Installations & FAQs

Installing braille and tactile signs

In Australia, the installation of Braille and tactile signs follows specific guidelines to ensure they’re accessible and effective for people with vision impairments. The requirements for where to install these signs are outlined in the Disability (Access to Premises — Buildings) Standards 2010 and the National Construction Code (NCC). Here’s a breakdown of where and how Braille and tactile signs should be installed:

  1. Entry and Exit Points
    • Location: Install at all main entrances and exits, including accessible entrances and emergency exits.
    • Height: Signs should be mounted between 1200mm and 1600mm above the floor to ensure they are within reach for people who are standing or seated.
  2. Toilets and Accessible Facilities
    • Location: Place Braille and tactile signs on the wall next to the latch side of the door for all toilets, accessible toilets, showers, and change rooms.
    • Height: Install between 1200mm and 1600mm above the floor. The sign should be placed no further than 50mm from the door frame, on the side with the door handle.
  3. Stairs, Ramps, and Escalators
    • Location: Install signage at the top and bottom landings of stairs and ramps, as well as near escalators, to indicate floor levels or directions.
    • Height: Follow the standard mounting height (1200mm to 1600mm above the floor).
  4. Lifts and Elevators
    • Location: Braille and tactile signage should be placed inside lifts to indicate floor levels. Additionally, place signs near call buttons for external lift access points.
    • Height: Signs within the lift should be mounted at an accessible height. On walls near call buttons, signs should be installed at 1200mm to 1600mm above floor level.
  5. Emergency Exits and Evacuation Routes
    • Location: Place Braille and tactile signage along designated emergency exit routes and at emergency exit doors. Signs should provide clear directions for evacuation and indicate the nearest emergency exits.
    • Height: Signs should be installed between 1200mm and 1600mm above the floor for accessibility.
  6. Room Identification Signs
    • Location: Install outside rooms that need to be identified, such as meeting rooms, kitchens, classrooms, and hotel rooms.
    • Placement: Place the sign on the wall next to the latch side of the door, within reach and with a clear tactile indication of the room name or number.
  7. Reception and Information Points
    • Location: Install Braille and tactile signage near reception desks and information points to indicate key directions, services, or floor levels.
    • Height and Positioning: Follow the 1200mm to 1600mm mounting height.
  8. Additional Installation Tips
    • Contrast and Readability: Ensure signs have high contrast and are non-reflective for people with low vision.
    • Consistency: Maintain consistency in the installation height and placement throughout the facility to aid in navigation.

By following these guidelines, you’ll create an accessible environment that allows individuals with vision impairments to navigate public spaces, facilities, and workplaces more independently and safely.

In Australia, ambulant toilet signs are required to indicate toilet facilities designed specifically for individuals with mobility limitations who do not require a fully accessible (wheelchair-accessible) toilet. The National Construction Code (NCC) and Disability (Access to Premises — Buildings) Standards 2010 specify where and how these signs should be installed.

Installation Guidelines for Ambulant Toilet Signs

  1. Location:
    • On the Door or Wall Adjacent to the Door: Ambulant toilet signs should be placed either on the toilet door itself or on the wall immediately adjacent to the latch side of the door.
    • Clear Visibility: Ensure the sign is visible when the door is closed.
  2. Height:
    • Signs should be mounted between 1200mm and 1600mm above the floor level. This height range ensures the sign is accessible for both standing individuals and those who may have limited mobility.
  3. Placement Specifics:
    • If placing the sign on the wall next to the door, it should be no more than 50mm away from the door frame on the latch side. This ensures the sign is easy to locate for people navigating by touch.
    • Consistent Placement: For facilities with multiple ambulant toilets, place signs consistently to aid in easy navigation.
  4. Design Requirements:
    • Pictogram: The sign should include a clear pictogram indicating an ambulant toilet.
    • Text: Include the text “Ambulant” to clearly identify the facility type.
    • Contrast and Readability: Use a high-contrast colour scheme to ensure readability for individuals with low vision.

Common Locations for Ambulant Toilet Signs

Ambulant toilets are often installed in:

  • Public facilities (such as shopping centres, parks, and transportation hubs)
  • Commercial buildings (including offices, theatres, and restaurants)
  • Educational institutions
  • Health facilities
  • Recreational and sports venues

By following these guidelines, you’ll ensure that ambulant toilet signs meet accessibility standards and are easy to locate and read for people with varying mobility needs.

In Australia, accessible toilets are designed for left-hand (LH) transfer or right-hand (RH) transfer to accommodate different user needs. Knowing the transfer type is essential for individuals with specific mobility requirements, and this information is typically indicated on signage.

Here’s how to determine whether an accessible toilet is LH or RH transfer:

  1. Check the Position of the Grab Rails
    • Left-Hand (LH) Transfer: In an LH transfer accessible toilet, the grab rail will be installed on the left side when you face the toilet. This allows a person to transfer onto the toilet seat from their wheelchair on the left side.
    • Right-Hand (RH) Transfer: In an RH transfer accessible toilet, the grab rail will be on the right side when you face the toilet, enabling a person to transfer from the right side.
  2. Look at the Signage
    • In many accessible toilets, signage outside the restroom will indicate whether it is LH or RH transfer. The signage should clearly state “Left-Hand Transfer” or “Right-Hand Transfer” or use pictograms that show the placement of the grab rail in relation to the toilet seat.
  3. Review Floor Plans or Facility Guides
    • If the signage is unclear or missing, facility floor plans, directories, or accessibility guides (common in larger venues such as airports, shopping centers, and hospitals) often provide details on the transfer type for accessible toilets.
  4. Confirm with Facility Management
    • If still unsure, asking facility management or customer service can clarify the transfer type. Staff should be informed about the specific layout of accessible toilets in the facility.

Why LH and RH Transfer Matters

  • User Preference: Some individuals have a preferred or required side for transferring based on their physical capabilities.
  • Safety and Accessibility: Correctly matching the transfer type with the user’s needs ensures safer and easier access, reducing the risk of injury.

By following these steps, you can identify whether an accessible toilet is LH or RH transfer, ensuring that users have the information needed to safely access the facilities.

In Australia, the specifications for tactile text on Braille and tactile signs are outlined in the Australian Standard AS 1428.1-2009, which details the requirements for design and installation to make signs accessible to individuals with vision impairments. Here’s what you need to know about tactile text size:

Tactile Text Size Requirements

  1. Character Height:
    • Tactile characters (raised text) should be between 15mm and 55mm in height. This range ensures the text is large enough to be read by touch but not so large that it’s difficult to decipher.
  2. Character Depth:
    • The depth (or height) of raised tactile characters should be between 1mm and 1.5mm. This slight raise ensures that the characters are easily distinguishable by touch without being uncomfortable.
  3. Font and Spacing:
    • Use a sans-serif font with consistent and clear characters to make tactile text easier to read.
    • The spacing between characters should be sufficient to allow each letter to be distinguishable by touch, with characters not too close together or overlapping.
  4. Case:
    • Tactile text should be in lowercase letters, with an initial capital letter where required, as lowercase is generally easier to read by touch.
  5. Contrast and Finish:
    • Although not directly related to tactile size, the text should have high contrast with its background and a matte, non-reflective finish to enhance visibility for people with low vision.

Braille Specifications

  • Braille should be located below the tactile text, with a separation of at least 10mm. The Braille dots should conform to international Braille standards for size, spacing, and height.

Placement

  • Ensure the tactile text is placed at a height between 1200mm and 1600mm above the floor level, as per the standards for accessibility.

These requirements help ensure that tactile text is legible and accessible for people with vision impairments in line with Australia’s accessibility standards.

The Australian Standards AS 1428.1 state “Signs for unisex accessible facilities shall be provided with the letters LH or RH to indicate a left-hand or right-hand side transfer onto the WC pan.” 

The illustrations below show the signs that would be required for each facility.

Australian braille & tactile sign regulations

In Australia, Braille and tactile signs are required in various public and private settings to improve accessibility for individuals with vision impairments. The requirements for these signs are outlined in the Disability (Access to Premises — Buildings) Standards 2010 under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) and the National Construction Code (NCC). These regulations ensure consistency in how buildings are designed, built, and used to accommodate everyone. Here’s where Braille and tactile signs are typically required:

  1. Public Buildings and Facilities
    • Entry and Exit Doors: Doors that provide access to public areas, especially in public buildings, must have Braille and tactile signage.
    • Toilets and Accessible Facilities: Public toilets, accessible toilets, showers, and change rooms must have signs with Braille and tactile text.
    • Lifts and Stairways: Signs must be present at lifts and stairways to indicate floor levels and provide essential directions.
    • Evacuation Routes and Emergency Exits: Emergency exit routes, doors, and emergency information should have Braille and tactile signage for ease of access in emergencies.
  2. Commercial and Office Buildings
    • Shared and Common Spaces: In commercial buildings with multiple tenancies or spaces, Braille and tactile signs are required to mark entrances, shared amenities, and wayfinding points.
    • Reception and Information Points: Signs at main reception desks and information points should have tactile and Braille information for orientation and navigation assistance.
  3. Educational Institutions
    • Schools, Universities, and TAFEs: These institutions must provide Braille and tactile signage to guide students and visitors with vision impairments, covering entrances, exits, toilets, classrooms, and evacuation points.
  4. Healthcare Facilities
    • Hospitals, Clinics, and Aged Care: These facilities require tactile and Braille signs at key points, including patient rooms, common areas, restrooms, and emergency exits, to ensure accessible navigation.
  5. Transport Facilities
    • Bus and Train Stations, Airports: Signage with Braille and tactile information is required for wayfinding, ticketing, and emergency exits, making public transportation accessible to everyone.
  6. Hotels and Accommodation
    • Rooms and Facilities: Braille and tactile signs are required for room numbers, common amenities, and emergency exit information within hotels and other accommodations.

Signage Specifications

The NCC outlines specific requirements for the positioning, size, height, and design of Braille and tactile signs to ensure they are easily accessible. For example:

  • Braille and tactile signs must be mounted at a height between 1200mm and 1600mm.
  • Signs should have high contrast and non-reflective surfaces.

These standards and codes ensure inclusivity, safety, and ease of navigation for individuals with vision impairments across a wide range of public and private spaces in Australia.

In Australia, there are a few organizations and platforms that focus on Braille and accessibility for people with vision impairments. Here are some resources where you can find Braille blogs or Braille-related content specific to Australia:

  1. Vision Australia
    • About: Vision Australia is one of the leading organizations in Australia for supporting people with vision impairment. Their blog covers Braille-related topics, accessibility technology, community stories, and advocacy.
    • Website: www.visionaustralia.org 
  2. Blind Citizens Australia (BCA)
    • About: BCA shares articles and updates related to the blind and low-vision community in Australia, including issues on Braille literacy, accessible technology, and inclusion.
    • Website: Blind Citizens Australia
  3. Guide Dogs Australia Blog
    • About: Guide Dogs Australia provides resources, personal stories, and information on accessibility, which sometimes includes Braille and tactile learning content.
    • Website: Guide Dogs Australia
  4. Australian Braille Authority (ABA) via Round Table on Information Access for People with Print Disabilities
    • About: The ABA is part of the Round Table and works on standards and advocacy for Braille in Australia. Their publications and updates include Braille developments and discussions within Australia.
    • Website: Australian Braille Authority
  5. Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children (RIDBC)
    • About: Now part of NextSense, RIDBC provides updates, resources, and blog articles about Braille and accessible learning for children with vision impairments in Australia.
    • Website: www.nextsense.org.au
  6. Social Media and Advocacy Groups
    • Platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook have Australian groups and advocates for accessibility who share Braille-related blog posts, technology updates, and events.

These resources should help you stay updated on Braille advancements, community initiatives, and personal stories within the Australian context.

In Australia, general Braille toilet signs are typically not GST-free. For a product to qualify as GST-free, it generally must be a specific aid, appliance, or piece of equipment designed for people with a disability. However, Braille toilet signs are considered standard signage required for accessibility compliance in public spaces rather than specialized aids solely for individuals with disabilities.

Under Australian GST law, signs used for general accessibility purposes, such as Braille toilet signs, do not fall into the same category as personal aids or appliances that are GST-free. Therefore, they are generally subject to GST.

For confirmation based on specific circumstances, it’s recommended to consult the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) or a tax professional, as GST exemptions can be nuanced and subject to specific regulatory interpretations.

Fabrication
  1. OPTIMISED
    A range exclusive to Visualise that is produced right here in our Australian manufacturing facility. Optimise Braille & Tactile Signs are uniquely printed braille products that offer quality & value for money without sacrificing conformity to the requirements of the Building Code of Australia D3.6 & Australian Standards AS1428.1. They are a great alternative to stainless steel insert braille. Optimise products are 3D printed, available in standard designs and come with a graffiti-resistant coating to increase durability & longevity.  

Examples:

  1. VISUALISE – Acrylic
    Optimise, Visualise’s exclusive Australian-made range, offers quality braille and tactile signs that meet Australian Standards AS1428.1 and BCA D3.6. They provide a durable, cost-effective alternative to stainless steel insert braille, available in standard and custom designs with a graffiti-resistant coating for longevity. This product is only available when stock is available.

    Examples:
  1. Statutory Signs – Acrylic
    See our examples below:

Danger Signs

 

Door Signs

 

Emergency & First Aid

 

Exit Signs

 

Fire Safety

 

Mandatory

 

Prohibition

 

Warning

 

Hazchem

We use Machship for your delivery. If all your products are in stock online, once you place your order it will take 3-5 business days depending on your delivery location. If any of your products are on back order it normally takes 10 business days and up to 15 business days, depending on delivery address. Products in stock and on back order will be despatched together.

With Machship live tracking updates will be delivered to you via email, with consistency regardless of underlying carrier.

About Braille

The history of Braille begins with its inventor, Louis Braille, and traces its development from a military communication tool to a globally recognized literacy system for people with visual impairments.

Early Inspiration: Night Writing
The origins of Braille can be traced back to night writing, a system developed in the early 1800s by Charles Barbier, a French Army officer. Barbier designed night writing as a way for soldiers to communicate silently and read messages in the dark. It used raised dots and dashes arranged in a grid, but it was complex, bulky, and difficult to use effectively. Nevertheless, the system sparked interest in its potential as a tactile reading method.

Louis Braille’s Contribution
Louis Braille was born in 1809 in Coupvray, France. At the age of three, he lost his sight due to an eye injury. Later, he attended the Royal Institute for Blind Youth in Paris, one of the world’s first schools for blind children. Here, he encountered Barbier’s night writing system, which was being tested as a way for blind students to read. Though it had promise, Louis found it too complex, and by age 15, he began adapting and simplifying it.

In 1824, Louis Braille created his own system. He used a six-dot cell instead of Barbier’s twelve-dot code, allowing for a more streamlined and easy-to-read format. Each character in Braille could be represented with various combinations of six dots, arranged in a cell that could fit under the fingertip, making it easier and faster to read by touch. Louis also created Braille codes for mathematics and music, making it a versatile system for education and communication.

Braille’s Spread and Recognition
Initially, Braille’s system faced resistance, even at the Royal Institute, where officials continued to prefer embossed print for blind students. But blind students quickly saw its potential and championed its use. By the late 19th century, Braille began gaining acceptance as the preferred reading and writing method for the blind in France and eventually spread to other parts of Europe and North America.

The international adoption of Braille gained momentum in the early 20th century, and by 1932, a standardized version of English Braille was established in the United Kingdom and the United States. Different Braille codes were later developed for various languages, and modifications were introduced for fields like mathematics, science, and music.

Modern-Day Braille
Today, Braille is recognized worldwide and adapted for nearly every language. Advances in technology have expanded access to Braille through refreshable Braille displays, electronic Braille notetakers, and Braille printers. While modern technology such as audiobooks and screen readers offer additional ways for people with visual impairments to access information, Braille remains crucial for literacy and independence.

Louis Braille’s invention transformed literacy for the blind, offering a system that supports education, employment, and social inclusion for millions around the world.

Yes, Braille exists in many different languages! The Braille system has been adapted to accommodate nearly every major language worldwide, each with unique characters, grammar, and sounds. Although the core six-dot cell system remains the same, specific dot combinations vary depending on the language and its writing system.

Some Examples of Braille in Different Languages

  1. English Braille – Used widely across English-speaking countries, with standardized codes for literary, mathematical, and technical texts.
  2. French Braille – Based on the original system created by Louis Braille, it has adaptations for French accents and unique letters.
  3. Arabic Braille – Uses dots to represent the Arabic alphabet and includes symbols for short vowels, which are essential in Arabic.
  4. Japanese Braille – Known as tenji, it represents the phonetic syllables of Japanese kana (hiragana and katakana) and differs significantly from alphabet-based Braille.
  5. Chinese Braille – Has two main versions: one phonetically based on Pinyin (Mandarin romanization) and one based on a set of dot patterns for common Chinese characters.
  6. Russian Braille – Adapts to the Cyrillic alphabet, using the six-dot cell to represent the distinct letters and sounds of Russian.
  7. Korean Braille – Follows a phonetic approach that represents the syllables and phonemes of the Korean Hangul alphabet.

Braille Codes for Specialized Content

To ensure access to all forms of text, Braille has specialized codes, like:

  • Nemeth Code for mathematical and scientific notation (English Braille).
  • Music Braille for reading and writing music notation.
  • Computer Braille for coding, where each ASCII character is represented.

Standardization Efforts

The Unified English Braille (UEB) system was introduced to standardize Braille across English-speaking countries, making it easier to share texts globally. Other languages have similar standardization initiatives, allowing for greater consistency and easier learning across regions.

Each adaptation of Braille provides accessible reading and writing tools tailored to the language, making literacy more inclusive worldwide.

  1. Australian Standards (AS)
    • Topic: Specifications for Braille and tactile signs, tactile text size, ambulant toilet signage, and accessible toilet requirements.
    • Resource: Standards Australia publishes AS 1428.1-2009 Design for Access and Mobility and AS 1428.4.1-2009 Tactile Indicators, which detail design, installation, and compliance requirements.
    • Access: These standards can be purchased or accessed through Standards Australia or subscribed to via libraries and technical institutes.
  2. National Construction Code (NCC)
    • Topic: Building code requirements for Braille and tactile signs, ambulant and accessible toilets, and general accessibility.
    • Resource: The NCC, updated by the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB), provides mandatory building regulations, including those covering accessibility features and signage.
    • Website: Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) – NCC
  3. Disability (Access to Premises – Buildings) Standards 2010
    • Topic: Legal standards for accessible signage in public and commercial buildings.
    • Resource: These standards under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 outline accessibility requirements, including signage for various facilities. They align closely with the NCC and AS 1428 standards.
    • Website: ComLaw – Federal Register of Legislation
  4. Vision Australia and Other Accessibility Organizations
    • Topic: Practical advice on creating accessible environments, including Braille and tactile signage.
    • Resource: Vision Australia offers guidance and resources for accessible signage and building features that cater to people with vision impairments.
    • Website: Vision Australia
  5. Local Government or Building Authority
    • Topic: Regional guidance on compliance for Braille and tactile signage in public and commercial buildings.
    • Resource: Your local council or building authority may provide information specific to your region, especially regarding building inspections and accessible signage requirements.
    • Contact: Visit your local government website or contact them directly for details.

These resources will help you ensure compliance, accessibility, and inclusivity in your designs and installations. If you have specific questions, consulting an accessibility expert or building code consultant can also provide valuable guidance.

In buildings required to be accessible, braille & tactile signs must identify

  • each sanitary facility (except a sanitary facility within a sole-occupancy unit in a Class 1b or 3 building)
  • each ambulant accessible accessible facility
  • each space with a hearing augmentation system
  • each door required by NCC E4.5 indicating the words “Exit” and “Level” followed by the level number
  • where a pedestrian entrance is not accessible, signage must be provided to direct a person to the nearest accessible entrance
  • where a bank of sanitary facilities does not include an accessible facility, signage must be provided to direct a person to the nearest unisex accessible facility.

More detailed information can be sourced about the Australian Building Code Board / National Construction Code Sections D3.6 and E4.5 from www.abcb.gov.au

Visualise Braille and tactile signs are designed for installation using a self adhesive backing. This installation method eliminates the presence of screw or bolt heads on the face of the sign. An optional screw-on backing plate is available for installation onto rough or irregular surfaces – simply screw the backing plate to the wall, then adhere the sign to the backing plate. While Visualise Braille and tactile signs conform to the relevant Standards and Codes, they must be installed in the correct location for full compliance. The Building Code of Australia (D3.6) states:
  • Signs must be installed between 1200mm and 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.
Signs identifying rooms containing facilities or 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 on the door.
Exit Level # signs identifying a door required by E4.5 must be installed:
  1. on the side that faces a person seeking egress, and
  2. 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,
  3. if installation (2.) is not possible, the sign may be placed on the door.
Download Installation Guide

Signage for an Ambulant Facility must be located on the door of the facility.

LH or RH Transfer? How do I tell?

The Australian Standards AS 1428. 1 state “Signs for unisex accessible facilities shall be provided with the letters LH or RH to indicate a left-hand or fight-hand transfer onto the WC plan.”

The illustration below show the signs that would be required for each facility.

LH or RH Transfer

Download Installation Guide

Tactile text must be between minimum 15mm and maximum 55mm, except…

  • minimum 20mm for “Exit Level” signs required by ABCB / NCC E4.5   [ref ABCB Spec D3.6, 3(b)(i)]
  • minimum 20mm for “Unisex Accessible Toilet” signs   [ref Australian Standards AS 1428.1-2009 (Amd 1, Nov 2010) 8.1 (a) (ii)]

Please note that the text height is measured by a capital M.

Signs containing Braille and well as other components, eg tactile text & symbols are not GST free, see this link from the ATO.

Signs containing only Braille, (without non-braille components) are GST free, see this link from the ATO.

From February 2015 the Australian Building Codes Board will offer the NCC 2015 as a free download. See www.abcb.gov.au

The Australian Standards AS1428.1 is available for purchase from SAI Global.

Guidelines on application of the Premises Standards are available from The Australian Human Rights Commission.

Optimise Braille & Tactile Signs, exclusive to Visualise, are cost-effective, high-quality braille signs 3D printed in Australia. They are durable, feature graffiti-resistant coating for enhanced durability, and comply with Australian building standards.
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