This proposed change introduces provisions, including a design requirement for tactile direction indicators.
Related Proposed Change(s):
PCF 429, PCF 1570, PCF 1572, PCF 1764
General information
See the summary for subject Accessibility.
Problem
Tactile direction indicators are detectable underfoot or by a long white cane and are used by people with vision loss to facilitate wayfinding in locations such as large open spaces, transit platforms and complex circulation routes. For consistent messaging, the installation of these indicators must be standardized where they are provided. If the tactile direction indicators are incorrectly or inconsistently installed, users of the building or space could be unacceptably impeded from circulating within the building and from using its facilities, which can become an accessibility objective-related issue. This proposed change would promote the standardization of tactile direction indicators, also a safety feature that guides people away from potentially hazardous areas.
Justification
This proposed change introduces a reference to CSA B651, “Accessible Design for the Built Environment,” which contains standardized design requirements on the installation of tactile direction indicators. Although the proposed change would not make these types of directional indicators mandatory, it would promote their standardization where they are installed, so that people with vision loss will be provided with consistent and appropriate directional messaging.
PROPOSED CHANGE
[3.8.2.10.] 3.8.2.10.Signs and Indicators
[1] 1)Signs providing visual information in accordance with Subsection 3.8.3. shall be installed to indicate the location of
[a] a)barrier-free entrances,
[b] b)barrier-free washrooms,
[c] c)barrier-free showers,
[d] d)barrier-free elevators,
[e] e)barrier-free parking spaces, and
[f] f)assistive listening systems or adaptive technologies.
[2] 2)Where a washroom is not designed to accommodate persons with physical disabilities in a storey to which a barrier-free path of travel is required, signs providing visual and tactile information in accordance with Subsection 3.8.3. shall be installed to indicate the location of barrier-free facilities.
[3] 3)Except for doors that serve service spaces or are located within a suite, signs installed at or near doors shall provide the same information in both visual and tactile forms in accordance with Subsection 3.8.3.
[4] 4)Directional signs shall provide visual information in accordance with Subsection 3.8.3. (See Note A-3.8.2.10.(4)PROPOSED CHANGE A-3.8.2.10.(4).)
[5] --)Where provided, tactile direction indicators shall be designed and installed in accordance with Subsection 3.8.3. (See Note A-3.8.2.10.(5).)
Note A-3.8.2.10.(5)Tactile Direction Indicators.
Tactile direction indicators are installed in buildings to facilitate wayfinding for persons with vision loss by indicating a primary route of travel between the entrance and major destinations. See Figure A-3.8.2.10.(5) for examples of a tactile direction indicator and a tactile attention indicator.
Figure [A-3.8.2.10.(5)] Example of a tactile direction indicator and a tactile attention indicator at stairs.
[1] 1)Except as provided in Sentence (2), tactile attention indicators complying with Clauses 4.3.5.3.1, 4.3.5.3.3 and 4.3.5.3.4 of CSA B651, "Accessible design for the built environment", shall be installed
[a] a)at the top of flights of stairs that are unenclosed, and
[b] b)at drop-off edges with a change in elevation greater than 300 mm that are unprotected by a guard.
(See Note A-3.3.1.19.(1)PROPOSED CHANGE A-3.3.1.19.(1).)
[2] 2)Sentence (1) does not apply to service spaces, bleachers addressed in Subsection 3.3.2., stages, loading docks, industrial occupancies, within dwelling units, and to stairs and drop-off edges serving not more than two dwelling units.
[3.8.3.9.] 3.8.3.9.Accessible Signs
[1] 1)Visual information signs required by Subsections 3.4.5.and 3.4.6.and Article 3.8.2.10. shall comply with Clauses 4.5.2, 4.5.3 and 4.5.4 of CSA B651, "Accessible design for the built environment". (See Note A-3.8.3.9.(1) and (2)PROPOSED CHANGE A-3.8.3.9.(1) and (2).)
[2] 2)Tactile information signs required by Subsections 3.4.5.and 3.4.6.and Article 3.8.2.10. shall
[a] a)have Braille and tactile characters in accordance with Clauses 4.5.6.2 and 4.5.6.3 of CSA B651, "Accessible design for the built environment",
[b] b)be installed on the wall closest to the latch side of the door or on the nearest wall on the right side of the door, where there is no wall at the latch side, and
[c] c)be centred 1 500 mm above the finished floor with the edge of the sign located not more than 300 mm from the door.
(See Note A-3.8.3.9.(1) and (2)PROPOSED CHANGE A-3.8.3.9.(1) and (2).)
[3] 3)Signs required by Article 3.8.2.10. shall incorporate the International Symbol of Access or the International Symbol of Access for Hearing Loss and appropriate graphical or textual information that clearly indicates the type of facilities available. (See Note A-3.8.3.9.(3)PROPOSED CHANGE A-3.8.3.9.(3).)
[4] --)Tactile direction indicators referred to in Sentence 3.8.2.10.(5) shall comply with Clauses 4.3.5.4.1, 4.3.5.4.3 and 4.3.5.4.4 of CSA B651, “Accessible Design for the Built Environment.”
General information
See the summary for subject Accessibility.
Impact analysis
This proposed change has no cost implications as the installation of tactile direction indicators is not mandatory. Standardized requirements would facilitate the work of designers and builders, and would provide building users with clear directional information.
Costs for tactile direction indicators vary depending on the materials and quantity of tiles required. Tactile direction indicator tiles cost in the range of $10/ft.2 for rubber tiles or more for porcelain, fiberglass or other types of tiles, not including installation.
Enforcement implications
This proposed change can be enforced with the existing enforcement infrastructure.
Who is affected
Building users, who will be provided with consistent directional information where tactile direction indicators are installed.
Designers and builders, who will have consistent guidance on what to install for tactile direction indicators.
Building officials, who will have consistent requirements to use for the evaluation of tactile direction indicators where these are provided.
OBJECTIVE-BASED ANALYSIS OF NEW OR CHANGED PROVISIONS
