The installation of coloured floor edging can improve the accessibility and safety for people who are blind or have low vision. Contrasting floor edges can assist people to maintain a straight direction of travel and aid orientation.
Luminance contrast can be more effective to enhance vision than colour contrast alone. The luminance contrast is the difference between the light and dark properties of two surfaces, and colour contrast defines the difference between the colours of two different surfaces. Luminance and colour contrast can be applied to skirting boards, edges of steps and other floor areas to improve visibility. The same principles can be applied to doorways, handrails, signs and other areas of common use.
Tactile surface indicators with different textures can also be used to enhance safety for people with low vision. They are commonly applied to stairs, ramps and walkways.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
It is vitally important that workplaces provide safe accessibility to areas for people with disability. For people with vision impairment, coloured floor edging will help guide them in the correct direction.
Practical applications of coloured floor edging in the workplace can include:
- using contrasting skirting boards to floor and wall colours
- use grass edges or different textured surfaces on pathways
- avoid high gloss finishes on floors as they can produce glare and be a slip hazard
- avoid busy floor patterns
- change floor textures and contrasts at specific areas to indicate intersections, entrances, or new areas
- apply contrast to the door frames and door handles
- use light matt ceiling colours to maximise visibility
- safety yellow strips, tactile surface indicators and stair nosings can assist with stair safety.
For more information on providing safe navigation at work, please see the following links:
References
Australian Human Rights Commission 2011, Access to buildings and services: Guidelines and information, Australian Human Rights Commission, Sydney, viewed 2 March 2011, http://www.hreoc.gov.au/disability_rights/buildings/guidelines.htm
Australian Human Rights Commission 2011, Access to premises, Australian Human Rights Commission, Sydney, viewed 2 March 2011, http://www.hreoc.gov.au/disability_rights/buildings/access_to_premises.html
Australian Human Rights Commission 2011, The good, the bad and the ugly: Design and construction for access, Australian Human Rights Commission, Sydney, viewed 2 March 2011, http://www.humanrights.gov.au/disability_rights/buildings/good.htm
Standards Australia 2001, AS 1428.1, Design for access and mobility, Part 1: General requirements for access—New building work, Standards Australia, Sydney.
Standards Australia 1992, AS 1428.2, Design for access and mobility, Part 2: Enhanced & additional requirements—Building facilities, Standards Australia, Sydney.
Vision Australia 2010, Accessible Design for Public Buildings, Vision Australia, Enfield, viewed 2 March 2011,
http://www.visionaustralia.org.au/info.aspx?page=721#Floor