Traversing stairs can be dangerous for individuals, especially those with visual impairments. How would one detect a shift in level without risking their life? Detectable warning tiles, also known as truncated domes, work to inform pedestrians before trekking the stairs. The circular bumps on top of tactile warning surfaces indicate individuals to pause, avoiding tripping or falling.

In this blog, we will discuss why stairs would benefit from detectable warning tiles and how they can improve safety and accessibility for everyone.

1. Increased Safety

The primary purpose of detectable warning tiles is to increase safety on stairs and other areas. These tiles provide a tactile warning to individuals with visual impairments, helping them avoid tripping or falling on the stairs. This increased safety protects not only individuals with disabilities but also those who may be carrying heavy items or walking with their eyes focused elsewhere. 

Detectable warning tiles can also reduce the risk of slips, trips, and falls for individuals who are not visually impaired. This is because the tiles provide a clear and recognizable surface change, making it easier for the public to navigate stairs safely.

2. Improved Accessibility

Detectable warning tiles can also improve accessibility for individuals with disabilities. Stairs can be a particularly challenging environment for individuals with mobility impairments or those who use wheelchairs.

Installing detectable warning tiles can help alert these individuals of a change in surface level, making it easier for them to navigate the stairs safely. With better accessibility comes a more inclusive environment for everyone, making it easier for individuals with disabilities to access different levels of a building.

3. Compliance with Standards

In many regions, installing detectable warning tiles is a requirement of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other accessibility standards. Therefore, building owners who want to ensure that their stairs are accessible to individuals with disabilities must comply with these standards. 

Installing detectable warning tiles on stairs and other areas can help building owners meet these requirements, ensuring anyone can access their stairwells.

4. Enhanced Aesthetic

Detectable warning tiles come in various colors and designs, making it easy to choose a look that complements the surrounding environment. This can enhance the stairs' aesthetic and create a more attractive environment for everyone.

Building owners who want to improve the look of their stairs can choose detectable warning tiles that match the color of the surrounding surface, making them blend in seamlessly. Alternatively, they can choose tiles in a contrasting color to create a more striking visual effect.

5. Durability

Detectable warning tiles are made from high-quality materials, making them durable and long-lasting. This means that building owners can be confident that the tiles will remain in place for many years, providing a clear and recognizable surface change for individuals with visual impairments.

The tiles are also resistant to wear and tear, meaning they will not become damaged over time, even with heavy foot traffic.

In conclusion, installing detectable warning tiles on stairs and other areas can benefit building owners and individuals with disabilities. You can help in increasing safety, improving accessibility, and enhancing the daily experience for individuals with disabilities by making the stairs of your building safer and more accessible for everyone.

At StrongGo, we manufacture high-performing TekWay ADA-compliant High-Performance Detectable Warning Systems for the general public, including buildings with staircase landings like shops, restaurants, hotels, museums, and more. Contact us today to learn more about installing advanced ADA-compliant tiles in your facility by emailing csd@stronggo.com.

Sources:

https://www.ada.gov/law-and-regs/design-standards/1991-design-standards

https://www.stronggo.com/blog/where-are-detectable-warnings-required-us-law

https://www.stronggo.com/blog/public-areas-need-be-ada-compliant