What are Tactile Indicators?

Tactile indicators are small, raised elements installed on walking surfaces, typically made from materials like stainless steel, rubber, or polyurethane. They come in two main types:

Warning (Hazard) Tactile Indicators

Also known as truncated domes or studs, Warning (Hazard) Tactile Indicators are used to alert pedestrians to potential hazards, such as stairways, platform edges, or street crossings.

Directional (Guidance) Tactile Indicators

Directional (Guidance) Tactile Indicators consist of raised bars that guide pedestrians along a safe path, often used in large open spaces like train stations or plazas.

What are Tactile Pads?

Tactile Pads (also called tactile ground surface indicators or TGSI mats) are pre-made panels or tiles embedded into the ground, featuring a pattern of tactile indicators.

Tactile Pads are commonly found at pedestrian crossings, train stations, shopping centers, and other public areas where safety and accessibility are crucial.

Both Tactile Indicators and Pads are essential for compliance with accessibility standards, ensuring safe navigation for people with vision impairments.

Key Reasons to Use Tactile Indicators:

• Enhance Accessibility – Assist visually impaired individuals in navigating stairs, pedestrian crossings, and transport hubs.
• Legal Compliance – Required under AS/NZS 1428.4.1:2009 in Australia and New Zealand to meet disability regulations and accessibility standards.
• Improve Safety – Reduce trip hazards in high-traffic areas, workplaces, and public spaces.
• Future-Proof Infrastructure – Ensure compliance with evolving regulations and enhance the usability of public areas.
• Promote Inclusivity – Contribute to a more accessible and welcoming environment for all individuals.

By integrating tactile indicators into infrastructure projects, organizations not only meet legal requirements but also contribute to safer, more inclusive communities where everyone can move independently and confidently.

What Are The Australia Standards For Tactile Indicators (AS/NZS 1428.4.1:2009)?

AS/NZS 1428.4.1:2009 is the Australian and New Zealand standard that sets guidelines for the design and placement of tactile indicators. It ensures they are installed correctly in areas like pedestrian crossings, stairs, and transport hubs to improve safety and accessibility.

Do Tactile Indicator Pads Come In Different Sizes?

Yes, Tactile Pads come in a range of different sizes depending on their application and compliance requirements. The common sizes for tactile indicator pads include:

• 300mm x 300mm Tactile Pads – These Tactile Indicator Pads are small modular pads which are ideal for compact areas and easy replacement. Many options are available as peel and stick. They can be seen often in public spaces like gyms, building entrances, workplaces and shared spaces.
• 300mm x 600mm Tactile Pads – This type of Tactile Indicator Pad can be often found at various pedestrian crossings, building entrances, larger public spaces, public transport platforms and hazard warning areas. 300mm x 600 mm Tactile Pads can be installed on a variety of pre-existing surfaces, including concrete, asphalt and timber, using the supplied steel screws and multipurpose construction adhesive.