(for more information refer to AS1428.4)

What are Tactile Ground Surface Indicators (TGSI)?
TGSI’s provide cues, which, when combined with other environmental information, assist people who are blind or vision impaired with knowing what direction they need to go and if they are going to encounter a hazard.

Why has the placement of TGSI become mandatory?
Over the coming years many ageing Australians will find themselves with some form of vision impairment. The Building Code of Australia (BCA), Australian and New Zealand Standards (AS/NZS), The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) and other regulatory bodies have established a mandatory Code of Practice for the inclusion of TGSI to the vision impaired in avoiding accidents in hazardous or high traffic areas. In accordance with that Code of Practice, the Australian and New Zealand Standard 1428.4:2002 states that TGSI are required to be installed in all new environments that could be deemed dangerous to the vision impaired, disabled and elderly.

Why Vision impaired people?
A vision impaired person is one who needs glasses, which is a large and ever growing section of the community. This is why TGSI colour contrast is important as many people with vision impairment will use the colour contrast to visually detect the indicator. TGSI should have a 45% luminance difference to the background or base surface.

Where should TGSI be used?

• Where ever the public has access to a building or area.
• A platform where any rail, tram, bus or ferry stops.
• At the bottom and top of step(s), stairs, escalators, travelators, ramps, curb ramps, cross paths, etc.
• Around any overhead impediment or hazard other than a doorway with less than a 2 metre clearance in an accessible open public space eg. Fire hose reels, drinking fountains.
• Water bodies or other item or feature of significant risk eg. Paved or built river embankments, rail/tram level crossings.
• Placement of all TGSI must be in compliance with AS1428.4:2002 and should not be proliferated unnecessarily.

Can I see Pathtek’s TGSI before ordering?
Simply telephone or email us and we are happy to show you samples of our product.