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FAQs DTAC®

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Select and specify a DTAC® Tactile Ground Surface Indicator for your project.

ABOUT

What are Tactile Indicators?

DTAC® Tactile Indicators are a series of organised raised dots, installed on pedestrian surfaces that assist the orientation of people who are blind or vision impaired. This is designed to aid people negotiate the built environment in a dignified manner.

Felt under foot or by cane, DTAC Tactile Indicators alert the vision impaired, where they are, where they are going, and where they have been.

Why do you need Tactile Indicators?

As Australia's aging population continues to grow it is estimated that the number of people with vision impairment will double. Forward planning by Regulatory bodies such as, The Building Code of Australia (BCA), Australian and New Zealand Standards (AS/NZS) and The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA), have determined a mandatory Code of Practice for the inclusion of Tactile Indicators to assist the criteria in all new built environments.

Where are Tactile Indicators required?

According to the Australian and New Zealand Standard 1428.4:2002 Tactile Indicators are required to be installed to an approaching hazard or change of direction along a path of travel, such as a footpath, passageway, walkway, ramp, stairs, landing or similar.

Where do I place DTAC® Tactile Indicators?

When approaching a hazard or where there is a change in direction along a path of travel, such as a footpath, passageway, walkway, ramp, stairs, landing or similar.

What types of DTAC® Tactile Indicators are there?

The MAX and Heritage range comprises 2 designs of tactile, the classic (smooth side face) and the ribbed (terraced side face). Within those 2 designs is an engraved concentric circle top style and a 3M Black Safety-Walk style. DTAC's are also available in both discreet (single unit) and integrated (multi-unit tile) formats.

What materials are DTAC Tactile Indicators made from?

There are 3 materials that tactile indicators are made from, 316 marine grade stainless steel, extrude brass and bronze. If there are any materials that you require tactiles to be made from, contact DTAC® to dicuss making them to order.

How long will DTAC® Tactile Indicators last?

Dependant on where the tactiles are placed and under normal pedestrian foot traffic circumstances, DTAC®s will last in excess of 10 years.

How can I get a sample of DTAC® Tactile Indicators?

Use our contact form to request samples of the products you require.

INSTALLATION

How are DTAC® Tactile Indicators installed?

DTAC® Tactile Indicators are directly fixed to any new or existing, stable surface or substrate, without excavation or disruption to either the design or building construction. This is achieved through a unique patent pending retrofitting process that creates a chemical and mechanical bonding in a matter of hours.

What surfaces can they be installed onto?

The substrates that tactiles can be installed onto are ceramic tile, vitrified tile, glass, granite, travitine, steel, brick, concrete, screed, epoxy, limestone, sandstone, paver, slate tile, timber, carpet, parquetry, vitrified porcelain, carpet tiles, vinyl and masonry.

Can DTAC® Tactile Indicators be installed outside?

Yes. DTAC® TGSI's are made from 316 marine grade stainless steel and can therefore withstand the toughest weather conditions and high pedestrian traffic in public places.

Who can install DTAC® Tactile Indicators?

We can install the tactiles (our installers), or you can, dependant on what tactile has been ordered and onto what substrate it is going to be applied.

Do you supply and install DTAC® Tactile Indicators?

Yes, we do both the supply and installation. Contact DTAC® to find out more.

Can I install DTAC® Tactile Indicators?

That is dependant on what type of tactile you are laying and onto what substrate it is going to be applied.

How quickly can I get DTAC® Tactile Indicators?

Within 24 hours from the time the order is placed.

Do DTAC® installers work weekends and after hours?

Yes. DTAC® Installers can work around the clock, seven days a week.

How quickly can I get an authorised DTAC® installer?

DTAC® installers are able to mobilise within 24 to 48hrs notice project specific.

Does DTAC® have unionised labour?

Yes. DTAC® Products are installed by fully unionised contracted labour working to strict DTAC® Product installation guidelines.

SPECIFYING

How do I specify DTAC® Tactile Indicators on my project?

Refer to the DTAC® product section to specify our product.

How do I get a quote for my project?

Use the contact page or phone us on +61 (0)3 9553 1799.

A quote should contain the following information:

  • Project name
  • Project location
  • Is the project unionised
  • Dimensions of the area that tactiles are required
  • Substrate type
  • Substrate colour
  • Whether the substrate is sealed or unsealed

What are DTAC®s trading terms?

DTAC® requires a 50% deposit on the date the order is placed and the balance to be paid 10 days after the issue of the invoice.

GUARANTEE

Are DTAC® Tactile Indicators guaranteed?

DTAC® and 3M will guarantee their products when both the straight forward installation processes are followed and implemented as recommended in the DTAC®/3M Installation Manuals.

What period does the guarantee cover?

The DTAC® product is guaranteed for 10 years and the installation is guaranteed for two years, under normal foot traffic conditions.

SAFETY STANDARDS

Do DTAC® Tactile Indicators comply with the Building Code of Australia?

In Australia we meet and exceed the slip resistance requirements and in New Zealand we meet and exceed the standard.

Do DTAC® Tactile Indicators comply with Australian and New Zealand Standards?

In Australia we meet and exceed the slip resistance requirements and in New Zealand we meet and exceed the standard.

Are DTAC® Tactile Indicators a tripping hazard?

No. Tactile indicators may appear to be a hazard, however a 45° bevelled edge has been incorporated into their design to prevent the tactile from becoming a potential tripping hazard.

Have DTAC® Tactile Indicators been independently tested?

Yes. All DTAC® independent tests have been conducted by the CSIRO and are available on request.

Which tests have DTAC® conducted?

TEST
AS/NZS 4586:1999 Appendix A
TYPE
Wet Pendulum 4S & TRRL Slider
TEST
AS/NZS 4586:1999 Appendix C
TYPE
Wet / Barefoot Ramp Test
TEST
AS/NZS 4586:1999 Appendix D
TYPE
Oil / Wet Ramp Test
TEST
AS/NZS 1428.4:2002 Appendix F
TYPE
Luminance Test

MORE INFORMATION

Can't find what you are looking for? Try our Tactile Ground Surface Indicator (TGSI) FAQs.

If you still can't find the information you require, please register your query by using our contact form.