Kinesik Tile.

Tactile walking surface indicators are designed to be perceptible underfoot during walking or by using a long white cane. They serve to warn individuals with low or no vision about potential dangers, such as moving vehicular traffic. These indicators are also required to exhibit a significant tonal contrast with the surrounding surface.

There are two main types of tactile indicators:

1. Warning Tactile Indicators: also referred to as hazard tactile indicators, encompass textured surface features installed on walkways. Their purpose is akin to a stop sign, as they serve as an alert to pedestrians who are blind or have vision impairments about potential hazards in their path. This prompts them to pause, assess the hazard’s nature, and then proceed cautiously.
2. Directional Tactile Indicators: also known as leading tactile indicators, involve textured surface features, typically composed of directional bars. These are applied to walking surfaces to provide orientation for individuals who are blind or have low vision. Directional tactile indicators prove invaluable in helping vision-impaired individuals navigate open spaces and determine the continuous accessible route to follow. Moreover, they guide individuals who need to deviate from the established accessible path, ensuring they can safely access crossing points, public transport hubs, or the entrances to significant public facilities.

Tactile Indicators can be crafted from a diverse range of materials, including precast concrete, polyurethane, stainless steel, rubber, and ceramics. As long as they meet the relevant standards for dimensions and spacing, tactile indicators can be made from any material capable of withstanding the demanding conditions of roadways.

For optimal durability, resistance to UV exposure, and corrosion protection, materials such as stainless steel, brass, and polyurethane are highly recommended for manufacturing tactile indicators. The two most commonly utilized types are polyurethane tactiles and stainless steel tactiles.

Polyurethane tactile indicators: Offer a retrofit solution suitable for both interior and exterior applications on new or existing surfaces. They are robust and aesthetically pleasing, fitting seamlessly in various environments. These tactiles can be installed after the substrate has been laid. While safety yellow is the standard color, they can be manufactured in virtually any solid or metallic shade.

Stainless Steel tactile indicators: Provide a retrofit option, ideal for interior and exterior use on new or existing surfaces. Typically crafted from high-quality 316 marine-grade stainless steel, they exude a premium and stylish finish. Like polyurethane tactiles, they can be installed indoors or outdoors after the substrate has been laid.

Brass tactile indicators: While durable, require high-grade materials to prevent corrosion. They are suitable for interior and exterior applications, although they may exhibit some discoloration over time, necessitating regular maintenance.

Ceramic tactile indicators: Primarily designed for indoor installations with limited wheeled access and predominantly foot traffic. They are not recommended for outdoor use due to their susceptibility to cracking and chipping.

Aluminum tactile indicators are an option, stainless steel and brass are preferred for their greater durability, as aluminum can be softer and less suitable for heavy foot or wheeled traffic situations.

From the Ontario Building Code:
3.8.3.18. Tactile Attention Indicators
(1) Where a tactile attention indicator is required, it shall conform to Sentence
(2) and Clauses 4.1.1. and 4.1.2. of ISO 23599, “Assistive Products for Blind and Vision-Impaired Persons – Tactile Walking surface Indicators”.

A tactile attention indicator conforming to Article 3.8.3.18. shall be installed,
((a) at the top of the stairs starting one tread depth back from the edge of the top stair, and
(b) at the leading edge of landings where a doorway opens onto stairs.

3.8.3.17. Platforms
(1) A tactile attention indicator conforming to Article 3.8.3.18. shall be installed along any edge of a platform that is,
(a) not protected by a guard, and
(b) higher than 250 mm above the finished floor or ground or sloped steeper than 1 in 3.
(2) Sentence (1) does not apply to the front edges of stages.

Except for stairs serving a single dwelling unit, service rooms or service spaces, a tactile attention indicator conforming to Article 3.8.3.18. shall be installed
(a) at the top of the stairs starting one tread depth back from the edge of the top stair, and
(b) at the leading edge of landings where a doorway opens onto stairs.
Tactile attention indicators conforming to Article 3.8.3.18. are required to be located to identify an entry into a vehicular route or area where no curbs or any other element separate the vehicular route or area from a pedestrian route.

This guide is not intended to be a comprehensive, official building code document. For the full list of TWSI requirements please see the Ontario Building Code.

Under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, there are new design standards as of December 2012 for the Design of Public Spaces that apply to new construction and the redevelopment of elements in public spaces.

New or redeveloped pedestrian crossings with curb ramps or depressed curbs must have tactile walking surface indicators with “raised tactile profiles” that have a high tonal contrast to the adjacent surface.