5th Jul 2024
Installing tactile tiles is an important accessibility requirement in public spaces and buildings across Canada. It is an effective solution designed to help pedestrians navigate their surrounding safely & confidently.
However, with the various options available, selecting the right tactile tile for your specific project can get confusing. This blog provides a comprehensive guide that will help you in making the right decision by choosing compliant and long-lasting tactile tiles that perfectly match your unique requirements.
Tactile tiles, also known as Tactile Walking Surface Indicators (TWSIs), are textured ground surfaces that provide critical cues for navigation and hazard detection to pedestrians with visual impairments. Installing these tiles is mandated under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and various provincial building codes in Canada.
Tactile tiles contain either raised domes or elongated bars installed on walking surfaces. The different textures serve specific purposes:
Truncated Domes: Truncated domes, also called as detectable warning tiles, have raised domes in a distinct pattern that alerts pedestrians to upcoming hazards like intersections or platform edges.
Wayfinding Bars: Wayfinding bars contain raised bars that guide pedestrians along designated pathways toward amenities or transit access points.
Tactile tiles can be installed by embedding into concrete or applying onto existing surfaces. They are commonly made from durable, weather-resistant materials like metal, stone, cast iron, rubber, porcelain, and polymers.
Here are the key aspects to evaluate when selecting tactile tiles for your project:
Truncated Domes or Wayfinding Bars - Select tiles with appropriate texture for hazard warnings or path demarcations.
Choose colors that sufficiently contrast with the surrounding surface for high visibility. Safety yellow offers optimal contrast.
Ensure the tiles adhere to all relevant Canadian accessibility codes and standards like AODA and CSA B651.
Tiles must have a slip-resistant texture and slightly beveled edges for safety and to prevent tripping hazards.
When choosing tactile tiles, consider your unique project requirements - whether it's a new construction or renovation, indoor or outdoor setting, high or low foot traffic, slip resistance needed, and accessibility compliance.
Connect with tactile tile manufacturers like Tactile Solution Canada to get product recommendations based on your specifications. Our team can suggest the right tiles tailored to your needs from their wide selection of brands like AccessTile, Armor Tile, Advantage Tile, and more.
Investing in compliant and durable tactile tiles specifically suited for your project ensures safety, accessibility, and long-term value. You can pick tiles that serve both form and function with the right guidance. Reach out to us today for any queries on finding the ideal tactile tiles for your next project.
Tactile tiles contain standardized raised textures and patterns to provide navigation cues for the visually impaired. Regular floor tiles lack such accessible textures.
Quality tactile tiles can last 10-15 years with proper installation and durable material selection. Tiles made of weaker materials may need replacement every 5-8 years.
Quality tactile tiles are designed with an integral slip-resistant texture to maintain traction even when wet. Some materials like porcelain may get more slippery.
Tactile tiles typically just need routine cleaning. Some types, like replaceable polymer tiles, allow easy replacement of damaged sections as needed.
For existing surfaces, tactile tiles come with adhesive backing or are installed using construction adhesives and mechanical fasteners if needed. Edges are often grouted.
5th Jul 2024
In Canada, fostering inclusivity and accessibility is not just important - it's the law. With approximately 6.2 million Canadians living with some form of disability, the need for accessible infrastructure and environments has never been greater. Tactile warning systems are pivotal in enhancing accessibility and independence for Canadians with visual impairments.
As a contractor or building owner, understanding the various accessibility codes and standards is critical to ensuring your projects are compliant and accommodate all users. This blog post explores the critical accessibility codes in Canada, why tactile warning systems are vital, and how products from Tactile Solutions Canada can equip you for success.
The AODA is provincial legislation passed in 2005 to improve accessibility across Ontario for persons with disabilities. This act serves as the foundation and framework for developing accessibility standards that address barriers faced by Ontarians in key areas of daily living.
AODA's Design of Public Spaces standard directly pertains to tactile warning systems. It mandates that all newly constructed or redeveloped public spaces must be made accessible for persons with disabilities.
The standard applies to all newly constructed public spaces and existing spaces undergoing major renovations. It also applies to both public and private sector organizations above a certain size.
This far-reaching standard underscore why installing compliant tactile warning systems is not just good practice, but the law.
The CSA B651 is a nationally recognized standard developed by the CSA Group that provides technical requirements for creating accessible built environments. Tactile walking surface indicators (TWSIs) comprise a crucial element addressed within this standard.
CSA B651 outlines the correct specifications and placement guidelines for TWSIs to accommodate persons with visual disabilities. It covers warning/attention TWSIs that indicate hazards and directional/guidance TWSIs that guide users along a path.
Adhering to CSA B651 ensures the proper application of tactile systems to create consistently accessible and navigable spaces.
The National Building Code of Canada prescribes technical provisions for designing and constructing new buildings, including various accessibility requirements. It references both AODA regulations and CSA standards, including CSA B651.
Tactile warning surfaces facilitate compliance in critical areas like washrooms, paths of travel, parking areas, and emergency egress routes. Installing code-compliant tactile systems is necessary to satisfy National Building Code requirements.
Tactile warning systems provide standardized walking surfaces with a detectable texture and cues that alert pedestrians to potential hazards or guide them along an intended route. For individuals with visual disabilities, these vital systems foster improved mobility and independence.
The key benefits of compliant tactile warning systems include the following:
Tactile indicators like truncated domes provide critical underfoot warnings about potential dangers such as platform edges, street crossings, transit boarding zones, or staircases. This allows improved navigation and hazard avoidance for persons with vision loss.
Properly installed tactile warning systems satisfy the accessibility requirements mandated under Canadian codes and regulations like the AODA, NBC, CSA B651, and various provincial codes. This ensures that projects adhere to the law and promote inclusion.
The unique textures and patterns of tactile walking surface indicators enable persons with visual disabilities to gather vital spatial information about their surroundings using touch and other senses. This allows for confident wayfinding and exploration without reliance on aids like canes.
Standardized tactile warning guidelines help maintain consistency in how warnings and directional cues are conveyed. This consistency enables quicker interpretation and leaves less room for error in navigating spaces.
Tactile warning products are available in a range of materials, sizes, colors, and patterns to accommodate diverse projects and design aesthetics both indoors and outdoors. Easy installation and low maintenance also make them a versatile accessibility solution.
As Canada's leading supplier of code-compliant tactile warning systems, Tactile Solution Canada aims to empower contractors, building owners, architects, and public authorities to create accessible environments that accommodate all Canadians.
Our extensive product portfolio includes trusted solutions like:
These industry-leading solutions are:
With the guidance of our accessibility specialists, you can select optimal tactile warning systems for all your projects and applications with full confidence in meeting Canadian codes. Contact our team today to learn how Tactile Solution Canada can become your trusted partner in accessibility.
A: The major codes are the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), the National Building Code of Canada, CSA B651, and various provincial regulations like the Ontario Building Code.
A: Key locations include transit platforms, pedestrian crossings, building entrances, stairs, ramps, escalators, parking areas, passenger loading zones, and restrooms.
A: Properly installed systems require very minimal maintenance beyond occasional cleaning. High-quality tiles have long lifespans of 25+ years.
A: Surface-applied tiles are designed specifically for easy application onto existing flooring. These provide a cost-effective retrofitting solution.
5th Jul 2024
In today's world, accessibility and inclusivity are paramount when designing public spaces. Tactile solution play a crucial role in creating accessible environments, especially for individuals with visual impairments. However, with various options available, choosing the right tactile solutions that are code compliant can be confusing.
This blog provides a comprehensive guide on selecting ideal tactile solution for indoor and outdoor public spaces that meet Canadian accessibility codes and regulations.
Code-compliant tactile solutions refer to textured ground surface indicators that adhere to accessibility legislation and building codes. In Canada, the relevant regulations include the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), Ontario Building Code (OBC), CSA Standards, and various municipal bylaws.
These solutions, comprising tactile walking surface indicators (TWSIs) like truncated domes and wayfinding bars, provide critical sensory information to pedestrians with visual impairments. The tactile cues offer warnings about potential hazards and guide users along appropriate paths of travel.
For contractors and property owners, installing code-compliant tactile solutions is not just about aligning with the moral values of inclusion. It is a legal obligation with severe ramifications for non-compliance. Failing to provide accessible public spaces as per regulations could lead to lawsuits, fines, and reputational damage.
While tactile solutions promote accessibility in all public spaces, the specific products and installation methods vary for indoor and outdoor settings.
Outdoor tactile solutions must withstand weather elements and heavy foot traffic. The tiles are thicker and made of durable materials like vitrified polymers, metals, and concrete. Products include cast-in-place concrete tiles, replaceable metal tiles, and surface-applied polymer or rubber tiles.
Indoor tactile solutions focus more on aesthetics, acoustics, and fire safety. The tiles are smoother and made of materials like porcelain, stainless steel, rubber, and polymers. Products include surface-applied tiles, single-embedded domes or bars, and fire-rated tactile.
Getting the suitable tiles specific to each application is key for optimal performance.
Here are some top compliant tactile systems available in Canada for outdoor settings:
Armor Tile offers durable ADA, CSA, ISO, and OBC-compliant tactile solutions for outdoor spaces. Key products include:
This robust tactile system suits high-traffic outdoor applications. Products include:
Access Tile offers lightweight polymer-based systems. Products suitable for outdoors:
For indoor spaces, these are some ideal code-compliant tactile systems:
Elan Tile porcelain tactile suits indoor applications with aesthetic needs. Products include:
Access Tile offers indoor solutions like:
Eon Tile flexible rubber tactile suits a variety of indoor applications:
Tactile solutions are available in a range of materials:
Choosing the right material ensures optimal performance and longevity in the intended application.
While accessibility is a moral obligation, legal consequences also necessitate compliance with tactile solution. As per Canadian laws like the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), Ontario Building Code, and CSA Standards, public spaces must provide accessible routes and warnings for visually impaired individuals.
Tactile solutions that fail to adhere to codes and standards can lead to:
Instead, getting it right the first time with compliant tactile solutions saves time, money, and legal troubles down the road.
Some outdoor spaces that require compliant tactile include sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, parks, public transit platforms, parking areas, recreational trails, and curb ramps.
The key regulations are the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), Ontario Building Code (OBC), CSA Standards on Barrier-Free Design, and various municipal bylaws.
Indoor settings that need compliant tactile include entrances, lobbies, stairs, corridors, shopping malls, information desks, transit stations, arenas, auditoriums, and apartment buildings.
Yes, outdoor tactile solutions are built more ruggedly from materials like concrete, metal, and heavy-duty polymers to withstand weather and high foot traffic. Indoor solutions focus more on fire safety, acoustics, and aesthetics.
Proper installation involves following manufacturer instructions, using trained installers for specialty products, ensuring flush fit between tiles and surrounding surfaces, and post-install maintenance.
Specifying code-compliant tactile solutions requires understanding regulations, product options, and correct installation methods to achieve accessibility. With the right tactile systems design, public spaces can provide safe, seamless navigation for all users, significantly the visually impaired. Partners like Tactile Solution Canada make the process smooth by guiding you to compliant products tailored to each application.
5th Jul 2024
Ensuring accessibility for all individuals, regardless of physical ability, is a crucial moral and legal responsibility. For visually impaired persons, in particular, navigating the built environment poses daily challenges that most sighted individuals take for granted.
Tactile warning surface indicators (TWSIs), also known as detectable warning surfaces, provide a vital communication channel between public infrastructure and individuals with visual disabilities. Composed of standardized textured ground surfaces, TWSIs convey essential information non-visually through the sense of touch.
As per Canadian accessibility legislation like the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), integrating TWSIs in various indoor and outdoor public spaces is mandatory. When thoughtfully implemented, these ingenious surfaces enhance accessibility and quality of life for millions of Canadians.
TWSIs feature distinctive surface patterns that are easily detectable underfoot or by a cane. Two main types exist:
These indicate potential hazards like the edge of a platform or oncoming vehicular traffic. The typical configuration is truncated domes organized in a square or radial pattern.
These provide directional cues to guide pedestrians along designated walking paths. Common configurations are raised bars, cones, or grooves running parallel to the direction of travel.
The thoughtful integration of TWSIs enhances indoor accessibility and safety for the visually impaired. Key applications include:
Proper interior placement is crucial - too few can leave dangerous gaps in information, while overuse can cause clutter and confusion. When thoughtfully distributed, indoor TWSIs foster confidence, independence, and security.
Outdoor public realms present even greater navigational challenges. Proper TWSI integration enhances outdoor accessibility by:
With outdoor TWSIs, regular maintenance is key, as exposure can degrade materials over time. Fortunately, their durable materials offer excellent longevity even in harsh conditions.
The benefits of thoughtfully installed TWSIs for visually impaired Canadians are immense, including:
Ultimately, TWSIs allow full participation in society and provide a lifeline to accessibility.
Beyond the user perspective, TWSIs also benefit the owners and operators of public and private spaces in key ways:
By investing in proper TWSI integration, organizations show they genuinely care about inclusivity - an ethos that appeals to conscientious consumers.
To maximize the benefits of TWSIs for all, consider the best practices:
With thoughtful design, diligent installation, and proper maintenance, the impacts of TWSIs on accessibility and inclusivity will continue growing for decades to come.
Tactile ground surface indicators provide detectable tactile cues to assist visually impaired pedestrians in navigating public spaces safely and independently. Key purposes include signaling hazards and providing directional guidance.
These textured ground surface indicators serve two main functions - warning pedestrians about upcoming hazards like curbs or stairs and guiding pedestrians along designated walking paths in large open spaces.
Warning tactile ground surface indicators use distinctive surface patterns like truncated domes to signal upcoming hazards to pedestrians with visual disabilities. This alerts them to dangers like curbs, platform edges, vehicle areas, or stairs.
In our complex urban landscapes, seamless public accessibility requires careful infrastructural planning. For pedestrians with visual impairments, the integration of Tactile Warning Surface Indicators (TWSIssss) provides an indispensable communication channel to the built environment. Indoors and out, proper TWSIs placement promotes confidence, independence, and security during daily life.
By investing in compliant, durable, thoughtfully distributed TWSIs, businesses and urban planners take an essential step towards a Canada without barriers. At Tactile Solution, we provide reliable, superior-quality TWSIs not only meet but surpass all pertinent regulations and specifications. We offer a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes to meet the specific needs of each project.
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.
5th Jul 2024
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:
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.
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.
5th Jul 2024
Have you ever found yourself feeling lost or disoriented in a public space? This is a common experience for many individuals, especially those with visual impairments or cognitive disabilities. According to Rick Hansen Foundation, 1 in 5 Canadians have a disability, and nearly 50% of Canadian adults experience physical disabilities, either permanent or temporary, or live with someone who does.
Based on research conducted by the Angus Reid Institute in collaboration with RHF, it was found that approximately two-thirds of Canadians express worry about individuals in their lives encountering similar difficulties within the next decade or so. Fortunately, tactile solutions for wayfinding have emerged as invaluable aids in such situations.
Tactile wayfinding solutions are specifically designed to facilitate navigation and empower individuals to move independently within public spaces. By incorporating these solutions, organizations can not only enhance accessibility but also distinguish themselves from competitors by offering inclusive experiences for all visitors.
In this blog post, we will delve into the Access Tile wayfinding tactile solutions available for wayfinding purposes:
Wayfinding tactile solutions encompass the use of physical pathways, commonly known as wayfinding bars, that guide individuals through public spaces. These bars serve as navigational aids and greatly assist visually impaired individuals in confidently navigating their surroundings.
By employing code-compliant wayfinding bars in areas where there may be no inherent risk but still a need to provide a safe path for the visually impaired, organizations demonstrate their commitment to inclusivity. Investing in Access Tile wayfinding solutions means prioritizing accessibility while enhancing the overall user experience within your premises.
Access Tile's cutting-edge Directional Wayfinding tiles are designed to guide the public between spaces safely. These tactile pavings combine state-of-the-art processing and material technologies with innovative, intelligent design, resulting in a detectable warning pad that is not only cost-effective but also lightweight and incredibly durable.
Access Tile offers two variations of their Directional Wayfinding tiles: Replaceable Cast in Place tiles and Surface Applied tiles. Both options boast industry-leading efficiency when it comes to installation or replacement processes. Additionally, the Replaceable Cast in Place tiles stands out as the greenest choice available on the market today.
Both products are available in six standard colors with Federal color identification numbers and come with a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty.
To ensure a visually cohesive look, Access Tile takes pride in color-matching tile fasteners to your specific code-compliant tile selection - achieving an aesthetically pleasing appearance while maintaining compliance.
For Canadian projects seeking these top-notch Directional Wayfinding tiles, Tactile Solution Canada stands tall as the leading distributor across the country – offering easy access to this exceptional solution for enhanced accessibility within public spaces.
Specifically designed to enhance further the safety of public spaces for individuals with visual impairments, Access Tile wayfinding tactile paving proves to be a game-changer. These detectable warning tiles create tactile pathways that guide people safely throughout your area, providing invaluable guidance. The elevated directional bars have been meticulously crafted to ensure they can be comfortably felt through any type of footwear.
Access Tile has carefully engineered these detectable warning surfaces to seamlessly complement its truncated dome tiles. While the truncated dome tile marks both the beginning and end points of the pathway, Wayfinding Tiles with TWSI (Tactile Walking Surface Indicators) expertly direct individuals through the space—creating a cohesive system that maximizes accessibility.
To suit diverse aesthetic preferences while ensuring optimal visibility, all Access Tile code-compliant tiles are available in bright UV stable colors such as Federal Yellow (33538), Brick Red (22144), Colonial Red (20109), Safety Red (31350), Dark Grey (36118), and Onyx Black (17038). These vibrant hues provide striking contrasts against most concrete surfaces—further facilitating easy navigation for all users.
When it comes to installing Access Tile's top-notch detectable warning tiles, you can expect a seamless process that maximizes efficiency and convenience. These tiles are crafted using a UV-stabilized fiberglass reinforced polymer composite - lightweight, non-porous, and incredibly easy to handle.
Rest assured that installing or replacing the Access Tile wayfinding tactile is a breeze without any risk of voiding the warranty.
While the installation process may vary slightly between these Replaceable Cast in Place tile and Surface Applied tile options, both offer straightforward procedures. If you need a detailed installation guide for installation, you can visit Tactile Solution Canada’s website reference section.
Visit our solutions section today to choose the best tactile for your facility needs or get a free quote by contacting us. Let’s make our world accessible and safe for all together!
5th Jul 2024
In today's society, accessibility is a key consideration in the design and construction of public spaces. Ensuring that everyone, including those with visual impairments, can navigate these environments safely and independently is not only a legal requirement but also an ethical responsibility. This is where Advantage Tactile Systems comes into play.
Advantage Tactile Systems stands at the forefront of revolutionizing tactile systems in Canada, offering innovative solutions that not only meet but exceed Canadian code requirements. With its cutting-edge technology and unwavering commitment to excellence, Advantage Tactile paves the way towards creating truly inclusive spaces. To learn more about Advantage Tactile Systems, read out the blog post:
Advantage Tactile Systems is the industry leader in detectable warning and directional tile surface systems. Our cutting-edge TWSIs are designed to ensure the safety of visually impaired individuals, whether it be on curb ramps, shopping malls, transit platforms, parking areas, stairwells, or escalator approaches.
With a range of metal materials available, our products not only meet stringent code requirements but also enhance the aesthetics of your projects.
Understanding Canadian Accessibility Codes and Standards
Several crucial regulations in Canada require tactile installations in public spaces. These ensure visually impaired individuals can safely navigate surroundings independently.
Key regulations include:
The AODA sets accessibility standards for Ontario across various sectors. It mandates tactile installation in all newly constructed or renovated public spaces.
The CSA Group develops standards for accessibility in the built environment across Canada. CSA B651 is the key standard for tactile walking surface indicators.
The National Building Code of Canada includes accessibility requirements for new construction and renovations. It adopts tactile requirements from CSA standards.
Provincial building codes like Ontario's contain additional accessibility rules for construction. These also reference CSA tactile installation standards.
By selecting Advantage Tactile Systems for your projects, you can seamlessly comply with all provincial and national regulations.
Advantage Tactile Systems offers the ultimate tactile solutions to meet Canadian accessibility standards. Let's explore the key benefits:
Tactile Solutions Canada provides the widest selection of Advantage tactile products in durable materials like stainless steel and cast iron.
This extensive product range allows you to find the ideal tactile solution for any public space.
All Advantage Tactile Systems are engineered to comply with the latest CSA, AODA, ISO, and building code tactile specifications. This guarantees that your installations will fully adhere to Canadian accessibility regulations.
The heavy-duty metals used in Advantage products are designed for long-term durability and resistance to heavy foot traffic. You can expect a long lifecycle with minimal maintenance requirements.
Many Advantage tiles feature replaceable designs. This simplifies maintenance since individual damaged tiles can be easily swapped out without replacing entire installations.
Advantage Tactile Systems are available in multiple sizes, shapes, and colors. This allows for optimal customization to fit the unique needs of any public space.
By harnessing the advantages above, Advantage Tactile Systems enable hassle-free compliance with Canadian regulations.
Creating barrier-free environments should be at the forefront of any construction or renovation project's priorities. By choosing Advantage Tactile Systems as your partner in compliance with Canadian code requirements, you gain access to premium materials, high-quality finishes, easy installation processes, and customization options in color and shape selection - all while maintaining strict adherence to accessibility standards.
Don't compromise on safety or aesthetics; contact Tactile Solution today for more information about Advantage Tactile Systems. Together we can create spaces that are truly inclusive and accessible for all individuals.
5th Jul 2024
Ascending and descending stairways are an integral part of our daily lives. Yet this routine activity poses potential risks, especially in emergency situations or low-lighting conditions. Fortunately, there are solutions available to mitigate these risks and ensure the safety of all occupants. One such solution is the installation of Ecoglo Stair Nosing on the leading edge of stairs.
As a premier Canadian supplier of Ecoglo products, we aim to elucidate the magnificence of these stair nosings and how they augment the pulchritude and security of any edifice. Peruse on to garner comprehensive discernments on Ecoglo Stair Nosing and why it is an indispensable addition to any infrastructure.
Understanding the Epitome of Stair Safety
The stairways within an edifice perform a pivotal function - providing occupants with an expeditious avenue of egress in contingencies. Thus, augmenting stairway security is paramount, and anti-slip stair nosings contribute immensely to optimizing the safety of all stairwells in myriad ways.
The venerable International Building Code encompasses the means of egress within any building and dedicates a distinct segment to stair nosings. Section 1011 explicitly edifies the stair nosings regulations that building owners must abide by. These prerequisites outlined in the IBC ascertain that the stair nosings in a facility are uniform and installed securely. To mitigate any tripping hazards, the stair nosings must not project more than 1 1⁄4 inches beyond the nosing of the lower tread. Additionally, all the stair nosings within a stairwell need to be of uniform size and shape.
Elevating Safety | Ecoglo Anti-slip Stair Nosing
Anti-slip stair nosings augment the safety within an edifice in manifold ways:
Considering the Stair-Nosing Options
Ecoglo manufactures stair nosings with myriad installation methods and options to select from:
Installing Ecoglo Stair Nosing affords multifarious benefits that enhance stairway safety:
Ecoglo’s industry-leading stair nosings offer comprehensive step-edge safety and unparalleled luminous visual demarcation. These time-tested photoluminescent and non-slip stair nosings are impervious to heavy foot traffic and harsh weather conditions. Manufactured utilizing our patented process, the nosings deliver durable egress guidance that augments the safety of any stairwell.
Contact Tactile Solution Canada today to illuminate your stairs with Ecoglo’s photoluminescent and non-slip stair nosings. Our team possesses extensive expertise in recommending stair nosings that align impeccably with your facility’s unique specifications, traffic patterns, and aesthetics.
5th Jul 2024
As a business owner or facilities manager, ensuring the safety of occupants during emergency evacuations is a top priority. Proper exit path marking plays a crucial role in safely directing people towards exits in chaotic low visibility conditions.
Traditionally, exit path marking relied solely on electrical lighting. However, power failures during emergencies can render such electrical systems ineffective. This is where Ecoglo's innovative photoluminescent directional signage offers a sustainable and reliable solution for exit path marking.
This blog will explore how Ecoglo's photoluminescent directional signs can help save energy and ensure optimal exit path visibility.
Ecoglo's photoluminescent directional signs utilize proprietary photoluminescent pigments that absorb and store ambient light. These pigments emit the stored light when the lights go out, creating a bright glow that illuminates exit pathways.
The photoluminescent materials obtain their charge from available ambient light sources, whether natural daylight or indoor lighting fixtures. Once fully charged, they can emit light for several hours in dark conditions. This makes them completely self-sufficient and 100% reliable even during power failures.
Ecoglo's photoluminescent directional signs offer the following advantages:
Unlike electrically powered exit signs, Ecoglo directional signs require no hardwiring, batteries, or electricity to operate. They fully rely on natural or ambient light sources for their photoluminescent charge. This makes them absolutely energy-efficient.
Facilities can save on energy costs and reduce their carbon footprint by using these signs for exit path marking.
Since they need no electrical supply, Ecoglo signs provide continuous illumination even in blackouts or power failures during emergencies. Their glow can last for 70 hours on just 1 hour of charge.
This ensures uninterrupted visibility of exit routes when it matters the most.
With no wiring, batteries, or electrical components, Ecoglo signs have minimal maintenance needs. There are no bulbs to replace or battery checks required. The occasional wipe-down is all they need.
This further reduces long-term overhead costs.
Ecoglo signs are extremely durable and built to last for decades. The photoluminescent material does not degrade or lose its luminosity like tritium gas. Ecoglo signs come with a 25-year warranty, underlining their longevity.
Ecoglo directional signs meet the latest IBC, IFC, and NFPA 101 codes for exit path marking. Using them ensures compliance with safety regulations.
Tactile Solution Canada offers Ecoglo photoluminescent directional signs in the following configuration:
These signs feature a running man pictogram with an arrow indicating the direction of the exit discharge. The arrow enhances wayfinding by clearly pointing toward the exit path.
Product Features
Exit path marking codes for Canadians Buildings
Various Canadian regulations mandate proper exit path marking to facilitate emergency egress:
These codes require exit pathways to be clearly identified and marked to enable efficient evacuation during emergencies in buildings:
Ecoglo signs help meet these legal requirements for exit path marking. Their bright green glow and directional arrows fulfil code mandates on exit sign visibility and wayfinding.
During emergencies, panic and chaos can lead to poor visibility due to smoke or power failure. People often become disoriented regarding the location of exits.
Ecoglo's photoluminescent directional signs illuminate exit pathways for hours on end after the lights go out. Their continuous glow provides a clear visible path to safety even in darkness, preventing confusion and speeding up evacuation.
By harnessing sustainable photoluminescent technology, Ecoglo signs enhance exit path visibility around-the-clock while using zero energy. They are a smart investment for sustainable and energy-efficient facilities.
As Canada's premier accessibility solutions provider, Tactile Solutions offers a wide range of Ecoglo's photoluminescent running man exit path marking products to meet code compliance and energy-efficiency needs.
With over a decade of experience supplying egress solutions in Canada, we are your trusted partner for Ecoglo products. Contact our experts today for clear, visible exit path marking using Ecoglo's photoluminescent directional signage. Let us illuminate your path to safety.
