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Why Should Contractors Install Code-Compliant Tactile Warning Plates?


As a contractor, it's your responsibility to safeguard the facility from life-threatening accidents and mishaps. Making the facility easily accessible for people is the top priority of contractors. And, this is where the tactile walking surface indicators like the Tactile Warning Plates come to the rescue of contractors. Tactile walking surface indicators are built into or applied to the walking surfaces for warning pedestrians about the potential hazards. Tactile warning indicators help visually impaired people by making it easy for them to identify and understand the built environment. The TWSI's give warning signals to visually impaired people through their contact by foot or cane with the ground surface.


Tactile plates are the tactile surface indicators that contractors can install on the sidewalks, stairs, and platforms to assist people with visual impairment.  But, before installing the TWSI, contractors must be aware of the project specifications, the need for installing the tactile indicators, and the essential code compliance.

Need for Installing Tactile Plates

According to legislation, contractors must install code-compliant tactile warning indicators in their projects.  If the general public uses the facility or has access through it, contractors must provide safe access to the public, especially the visually impaired, and this is where the tactile warning strips come to the rescue of contractors. Detectable warning plates make the transition from pedestrian route to roadway and also give warning signals to pedestrians to protect them for the potential hazards. Contractors must get one fact right that the installation of code-compliant detectable warning plates is essential for meeting the project requirements and for complying with the legal laws.


Project Requirements

Before installing the tactile indicators in their project, contractors have to take the project specifications into account. Not every tactile solution is the perfect fit for your project. Depending on the area of application, the choice for the tactile solution will be wary. There are specific tactile indicators that are meant for the outside, and some are meant for the inside applications. Also, while choosing the tactile indicators, contractors have to ensure that they are easy to install and meet the installation guidelines to reduce the risk of disapproval from the project inspector. Also, contractors have to take the size and radius of the warning plates into account before going for the installation.

Compliance With the Code Standards

To meet the project requirements, contractors have to ensure that the tactile warning plates meet all the provincial and national code standards and building codes. Also, the warning Plates must be color compliant and pass the rigorous test requirements. Contractors must follow the installation guidelines before installing the TWSI’s to prevent deviations from the required code standards.

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