Good and clear signage is essential to promote access to all people within the work environment. This is particularly important for people with disability including vision impairment, hearing impairment, cognitive or intellectual disability.
Signage with large print and reflective contrast is essential for people with vision impairment. Other factors to be considered include:
- the correct use of luminance contrast and the consideration of the sign colours
- the location of the sign so it is mounted within the required height range
- the correct use of clear font style, such as Arial or Helvetica medium, and font size
- the provision of good lighting with minimal glare.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
It is important that signs installed in the work environment meet the signage requirements of the Building Code of Australia, Access to premises guidelines and the Australian Standards. The Building Code of Australia, D3.6 outlines the identification requirements to accessible facilities and services, and the Australian Standard, AS1428.1 outlines the technical details regarding the sign design, dimensions and symbols used.
Other sources that may be useful when considering safe navigation in the workplace can be found at the following links:
References
ABCB 2011, The Building Code of Australia, Australian Building Codes Board, Canberra, viewed 25 November 2011, http://www.abcb.gov.au/en/about-the-national-construction-code/the-building-code-of-australia.
Australian Human Rights Commission 2011, Access to buildings and services: Guidelines and information, Australian Human Rights Commission, Sydney, viewed 25 November 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 25 November 2011, http://www.hreoc.gov.au/disability_rights/buildings/access_to_premises.html.
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.