Spot Inferior & Non-Compliant BTS

It's crucial to recognize the diversity in the quality of Braille & Tactile Wayfinding Signs. Within Australia and internationally, the industry encompasses a spectrum of manufacturers employing varied production methods and materials. Unfortunately, some manufacturers resort to inferior practices, leading to substandard Braille & Tactile Wayfinding products entering the market, often at initially enticing prices.

While the allure of cost savings may prompt consideration of these cheaper alternatives, it's imperative for clients to meticulously assess the potential long-term repercussions. Opting for lower-cost, inferior products poses significant risks, including non-compliance with relevant standards and codes. Moreover, the apparent savings can swiftly diminish when these products fail and necessitate replacement. The subsequent expenses, such as repainting mounting substrates, filling holes, and the procurement of replacement signs, can accumulate substantially over time.

In contrast, selecting reputable manufacturers of Braille & Tactile Wayfinding Products, such as Braille Tactile Signs Aust. ensures the acquisition of fully compliant, trusted products. With such products, clients benefit from installations that endure, eliminating the need for frequent replacements. 

Through reliability and regulation compliance, our two primary focuses are independence & safety for the user and our clients achieving their Certificate of Occupancy. Made locally with integrity, we believe it’s about adding value to each project; for all stakeholders.

Purchasing poorly manufactured BTS costs your company:

  • Money
  • Time
  • Reputation

We have put together some examples of inferior Braille & Tactile Products that us and our clients have seen while travelling both Australia and overseas so that you avoid purchasing products that are non-compliant or will fail.

Technology Break Down

Colours Wearing Off

Technology:  Injection Moulded or Pressed Aluminium with Colours Direct Applied to the Face

Problem:

  1. Sign becomes illegible for all levels of vision. 
  2. Tactile Luminance Contrast is not met against the background of the sign. 
  3. Aesthetically Unappealing.
  4. Non-Compliant.

Cause:

  • Regular intended use (touch) removing colours.
  • Technology Fail, Vandalism, Cleaning, UV Rays and Weather Conditions degrading the Colours from the Face.

Characters & Braille Falling off

Technology:  Direct Add Ons or Substandard 3D Printing

Problem:

  1. Sign becomes illegible for all levels of vision. 
  2. Tactile Luminance Contrast is not met against the background of the sign.
  3. Tactile Characters breaking down unevenly leave sharp edges.
  4. Braille Dots fall out/off of the face of the sign.
  5. Aesthetically Unappealing.
  6. Non-Compliant.

Cause:

  • Technology Fails from lack of understanding and experience in the Braille field.
  •  Vandalism, Cleaning, UV Rays and Weather Conditions degrading the tactile components from the face. 
  • Braille dots inserted, printed or stuck to the face of the sign. 
  • Regular intended use (touch) causing tactile characters to fall off.

Braille Height, Size & Spacing Incorrect

Technology:  Various

Problem:

  1. Braille kerning is too far apart to be legible when touched. 
  2. Braille domes are too large and illegible. 
  3. Braille cells are too large and illegible. 
  4. Incorrect use of Braille locator. 
  5. Non-compliant.

Cause:

  • Design fails from lack of understanding and experience in the Braille field and relevant Australian Standards and Building Codes.
  • Lack of care, regard & understanding for those in our community who are blind or have low vision who rely on Braille for their independence.

Flat Braille

Technology:  Acid Etching and Digital Printing

Problem:

  1. Braille is flat (not domed).
  2. Braille cells are too large. 
  3. Braille is not raised from the sign face. 
  4. Braille is illegible. 
  5. Non-compliant.

Cause:

  • Design fails from lack of understanding and experience in the Braille field and relevant Australian Standards and Building Codes.
  • Cheapest Manufacturing Methods chosen to tick a box and no knowledge of Braille & Tactile requirements. 
  • Lack of care, regard & understanding for those in our community who are blind or have low vision who rely on Braille for their independence.

 Incorrect Symbols

Technology: Various

Problem:

  1. Reflects poorly on your project.
  2. More difficult for those who have low vision to recognise and identify the symbols and their facilities, taking away from their independence.   
  3. Non-Compliant

Cause:

  • Design fails from lack of understanding and experience with Braille & Tactile Regulations & Codes. 
  • Lack of understanding and knowledge regarding Internationally recognised Symbols.

Rust & Corrosion

Technology: Powder Coating, Inserted Braille & Characters Glued to the Face

Problem:

  1. Unsuitable materials and applied finishes used.
  2. Marine Grade Stainless Steel not used in wet environments.  
  3. Safety Hazard due to sharp edges and rough surface being created from rust.
  4. Non-Compliant.

Cause:

  • Technology fails from lack of understanding and experience in the Signage Industry.

The BTS Aust. Difference

“For most people who buy BTS - it’s a tick for compliance. For the people who use them - it’s their independence.For the team at BTS Aust. - it’s about ensuring both!”

- Claudia Gatt CEO | Managing Director

Braille Tactile Signs Aust. have designed and manufactured their own Unique, Tried & Tested BTS Technologies (CSEPM_Tech & ADA_Tech) with specialised production techniques that ensure the durability and longevity of their BTS signs, every time. These products are designed to withstand the rigours of daily use and harsh environmental conditions. Most importantly, our BTS continue to provide their users who need them the most, with independence, dignity and safety when navigating the world.

The Benefits

Continuous Surface - No individual Braille or Tactile elements printed or stuck directly to the sign face, that can fall off, be picked off or washed off.

Fully Encapsulated where the colours are not on the face of the sign, but rather within it.This prevents it from wearing or being scratched off and makes it weather resistant.

Precision Cut ADA Text & Graphics that are fully embedded into the Sign to increase strength and prevent the components from being picked off.

CSEMP_Tech & ADA_Tech are Heavy Duty, Weather Resistant, Vandal, Fire, Anti-Graffiti and UV Resistant; outperforming all other alternatives on market.

Compliant to Australian Standards & Building Codes.

Cost-effective, lightweight & Easy to Install.

Our Technology

Continuous Surface Encapsulated Polycarbonate Membrane

  • Continuous Surface

    Continuous Surface

    Pressed membrane consisting of one single surface, allowing the product to be kept hygienically clean. With no printed or added on elements, this ensures Braille dots or Tactile elements cannot fall off, be picked off, washed off, etc.
  • Encapsulated

    Encapsulated

    All colours and graphics are reverse applied to a clear membrane, protecting them from vandalism, scratching, peeling and cleaning products alike.

ADA Technology

  • Precision Cut Embedded ADA Tactile

    Precision Cut Embedded ADA Tactile

    Tactile elements are embedded into the sign face. With no graphics printed or stuck directly to the sign face, this ensures Braille dots or Tactile elements cannot fall off, be picked off, get washed off, etc.

“Being in building maintenance, I am often replacing Braille Signs that have fallen apart. They look terrible and are no longer compliant. This is becoming a real problem in the industry, because buildings are having to outlay these costs again, or face DDA issues. By using BTS Aust.’s product, I offer a solution that I can rely on and that represents me and my business.”

Terry Wright Managing Director Image Solutions

The Proof

Our Products Stand the Test of Time