have specialized needs.
Intuitive controls, options, and modifications give users more autonomy over environments. Tactile wayfinding enables independent mobility.
Employ agile design improvements based on human feedback. Be open to critiques, suggestions, and new perspectives.
Exceed legal compliance. Champion innovative accessibility solutions and set best practice benchmarks like CSA B651.
Tactile accessibility features give users of all abilities better experiences. Curb cuts aid parents with strollers, too!
By internalizing such human-focused principles, tactile system design can evolve beyond essential compliance into an art form that intimately serves user needs.
Canada's vibrant public spaces and business landscape have seen highly innovative adaptations of tactile solutions to enhance the human experience. Some stellar examples of human-centric tactile design thinking include:
Ontario Science Centre's renowned interactive exhibit on the human body features a giant walk-through heart with tactile textures to explore blood flow. Tactile elements allow visually impaired visitors to engage fully.
Canada's Wonderland has started incorporating tactile maps, guides, and interactive exhibits into its rides to create multi-sensory magical experiences for visitors with visual disabilities.
Vancouver's Museum of Anthropology offers monthly touch tours where blind patrons can appreciate historical objects through 3D-printed replicas and tactile diagrams.
Toronto's Lynett Memorial Park contains a "sensory garden" with scented plants, auditory elements, and tactile gravel walkways tailored to users with special needs.
Cities like Toronto are rolling out platform edge tiles with bright color contrasts and anti-slip coatings to prevent accidents in subway systems.
CIBC Square's modern offices integrate porcelain tactile flooring with an elegant arrow pattern to guide users to reception areas.
Some airports have pioneered interactive tactile installations where patterns shift dynamically based on passenger footsteps and ambient sounds.
Through such creativity, businesses and public spaces are pioneering more inclusive environments attuned to diverse needs.
Here are some professional tips on enhancing tactile user experience based on human factors:
Design mock-ups and engage visually impaired users for feedback through controlled tests. Address any detectability, safety, or usability issues.
Consistently employ familiar tactile, easily interpretable tactile patterns, like truncated domes, for hazard warnings.
Combine tactile experience with audio, visual, and olfactory cues for enhanced detectability. Bright contrasts aid those with low vision.
Offer flexibility in solutions like removable versus permanent tiles. Cater to varied needs and contexts.
Modular tiles allow affordable replacement of damaged sections. Minimize user disruption during maintenance.
Standardized tactile surfaces ensure uniform user experience across different locations, enabling instinctive learning.
Actively engage and incorporate ideas from accessibility advocates to continually optimize designs.
Account for decreased tactile sensitivity with age. Ensure high detectability even with minimal pressure.
Collaborate with accessibility consultants and providers like Tactile Solution Canada to engineer best-in-class human experiences.
Pilot innovative solutions that exceed standards. Forge ahead of competitors in enhancing inclusion, safety, and experience.
Tactile solutions can genuinely empower and delight by ensuring attention to user-centric detail.
Thoughtful human-centric design has profound positive impacts on quality of life:
Human-focused thinking creates more liveable, resilient, and ethically evolved societies. Tactile technologies positively impact millions of lives when designed thoughtfully.
At Tactile Solution Canada, enhancing user experience motivates our mission to make infrastructure accessible. Our extensive range of tailored tactile solutions, from durable metal plates to interactive tiles, aims to give users excellent safety, independence, and ease of access.
Reach out to our experts today to explore how our human-centric approach can craft custom tactile innovations that work for your users and needs.
8th Jul 2024
In public infrastructure projects across Canada, from interior streetscapes to transit hubs, ensuring accessibility and safety for all users is a key priority. This is especially crucial when accommodating the needs of citizens with visual disabilities. Tactile walking surface indicators (TWSIs) provide an invaluable communication interface between pedestrians and the built environment.
Advantage Tactile Systems offers robust and durable stainless steel tactile solutions engineered to deliver long-lasting performance even under punishing loads. Their single domes and bars are designed to withstand decades of heavy foot traffic while providing essential textured cues.
Advantage Tactile Systems provides individual stainless steel domes and bars as part of their code-compliant detectable warning systems. These are available with a choice of textures and finishes.
Key products include:
These domes and bars are designed to be surface-applied onto existing concrete or asphalt. The installation involves drilling into the substrate and securing each piece individually with adhesive anchors. The products can also be customized with radial edges to accommodate curved boundaries.
Stainless steel and cast iron give Advantage single domes and bars unmatched durability compared to traditional polymer tactile products. These robust metals withstand decades of intensive foot traffic, vehicle loads, extreme weather, and maintenance abrasion - still providing continuous slip resistance and hazard warnings.
Key properties that make these single domes/bars extraordinarily sturdy include:
By harnessing the innate advantages of steel and iron, Advantage Tactile Systems engineered single domes and bars that truly stand the test of time despite punishing conditions.
Proper installation is crucial to actualize the full durability benefits of these robust single domes/bars. Certified installers undertake the following key steps:
The domes/bars must be left undisturbed during curing. When cured, the adhesive creates a tenacious bond between the metal and substrate. Additionally, sealant is applied around the perimeter of each dome/bar for waterproofing. These measures result in a long-lasting installation able to withstand heavy loads.
Advantage Tactile single domes and bars meet stringent accessibility requirements. Key compliance features include:
These domes and bars can be customized to specifications like:
The ideal code-compliant tactile solution can be tailored to any public project by consulting designers and installers.
Advantage Tactile’s robust single domes and bars are commonly seen enhancing accessibility and safety in settings like:
Advantage single domes and bars are designed for minimal maintenance. However, some care is needed:
With simple care, Advantage single domes and bars reliably indicate hazards and guide accessibility for decades.
Tactile Solutions Canada proudly supplies and installs Advantage Tactile Systems’ premium single domes and bars to enhance public realm accessibility from coast to coast. These products withstand heavy foot traffic and ensure safer movement across the facilities.
5th Jul 2024
Creating accessible and navigable public spaces is a key priority for architects, contractors, and facility managers in Canada. For individuals with visual disabilities, navigating unfamiliar environments poses numerous challenges. Photoluminescent wayfinding offers an effective solution to enhance accessibility and safety.
As per Canadian codes and standards like the National Building Code of Canada (NBC) and UL 1994, photoluminescent wayfinding systems are mandated in many public buildings and spaces. When thoughtfully designed and installed, these self-illuminating systems provide visual guidance similar to exit signs, even in dark conditions.
This article explores the key factors contractors, architects, and building owners must consider when specifying photoluminescent wayfinding solutions in Canada.
Photoluminescent wayfinding uses glow-in-the-dark signs, strips, and markers to delineate paths of travel within buildings and public spaces. It guides occupants to key areas and amenities even in dark conditions.
Photoluminescent wayfinding relies on special phosphor materials that absorb, store, and emit light. These materials charge themselves using any ambient light source and then illuminate in low-light conditions without electricity.
Strategically placed photoluminescent wayfinding indicators outline safe exit routes, mark stair edges, identify amenities, and provide directional cues that enhance accessibility for those with visual disabilities.
When integrating photoluminescent wayfinding, consider:
Photoluminescent products must comply with various Canadian codes and standards like the NBC, AODA, OBC, NFPA, UL 1994, and provincial codes. Compliance ensures legal conformity and proper performance.
Determine appropriate locations for wayfinding indicators like paths of travel, stairwells, amenities, direction changes, obstructions, etc., based on standards.
Follow specified size criteria for indicatory, like minimum widths for pathway strips, minimum sign heights relative to viewing distance, etc., as per codes.
Ensure proper installation into substrates as per manufacturer instructions using recommended adhesives, anchors, mounts, etc.
Select optimal wayfinding materials and colors to provide sufficient visual contrast against surroundings for high visibility in both light and dark conditions.
Choose durable, long-lasting photoluminescent materials that withstand high-traffic weather and meet all performance specifications.
7. Maintenance
Follow maintenance schedules like cleaning routines and damage inspections to ensure photoluminescent indicators retain visibility and glow intensity.
Investing in compliant photoluminescent wayfinding offers key upsides:
Photoluminescent wayfinding uses various standardized indicators to facilitate navigation:
By incorporating compliant photoluminescent wayfinding elements, public spaces can be made safer and more accessible for the visually impaired.
Various Canadian regulations mandate compliant photoluminescent wayfinding solutions:
Other relevant provincial building codes may also apply based on location. Following applicable standards ensures optimal wayfinding performance and legal conformity.
Tactile Solutions Canada offers a selection of compliant photoluminescent wayfinding solutions like step edge nosing and running man exit signs from trusted manufacturers like Ecoglo to enhance accessibility. Our offerings are:
We provide end-to-end support, from product selection and recommendations to post-installation guidance. Contact Tactile Solution Canada today to make your next public project more accessible with energy-efficient, code-compliant photoluminescent wayfinding solutions.
Common indicators include directional signs, stair edge demarcations, door frame outlines, informational signage, and hazard object markings.
They are mandated in public buildings like transit hubs, offices, malls, healthcare facilities, etc., as per various provincial and national building codes.
It provides clear visual guidance in low-light conditions to enable safe navigation for those who have vision disabilities.
With 1 hour of LED ambient light charging, photoluminescent signs and markers will emit over 70 hours of visibility.
Occasional cleaning every few months, damage inspections, glow testing, and light source access maintenance are advised.
5th Jul 2024
Navigating through public spaces can be challenging for individuals with visual impairments. Having proper wayfinding solutions in place is crucial to ensure accessibility and safety for the visually impaired. Tactile wayfinding uses specialized textures and indicators to guide users and provide important spatial information non-visually through the sense of touch.
As per accessibility legislation in Canada, implementing compliant tactile wayfinding solutions in public spaces is a legal obligation. This guide will explore what tactile wayfinding entails, how it helps the visually impaired, types of solutions and standards for optimal implementation. Read out to know:
Tactile wayfinding utilizes standardized ground surface textures comprising raised bars or indicators installed in walking areas. These tactile cues serve to outline paths of travel and key points like amenities, exits, and turnings through distinctive patterns that can be felt underfoot or with a cane.
There are two main purposes tactile wayfinding serves:
Well-executed tactile wayfinding enables visually impaired individuals to navigate safely and independently within environments by providing physical directional prompts detectable through touch.
Thoughtfully implemented tactile wayfinding confers several advantages for enhancing accessibility:
There are multiple options available when specifying tactile wayfinding solutions:
These are installed on existing hard surfaces using adhesive. It is ideal for retrofit projects with no demolition needed.
These are installed directly into freshly poured concrete. It is suited for new construction. Provide permanent tactile guidance.
Discrete bars screwed into existing surfaces. It is for smaller-scale applications.
Uses glow-in-the-dark photoluminescent strips. It provides illumination in the darkness.
Based on factors like setting, foot traffic, visibility needs and budget, appropriate solutions can be adapted to provide compliant and consistent tactile wayfinding.
To ensure effectiveness, tactile wayfinding solutions must adhere to certain guidelines and codes. Key specifications as per CSA B651 include:
Following recognized standards ensures tactile wayfinding is implemented thoughtfully by maximizing accessibility, detectability and safety.
Here are some key public environments that benefit from properly integrated tactile wayfinding:
Careful installation of compliant tactile wayfinding networks spanning key pedestrian zones makes public spaces more usable for citizens of all abilities.
Proper installation and care ensure longevity of tactile wayfinding solutions:
With conscientious installation and maintenance, tactile wayfinding solutions will provide enhanced accessibility and experience for years.
Tactile Solution Canada offers the widest range of compliant tactile wayfinding solutions from trusted brands like Access Tile, Armor Tile, Advantage Tile and Ecoglo. Our offerings are:
To learn more about tactile wayfinding or to get product recommendations from our experts, contact Tactile Solutions Canada today!
The two main purposes are to provide directional guidance along appropriate pedestrian paths and circulation routes and enable spatial mapping of environments.
Tactile wayfinding is mandated in all public spaces like sidewalks, parks, transit platforms, airports, office lobbies, retail stores, government buildings as per the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.
Major types are surface-applied tactile tiles, cast-in-place tactile tiles, metal tactile tiles, individual embedded bars, and photoluminescent wayfinding strips.
Key considerations are indoor/outdoor setting, new or retrofit construction, expected footfall, ability to replace tiles, costs, visibility needs and compliance with standards.
With high-quality installation and materials, tactile wayfinding solutions can last 10-15 years with minimal replacement needs beyond periodic replacement of damaged tiles
5th Jul 2024
In public buildings across Canada, glowing green emergency exit signs are becoming a more common sight. But how exactly do these photoluminescent exit signs work their magic to illuminate emergency exit routes even when the lights go out? Read on for a science explainer demystifying the inner workings of photoluminescent exit signs and their benefits.
Photoluminescent exit signs rely on the phenomenon of “photoluminescence” to operate without electricity. Photoluminescence refers to the ability of certain materials to absorb, store, and emit light energy. These photoluminescent materials include phosphors like strontium aluminate and zinc sulfide.
When exposed to ambient light, the phosphors get energized. The absorbed photons excite the phosphors’ electrons to a higher energy state. When the ambient light source disappears, these excited electrons fall back to their normal state, emitting the excess energy as visible light. Hence the photoluminescent material seems to “glow in the dark” after being charged.
Photoluminescent exit signs contain non-toxic photoluminescent materials integrated into panels or strips. These get charged when exposed to any ambient light source, whether natural daylight entering through windows or ordinary indoor overhead lighting.
Once fully charged, the energized phosphor-infused panels glow brightly in dim or dark conditions. The glow emitted is a lime green color that meets international standards for exit sign illumination.
The glow duration depends on the strength and duration of the initial charging:
This ability to “recharge” themselves using surrounding environmental light makes photoluminescent exit signs completely self-powered and sustainable. They require no external electricity or batteries to operate in dark conditions.
Photoluminescent exit signs offer numerous advantages that make them an ideal emergency lighting solution:
Photoluminescent exit signs are completely unaffected by electricity disruptions and will keep glowing in blackouts when traditional electric exit signs may fail. This unmatched reliability during emergencies ensures exit routes remain visible for safe egress.
By tapping into ambient light, photoluminescent signs consume zero energy. This saves on electricity costs and carbon footprint. They are an eco-friendly, sustainable solution.
3. Durable for Years
Photoluminescent materials retain their luminosity for over a decade. The signs have a lifespan of 15+ years, unlike electric exit signs requiring regular battery replacements.
4. Highly Visible Photoluminescent Glow
The bright green glow of the signs is designed to meet international standards for exit sign illumination. This high visibility captures attention quickly.
5. Fire and Moisture Resistant
The photoluminescent material is non-flammable and continues glowing even in humid or wet conditions. This makes the signs suitable even for outdoor applications.
6. Easy Maintenance
Photoluminescent exit signs have no electrical components and require only occasional cleaning. This saves on maintenance overhead.
Photoluminescent exit signs meet rigorous visibility standards defined in building codes and EN standards for emergency lighting. This ensures legal compliance.
Photoluminescent exit signs are fast replacing traditional electrically-powered exit signs as the new code-compliant standard across Canada and worldwide.
The incentive is the latest building codes and accessibility regulations that promote sustainable designs. For example:
The National Building Code of Canada (NBC) states that newly constructed buildings must incorporate designs and technology that reduce environmental impact and energy consumption. This makes photoluminescent exit signs an ideal eco-friendly solution for new buildings.
The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act or AODA mandates enhanced visibility of exit routes through photoluminescent markings. Photoluminescent exit signs help fulfill this legislation.
Provincial codes like the Ontario Building Code (OBC) also reference NBC and AODA in their standards for increased accessibility. By aligning with the latest codes, builders, and facility managers ensure their projects meet regulatory standards while benefiting from the advantages and energy savings that photoluminescent exit signs offer.
To comply with emergency lighting codes, photoluminescent exit signs are required in nearly all public buildings. Some key locations include:
Unlike photoluminescent exit signs, traditional electrical exit signs rely on external power and have high operating and maintenance costs.
Electric exit signs require professional hardwiring into the electrical system. Their illumination depends entirely on the power supply. In a power outage, they cease functioning, causing emergency visibility issues.
Electric exit signs consume energy continuously, even when the building is unoccupied, leading to high energy bills. Battery-powered variants need frequent and costly battery replacements every 1-2 years.
In contrast, photoluminescent signs leverage natural or ambient light at no added energy cost. Their simple plug-and-play installation also saves on labor costs compared to electrical hardwiring. With a lifespan of 15+ years, they have minimal maintenance needs.
By choosing sustainable photoluminescent exit signs, builders and facility managers see a quick return on investment while enhancing building safety and meeting codes.
They contain non-toxic phosphors that get energized by surrounding ambient light. The energized phosphors emit a green glow when the lights go out, illuminating the exit signs in darkness.
Canadian codes mandate photoluminescent exit signs in nearly all public buildings and facilities, including offices, malls, airports, health facilities, educational institutes, and residential complexes.
No, photoluminescent exit signs are 100% self-powered and require no electrical connection or batteries. They operate by absorbing surrounding ambient light.
After 30-60 minutes of charging under indoor lighting, photoluminescent exit signs emit 70+ hours of visibility in darkness. Brighter ambient light results in a longer glow duration.
Key benefits are no wiring required, zero energy consumption, a long 15+ year lifespan, high emergency reliability, and low maintenance.
As a leading Canadian supplier of accessible building solutions, Tactile Solution Canada offers UL-certified photoluminescent running man exit signs from trusted manufacturers like Ecoglo.
Our Ecoglo exit signs offer bright green photoluminescent illumination visible up to 75 feet. Some key features:
Our team of experts can recommend the ideal exit signage to enhance emergency preparedness, meet Canadian codes, and create a sustainable building equipped for the future.
To make your next project safer, greener, and more code-compliant, explore our range of Exit Signs today!
5th Jul 2024
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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 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 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.
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.
