A Bit About Tactile and Braille Signs
By Daye Salander
Tactile and Braille signs are referred to when a multi-family housing unit, whether a condo or an apartment building, needs to be compliant with the American Disabilities Act (ADA). Keep in mind that whenever a building is renovated or is new construction, the developer is required to bring the building up to the current sign code.
Tactile refers to raised lettering on a sign face. The ADA specifies that the copy needs to be 1/32” thick and must contrast with the background of the sign. The copy needs to be a minimum of 5/8” tall although many inspectors ask for a full inch. The material that is the standard is a modified acrylic.
Most of us are familiar with Braille although you will run across what is referred to as Grade 2 Braille. Grade 2 Braille is basically a shorthand Braille and is what is required to meet ADA requirements.
As to where and when tactile and Braille are required gets a bit more murky. There are federal, state, and city standards and those standards are open to interpretation by each inspector. The inspector responsible for making sure a building is ADA compliant, including signage, is the fire inspector. Your first step is to always check with your fire inspector on what is going to be required.
A general rule to tactile and Braille signs is as follows:
If unit door has interior access, then the entry should sport a tactile and Braille unit sign. All interior doors, including stairwell entrances, should also have tactile and Braille signage.
In each enclosed, interior stairwell, a 12” x 12” sign is placed on each landing which indicates the stairwell number, whether it has roof access, the range of the stairwell, along with a 5” number that indicates the floor one is currently on. This sign is done completely in tactile and Braille.
Of course, all public restrooms must have a tactile and Braille sign which also includes symbols which indicate what type of restroom it is and whether it is wheelchair accessible.
There is one other point that is very important to remember when it comes to tactile and Braille signs – they NEVER get installed on the door itself. They are installed on the latch side of the door – 5’ O.C. from floor and 3” off the jamb.
The tactile and Braille issue, although not clear cut in any case, if the general rules are followed, you should have little problem. Remember, though, to work with your fire inspector because in the end, it is that person that will have the last say on you signs and what will be required.
Interested in how Roday can take the hassle out of the sign code project or you have a question we can help with? Give us a call today at 425.397.8885 or contat us via email.
