How Are Detectable Warning Tiles Changing the Footpath?
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 certifies and approves products that support disabled persons like ADA approved detectable warning tiles that are nowadays used on the footpath, reception, and other access areas.
Let’s see what are detectable tiles
These are broad tiles used for making walking areas like footpaths. But they are made slightly different from the regular flooring material. The tiles are made detectable by increasing their width or by making spikes on the stone pieces. The objective is to warn visually impaired pedestrians. Also, the spiked flooring warns the pedestrians that remain glued to their mobiles while walking.
ADA approved detectable warning tiles are used for creating waring signs. For example, take corners of footpaths. If someone reaches the corner, the pedestrian could fall down from the footpath or collide with a solid surface like a wall. But he will get alert as soon as he steps on a thicker surface or on spiked stone pieces. He will instantly get the alert sign.
A warning tile sends an alert signal so the pedestrians can stop walking and check their surroundings before taking further steps. In this way, these tiles can help prevent accidents. Also, they boost the walking speed of pedestrians. People can maintain a good speed while walking because the warning tiles won’t let them meet a slip and fall accident or collide with others.
Let’s discuss the places where warning tiles are used
1. On entrance
ADA approved detectable warning tiles are used at the entrance of buildings. Visually impaired pedestrians can easily enter buildings with the help of these tiles. As soon as they step on an etched surface, they understand that they are about to enter the building. They get alert and take calculated steps to find their way.
2. Reception area
The reception area of a hotel or hospital can be designed using warning tiles. For example, visually impaired people can follow keep walking on the etched floor to reach the front office where they can deal with the front office staff. In this way, these warning tiles are helping people in accessing medical facilities.
3. Before stairs and escalators
Before you climb stairs, you need to balance your body and it is possible only when you stop for a while. Visually impaired people have difficulty seeing stairs. But they can feel warning tiles. As soon as they step on a thick surface, they understand that there could be stairs ahead. Similarly, ADA approved detectable warning tiles are used before escalators.
4. Wet areas
Footpaths that get wet in the rainy season can be covered with warning tiles so the pedestrians don’t get skid on the wet footpath. They can walk safely over the etched tiles. In this way, they can remain safe.
Final Thoughts
ADA approved detectable warning tiles are helping pedestrians in safe walking. Or it can also be said that they have made footpaths a safer place for visually impaired people. Another advantage of these tiles is that they are easy to install and replace.
