Braille Install - the streamlined basics

Proper braille signage installation in Australia must comply with AS1428.1-2009 standards. Braille signs should be mounted at a height of 1200mm-1600mm from the floor to the bottom of the sign. Tactile text must be between 1250mm-1650mm from the floor level.

For doorways, signs should be located on the wall on the latch side of the door, between 50mm-300mm from the architrave. If this isn't possible, the sign may be placed on the door itself. For double doors, place the sign adjacent to the right-hand leaf.

 

 

Braille Installation Details

In Australia, providing braille signage throughout your building is both a legal requirement and an important accessibility measure. Here's why:

Legal Requirements:

• The Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) and the Building Code of Australia (BCA) require buildings to be accessible to people with disabilities
• AS1428.1-2009 (Design for Access and Mobility) specifically outlines requirements for braille and tactile signage in buildings

Safety Benefits:

• Helps visually impaired people navigate independently during emergencies
• Allows identification of crucial areas like fire exits, emergency exits, and refuge areas
• Enables quick location of important facilities like bathrooms and elevators

Practical Benefits:

• Allows visually impaired visitors and employees to navigate your building independently
• Helps locate key amenities like reception areas, meeting rooms, and offices
• Improves overall building usability for all occupants

Key placement areas should include:

1. Entry and exit points
2. Stairwells and emergency exits
3. Bathroom facilities
4. Floor level indicators
5. Room numbers and names
6. Directory boards and wayfinding signs

Key technical requirements for braille signage in Australian buildings according to AS1428.1-2009 and related standards:

Installation Height and Position:

• Mount signs between 1200mm and 1600mm above the finished floor level
• For doors, place signs on the wall on the latch side, 50mm to 300mm from the architrave
• If wall space isn't available next to the door, place the sign on the nearest adjacent wall

Tactile Requirements:

• Braille dots must be domed or rounded
• Braille dots must be raised 0.6mm to 0.8mm above the surface
• Tactile text must be raised 1mm to 1.5mm above the surface
• Text height must be between 15mm and 55mm
• Sans serif fonts must be used for tactile text
• Letter spacing must be 2mm minimum between characters

Sign Design:

• Background must contrast with text (minimum 30% luminance contrast)
• Both Grade 1 uncontracted braille and tactile text must be included
• Braille must be located below the tactile text
• Pictograms must be minimum 100mm high unless within compound signs
• International Symbol of Access must be included where relevant

Specific Locations Requiring Braille Signs:

• All amenities (toilets, showers, parent rooms)
• Fire exits and fire-isolated stairways
• All entrances and exits
• Lifts (both outside and inside)
• Required egress paths
• Directional signs and directories
• Room identification signs
• Floor level identification in stairways