What are the guidelines for placement of tactile ground surface indicators?

The Tactile Ground Surface Indicator (TGSI) is a tool for blind or visually impaired equipment made in Japan. When it comes to installing this technology, numerous countries attempted to emulate the Japanese method.

A survey was carried out in 16 countries and 1 region, including 5 countries in Europe, 2 countries in Pan America, 2 countries in Oceania, 7 countries in Asia, and 1 region utilizing fieldwork for detecting barrier-free to see how well or poorly the TGSI were placed.

The TGSI were located all over the metropolitan regions of the leading cities in Asia, and primarily near rail stations and railway stations in Europe, Pan-America, and Oceania, according to the results of the survey. However, we discovered that some TGSI were installed incorrectly around the world, including the same mistakes that were discovered in Japan, such as the lack of warning blocks at the point where guide blocks crossed each other, or the TGSI being installed improperly so that people in wheelchairs felt barriers.

Locations with the highest priority

TGSI’s will be installed when needed in connection with new infrastructure as well as a retrofit program for existing infrastructure.

TGSI’s will be installed first in places with a high volume of pedestrian traffic and where people with vision impairment are likely to congregate. These are some of the areas:

• Centers for activities
• Stops for public transportation
• Pedestrian crossings
• Schools for children with special needs.

Furthermore, we discovered that the TGSI’s intermixed style of installation by Japanese rule and its particular rule in a specific country had made it difficult for those who are blind or visually impaired to use them.

A statement was reached that a globally standardized handbook should be published to standardize how the TGSI is installed for everyone. Various groups of individuals who are blind or visually impaired from all over the world have requested the creation of a guideline for installing the TGSI, and the thorough results of this study studied in many countries can be very useful data for developing a guideline. Because all associated organs around the world, such as government agencies, self-governing bodies, welfare parties, and contractors, follow the same guidelines, all countries can correctly implement the TGSI.

Checklist for putting up tactile indicators

Remove any existing vegetation before installing indicators on a clean surface.To avoid creating a trip hazard, make sure tactile indications are flat with the surrounding surface.
Install warning indicators at least 300mm from the curb’s face to provide pedestrians enough time to halt before crossing.Install the warning indicators so that people walk towards the sidewalk ramps on the opposite side of the road.Install warning signs along the entire length of the curb that has been dropped.When other signals are present, utilize directional indicators just to move people away from the continuous accessible channel of travel.

Evaluation of the places

Infrastructure should be developed to limit the requirement for TGSI’s whenever possible while not risking the needs of other users.

The Road Safety Rules establish pedestrian priority at vehicle crossings and car park entrances. TGSI’s on vehicle crossings and car parks shall be confined to high-volume public parking  in activity centers that meet the following requirements to minimize confusion between the drivers and pedestrians regarding priority:

• A building or a wall is blocking the driver’s view of a pedestrian, and
• The automotive crossing is designed to function as an unofficial roadway.

When a vehicle’s visibility is blocked by a building or wall while traveling at 10 km/h, the driver will be considered unable to safely avoid hitting a pedestrian when exiting the parking lot. A driver’s ability to avoid a collision can be assessed by comparing features on the subject site below.

Tactile ground surface indications make it easier for those with vision impairments to move around safely. They were invented in Japan in 1965 and have since spread to other countries throughout the world. Tactile ground surface indicators are thought to be the most effective solutions for guiding people with an impaired vision since they may be used with almost no alteration to their regular walking style and because the cost of installation is inexpensive. Tactile ground surface indicators are installed in Japan by municipal legislation and the Guidelines for Installation of Tactile Ground Surface Indicators for the Visually Impaired and Commentary from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism.

There are two types of tactile ground surface indicators: warning blocks that signal the location of hazards or destination facilities, and directional blocks that show the route direction. Internationally, standards vary, with some countries employing Japanese-style regulations and blocks and others employing their norms and country-specific blocks.

Step-by-Step Guidelines

Place the tile and draw a border around it.Drill holes for the screws.Insert the securing plugsScrub the concrete section lightly (If required)Clean the tile and remove any trash.Apply the Adhesive  Assemble and Install Tile Using the included fixings, secure the tile to the ground.

It is the installer’s responsibility to guarantee that the right PPE is worn and that all necessary safety procedures are followed. Tactile Ground Surface Indicators must be placed in their proper locations. Depending on the surface, different installation techniques may be required.

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