PRM accessibility and signagePMR
Creating accessible public and private spaces has become a priority. In response, a number of PRM accessibility products have been developed, including orientation aids, vigilance aids, podotactile nails, glazing adhesives, stair nosings and risers. But how do these elements contribute to creating a safer and more accessible environment? To answer this question, we’re going to explore each product.
WHAT ARE ORIENTATION AID BANDS AND VIGILANCE AWARENESS BANDS?
Why are they essential?
PRM accessibility has become a central issue in our society. In this context, guidance strips and warning strips are essential for guiding visually impaired people and making their journeys safer. They serve as tactile and visual cues. They make it easier to move around in public buildings and facilities open to the public, such as stations, airports, roads, cemeteries, public swimming pools, etc….
What is the difference between an orientation aid and an alertness aid?
Orientation strips are designed to guide visually impaired people along a route. They are very useful in large, open spaces such as reception halls, hospital corridors, airports or stations. Their aim is to make it easier to get around by providing clear tactile markers on the ground, thanks to ribs that can be felt with the foot of a walking stick.
Vigilance warning strips are designed to alert people to danger, such as approaching a staircase, the edge of a platform for metro or train access, or a kerbside intersection. They are installed close to potentially dangerous areas to increase safety, at a distance of 0.5m from the obstacle. They are fixed to the ground. They must contrast visually with their surroundings and are made up of raised studs so that they can be easily detected by the visually impaired.
What are the quality criteria for these tapes?
Quality is an essential factor when it comes to choosing orientation aids or vigilance aids. A number of quality criteria need to be taken into account to ensure that the product is suitable:
Durability: The first criterion to consider is durability. These strips are often installed in busy areas. They must also be able to withstand sustained visitor numbers. The materials used in the manufacture of tapes, such as rubber, PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) or TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane), are generally robust and durable, ensuring a long product life.
Weather resistance: For outdoor installations, weather resistance is another important quality criterion. The tapes must be resistant to UV and temperature variations. This is particularly important for bands installed in areas with difficult weather conditions, such as the mountains or the seaside.
Compliance with safety standards: Compliance with safety standards is also a crucial criterion. Bands must comply with national accessibility and safety regulations. This includes aspects such as visibility, texture and dimensions, which must comply with established guidelines.
One of the main standards in France is NF P98-351. It covers aspects such as :
Visibility: The strips must have sufficient visual contrast with the surrounding ground to be easy to spot.
Texture: The surface of the strips must be designed so that it can be detected by foot or cane, without creating an obstacle.
Dimensions: The dimensions of the strips, including their width, length and spacing, must comply with the specifications of the standard.
HOW DO PODOTACTILE NAILS AND GLAZING ADHESIVES IMPROVE SAFETY?
What is the purpose of podotactile studs in public spaces?
Like warning strips, podotactile nails are designed to be placed on the ground to warn of danger. They are particularly useful in transition zones, such as pedestrian crossings, stairways and station platforms, to alert people with reduced mobility or visual impairments to the presence of obstacles.
Standards and regulations: Podotactile nails must comply with standard NF P98-351, which defines the criteria for visibility, texture and dimensions. Compliance with these standards guarantees that podotactile studs are effective and safe.
Materials and installation: Podotactile studs are available in a range of materials, including steel and thermoplastic. The choice of material and installation method (embedding, flush-mounting, gluing or screwing) depends on the substrate.
The installation criteria are strict, including nail spacing to ensure effective use. A drilling template is usually included to help you meet these installation criteria.
How do glazing adhesives contribute to safety?
Glazing adhesives are designed to improve the safety of visually impaired people in public spaces. They are applied to glass surfaces to create a visual contrast and prevent accidents. The regulations require 2 strips to be placed at heights of 1.1 and 1.6 m. The strips must be 5 cm wide. To keep these strips in good condition, it is advisable to place them indoors.
How do mobile PRM lifts work, and in what situations are they best suited?
Mobile PRM lifts are designed to provide a temporary accessibility solution. They operate on mains power, or on rechargeable batteries for certain models.
They are particularly suitable for temporary events such as trade fairs, exhibitions and concerts. Places of worship, such as churches, temples or mosques, also benefit from the use of mobile PRM platform lifts, as they can be easily installed for special celebrations and then stored away. Schools and universities can also use these lifts for events and ceremonies.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE NEZ DE MARCHE AND THE CONTREMARCHES?
How do stair nosings prevent falls and accidents?
The purpose of stair nosings is to make staircases safer, particularly in public areas and workplaces. They are installed at the end of the steps to provide better grip and reduce the risk of slipping. They should be designed with non-slip materials and provide a visual contrast to help distinguish the steps.
What are the advantages of stair riser markers?
Staircase riser markings are necessary to ensure compliance with building regulations. Visible, contrasting risers enhance safety. They make it easier for visually impaired people to see the beginning and end of the staircase, as well as its height.
The law on PRM accessibility states that the first and last steps of a staircase must be fitted with visually contrasting markings at least 10 cm high.
Risers can be marked using paint, adhesives or aluminium strips.. There are various possibilities, depending on the materials used for the staircase.