Below we have listed some frequently asked questions we receive by Bractile Sign customers.
Am I limited to using white & blue only? No.
Only the accessible & audio symbols are required to be white on blue. All other symbols and text can be any colour, so long as there is a minimum of 30% luminance contrast between the sign and the background.
What is luminance contrast?
Luminance contrast is the amount of light reflected from one surface or component, compared to the amount of light reflected from the background or surrounding surface. The easiest way to understand luminance contrast is to take a photo and convert it to grey scale, you will be surprised as to how many colours appear the same.
Where do I need to put braille and tactile signs?
Braille and tactile signs are required in all public and commercial buildings, to show all sanitary, accessible entrances, floor levels of fire exit doors and directional information to these facilities. Additional signage requirements depend on the particular building and its use.
Can I have these signs in aluminium?
Yes you can! However the cost of the signs doubles or triples in price. We recommend against the use of aluminium as braille and tactile signs need to be touched, therefore leaving finger prints or marks when touched. Our signs are made from durable plastic so when touched do not leave any marks.
Why do I need to use braille and tactile signs?
In Australia there are approximately 300,000 people who are blind or vision impaired and many more have some reduction in the effectiveness of their sight.
The greater majority of these people, (probably 70%) are over the age of 65 years. Significant vision impairment occurs in 10% of people aged 40 years and over. The rate of blindness is 25 times higher in people aged 70 than in younger people. The proportion of people with a vision loss or blindness trebles with each decade of life over 40. The number of people in Australia with eye disease will double in the next 25 years as the population ages.
How does someone who is blind find braille and tactile signs?
Although someone may be clinically blind or vision impaired, the majority do have some degree of vision. This is also assisted by learnt mobility skills. Someone who is totally blind would generally be assisted to the location of these facilities and then use the braille to identify the facility required.
