Product category:
Floors
News Release from: Gradus Group | Subject: Stair edging inserts
Edited by the Buildingtalk Editorial
Team on 25 April 2005
Stair edging inserts - a hazard not a
warning
Technical advice from Gradus on what stair edging products comply with DDA (1995) and ADM (2004).
Following a significant increase in customer requests to receive technical advice on what stair edging products comply with DDA (1995) and ADM (2004), Gradus believes there is still a great deal of confusion in the marketplace and an urgent need for clarification; with regard to the use of hazard warning (and sharks tooth) inserts in stair edgings Commenting on the trend, Lynette Bowden, Marketing Manager of Gradus Accessories said: "It appears that there is still a common misconception in the marketplace that stair edgings with hazard warning inserts can provide a suitable colour and visual contrast to the surrounding floorcovering"
This article was originally published on Buildingtalk on 8 May 2006 at 8.00am (UK)
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"We discontinued our hazard warning insert products last year because they were unable to comply with ADM guidelines, but we still feel that we need to! go one step further and help clarify this issue".
To offer clarity and guidance, ADM 2004 refers directly to: * Colour, contrast and perception.
* Design guidance for internal built environments.
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* (Project Rainbow) for information on visual contrast and Project Rainbow recommends that: Contrast should be provided by the use of a single line across and around the nosing.
Patterned highlighting, especially of the "sharks tooth" variety should be avoided, as it can mimic the visual image experienced by some visually impaired people and lead to confusing, conflicting messages.
In addition, BS8300:2001 refers to 'a design guide for the use of colour and contrast to improve the built environment for visually impaired people', which states that: Stair nosings in single solid colour, which contrasts with the colour of the stairs should be used.
Furthermore, experts in the field, including the Joint Mobility Unit Access Partnership and The Department for Transport in their Guidance on Rail Vehicle Accessibility, cite: - Sharks tooth, due to its patterned design, can make the edge of the step difficult to locate.
- Patterned highlighting, especially that of the sharks tooth variety should be discouraged, since the effective contrast is reduced and in some cases, the dark and light across the visual field can stimulate the same picture that some eye conditions create.
Gradus also warns specifiers and contractors of the concerns associated with installing photoluminescent inserts.
The product is often mis-specified as customers think that by specifying and installing photoluminescent inserts they will provide superior definition of step edges.
This is only the case in temporary dark conditions, if the correct light has been used.
Under normal light conditions, photoluminescent inserts often do not provide suitable colour contrast and are an expensive option.
A preferred and more cost effective solution would be to use a stair edging in a single solid colour that contrasts with the floorcovering.
In addition, if photoluminescent inserts are to be used as an emergency way-finding system, they need to meet the requirements of BS5266-6:1999 Emergency Lighting, as well as providing a suitable contrast under normal lighting conditions.
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