Short Description

In Australia, signage in public spaces must fulfil building code requirements aimed at optimising the accessibility of buildings and facilities. Specifications also exist regarding the form of signs to ensure that the signs themselves are accessible for all people including those with a vision impairment .

More Details

Tactile and Braille signage
As of January 2002, the Building Code of Australia requires signs in a range of applications to include tactile lettering and Braille, including the International symbols of access and deafness. Refer to section D3.6 of the BCA for requirements.

The Building Code of Australia specifies signage requirements in Section D3.6 -" Identification of accessible facilities, services and features." The BCA details where accessible signage is required.

The Australian Standard "AS1428.4 - Design for access and mobility - Part 4 - Tactile indicators" provides specifications on the form and placement of signs required to be tactile, Braille or audio.

The Australian Standard "AS1428.1 - design for access and mobility - Part 1 - General requirements for access - new building work" provides specifications for the form of signs. Specifications for the International symbol of access and the International symbol for deafness are detailed in Clause 14.

On-ground accessible parking space signs
The Australian Standard "AS2890.1 - Parking facilities, Part 1 - Off - street parking" sets out the requirements for accessible car parking spaces including signage requirements. The International symbol of access painted on the ground surface of an accessible car parking space must comply in form with Clause 14 of AS1428.1.