6 simple steps to avoid noncompliant braille and tactile signage outcomes

In spaces where identity is paramount, every element of a visual scheme holds significant weight. Signage, including regulatory signs, forms a vital part of the overall design narrative and plays a key role in defining the character and ambience of a space.

Signage has the power to either enhance or undermine the quality of its environment. Well-designed signage can significantly contribute to the excellence of any built space through precise attention to details such as colour, material compatibility, and, importantly, typography that is both functional and reflective of the style and standards of the place, institution, or company it represents.

At MASS, we believe statutory signage shouldn’t be an afterthought. Our approach to project signage takes a comprehensive and holistic view, paying careful attention to the visual impact of all signage within a space. Tactile, fire safety, electrical signage… we’re looking at you 👀

Braille signage specifically plays a vital role in creating inclusive environments for individuals with visual impairments. In Victoria, Australia, adhering to the required guidelines outlined in Australian Standards AS 1428.1 and Australian Building Codes Specification D3.6 is essential to ensure the accessibility and compliance of installed braille signage.

This guide aims to assist designers and clients who procure signage design services—including brand managers, architects, landscape architects, interior designers, urban designers, planners, and construction managers—to gain an understanding of the key considerations for creating bespoke braille signage that looks great while also being compliant.

First things first, it is critical to familiarise yourself with both National Construction Code BCA D3.6, and Australian Standards AS 1428.1. There's not really any way around it.

Australian Building Codes Specification D3.6 outlines the technical specifications and requirements for braille signage compliance; including dimensions, placement, materials, and more. Australian Standards AS1428.1 on the other hand, provides a comprehensive guideline for designing and installing accessible building elements more broadly. Pay close attention to Section 8 of AS1428.1 specifically, which provides additional requirements to consider regarding the form of signage.

In order to achieve compliant braille, it is important to read BCA D3.6 in conjunction with AS 1428.1 — both documents provide necessary requirements for the design and installation of braille and tactile signage In Australia, and serve as the basis for how your signs will be assessed for compliance.

• Dimensions: Pay careful attention to the physical specifications and positioning of all tactile characters as noted in the standards. For example; tactile characters must be raised to a height of no less than 1mm, and no more than 1.5mm. Other aspects requiring meticulous consideration include the size and word/letter spacing of letterforms, position of braille relative to text, and spacing between braille dots, amongst others — all of these details have clear requirements set forth that must be followed carefully without creative deviation.

• Characteristics: Characters must be raised tactile with rounded edges to facilitate touch reading. Braille dots should be domed or rounded and placed within defined spacing parameters defined by Clause 6 of BCA D3.6.

• Contrast and Legibility: Ensure sufficient contrast between tactile characters and background to enhance legibility. A minimum LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of 30 is required between sign content and background, and also between the sign panel and surface it is mounted upon. It's important to note that LRV requirements must be met in situ, so lighting within a space must also be considered to ensure these luminance contrast requirements are met at all times during which the sign is required to be read. BCA D3.6 Clauses 4 & 5 provide further clarity this. The use of matte or low-sheen finishes is also important for reducing reflections, and is a specified requirement also noted in BCA D3.6 Clause 3.

• Mounting Height: Generally speaking, it's good practice to mount signage of a similar function at a consistent height within a space. This ensures clean sight lines are created, and visual legibility is established through repetition (improving environmental aesthetics and user experience respectively). For tacticle signs specifically, it is critical that signs are mounted at a height where all braille and tactile characters are located between 1200mm to 1600mm above finished floor level. Where accessible signs have only a single line of text, the corresponding Braille and tactile characters should be located between 1250mm and 1350mm above floor level.

• Pictograms and Symbols: Pictograms and symbols used within the 'main' messaging should also be incorporated within the braille messaging to enhance comprehension for individuals with varying levels of visual impairment.

• Materials and Durability: Select materials that are durable, weather-resistant, and suitable for indoor or outdoor environments. Stainless steel, acrylic, and high-pressure laminate are all commonly used for braille signage due to their durability and tactile properties.

Selecting the right materials is of critical importance for durability and legibility. It is crucial to opt for material choices that provide suitable in situ contrast and non-glare finishes to enhance visibility.

As highlighted in step two, sign reflectiveness and luminance contrast overall are important considerations. BCA D3.6 specifically mentions that '…the background, negative space or fill of signs must be of matt or low sheen finish. [Clause 3(e)].' Luminance contrast must also be specified with regards to BCA D3.6 Clause 4.

Furthermore, it's crucial to select materials and assess production processes for braille signage that can endure the anticipated environmental conditions. This ensures longevity and sustained performance of the signage over time.

Whether 'off the shelf' or bespoke, correct installation is key for ensuring the effectiveness and compliance of braille signage.

The actual design layout and specification of braille signage is critical to ensuring signage can be installed correctly, but installed conditions are also extremely important.

In order to conform to the relevant standards and codes, signs must be installed within a specific accessible height range. As mentioned in Step 2, signs with multiple lines of text must be mounted between 1200mm to 1600mm above the floor or ground surface. Signs with single lines of characters must have the line of tactile characters between 1250mm and 1350mm above the floor or ground surface.

Furthermore, signs identifying rooms containing facilities of features listed in the Building Code of Australia D3.6 must be installed:

1. On the wall on the door handle side of the door with the leading edge of the sign located between 50mm and 300mm from the architrave,

2. If installation (1) is not possible, the sign may be placed directly on the door.

Signs identifying rooms containing features or facilities listed in D3.6, or Exit level signs identifiying a door required by the BCA E4.5 must be installed:

1. On the side that faces a person seek egrees, and

2. On the wall on the latch side of the door with the leading edge of the sign located between 50mm and 300mm from the architrave,

3. If installation (2) is not possible, the sign may be placed directly on the door itself.

Note: Signs identifying paths of travel must be placed so they are located directly ahead in the direction of travel. Where a wall continues in the direction of travel and other forms a corner, the sign must be placed on the continuing wall.

Periodic inspections and maintenance are essential to ensure the ongoing compliance and functionality of braille signage. Schedule routine checks for damage, wear, and readability, and promptly address any issues to uphold accessibility standards.

Even with optimal longevity of installed signage achieved from a design/fabrication standpoint, changing environmental factors can impact performance and accessibility over time — consider the impact of lighting within a space upon LRV compliance, for instance.

This step is generally a worthwhile practice for all types of braille signage (whether off-the-shelf or bespoke), but for 'experimental' solutions that may not have been 'battle tested' to the same degree as more standard approaches, it's especially important to be mindful of.

Even with an expert understanding of building codes, it's wise to have signage assessed and endorsed by a registered DDA consultant before production, and after installation. Access can be a complicated and often changing area, and we highly recommended that all project managers engage and retain a DDA (Disability Discrimination Act) / Access Consultant from the initial schematic design phase (prior to lodgement of any applications for planning or approvals), through to completion of a project.

In our experience, certain requirements/aspects of the Australian Standards or National Construction Codes are open to intepretation, or even considered problematic by some DDA consultants. A relevant example of this we've enountered would be with regards to the requirement that 'tactile text must be Arial typeface', from BCA D3.6 3(k). Bruce Bromley at Equal Access (also mirrored by other DDA consultants we have worked with) notes;

"It is our opinion this requirement is flawed as Arial typeface is copyright and under it’s usage license cannot be modified. In addition having lower case letters that are smaller than standard creates an issue with the weights of the lower case letters." — Source

Having a great DDA consultant on your project and developing a relationship with them will take out the guesswork, and ensure there aren't any surprises during assessment for access and mobility standards.

Achieving compliance with braille signage requirements in Australia is a manageable task when following the advice outlined in this guide. By understanding and designing with the relevant standards mentioned in mind, selecting suitable materials, and adhering to proper installation techniques, design professionals can create inclusive environments that prioritise accessibility for all individuals.

Compliance is not just a legal obligation but a commitment to fostering inclusivity and equal access for everyone.

Of course, even armed with all the knowledge to create braille signage…. designing bespoke braille signage isn't for the faint of heart (even for seasoned graphic designers)! If you'd rather defer to the experts, or have any further questions we're here to help.

Similarly, if you have a specific idea in mind you would like to see take form, or need an expert signage designer who can provide creative direction (while also understanding issues around signage compliance) MASS is here for you. 👋