Braille & Tactile Signage Requirements Australia
Understand where Braille and tactile signs may be required, how they are positioned, and what to check before ordering or installation.
Australian building accessibility requirements specify where certain Braille and tactile signs are required and how they are to be designed, positioned and installed. The requirements that apply to a project depend on factors such as the building classification, its use, the approval date and the National Construction Code (NCC) edition adopted in the relevant state or territory.
Where are Braille and tactile signs required?
Depending on the building and its accessibility requirements, Braille and tactile signage may be required to identify locations such as:
Sanitary facilities
Accessible, ambulant, male, female and unisex sanitary facilities may require appropriate Braille, tactile and accessibility identification.
Required exits
Certain doors required to have exit signs also require tactile identification, including the required exit and level information.
Hearing augmentation
Rooms or spaces containing hearing augmentation systems can have specific signage requirements under the applicable accessibility provisions.
Other accessible facilities
Other locations may require identification depending on the building classification, design and applicable NCC accessibility provisions.
The exact signage required should be confirmed against the building design, approved documentation and the NCC requirements applicable to the project.
Braille sign mounting height
NCC Specification 15 includes positioning requirements for Braille and tactile components.
General tactile component zone
Braille and tactile components are generally required to be positioned between 1200 mm and 1600 mm above the floor or ground surface.
Single line of tactile characters
For signs containing a single line of tactile characters, the line of tactile characters is generally positioned between 1250 mm and 1350 mm above the floor or ground surface.
Correct installation height is important because the sign must be accessible to people who need to locate and read it by touch.
Position beside a doorway
Latch-side location
Where a Braille and tactile sign identifies a room or facility, the NCC generally requires the sign to be positioned on the wall on the latch side of the door.
Distance from the architrave
The leading edge of the sign is generally located between 50 mm and 300 mm from the door architrave.
Where installation in that position is not possible, check the applicable NCC provisions for the permitted alternative location rather than choosing another position by convenience alone.
Tactile characters and sign finish
Specification 15 includes detailed requirements for tactile lettering and the physical finish of a sign. These provisions address matters including:
- Raised tactile characters
- Character size and spacing
- Rounded character and sign edges
- Typeface and text layout
- Matt or low-sheen finishes
- Alignment and spacing between letters and words
These details are important when specifying custom signage because a sign should not be described as compliant simply because Braille has been added to it.
For project-specific wording, materials and sizes, see our Custom Braille & Tactile Signs range.
Luminance contrast and Braille requirements
Luminance contrast
Braille and tactile signage must provide sufficient visual contrast. NCC Specification 15 includes luminance-contrast requirements for the sign, tactile characters or symbols and the surrounding surface.
Colour alone should not be used to determine whether a sign meets the required contrast. The finished sign and its installation location should be assessed against the requirements applicable to the project.
Braille details
The NCC includes specific requirements for the Braille incorporated into required signage, including uncontracted Braille, raised and domed dots, positioning below tactile text, left justification, arrow treatment and locators on signs containing multiple lines.
Braille exit and level signs
Braille and tactile signage is required in association with certain doors that are required to have exit signs. The tactile sign identifies the exit and provides the required level information so a person using the sign can identify their location within the building.
Under the NCC 2022 structure, the relevant exit-sign provisions include E4D5, with the related Braille and tactile sign requirements contained in Specification 15.
Browse Braille Exit Signs for stocked exit and level signage.
Accessible and ambulant toilet signage
Accessible sanitary facilities require appropriate accessibility signage, including the relevant tactile, Braille and accessibility symbols. Ambulant sanitary facilities also require identification in accordance with the applicable accessibility provisions.
Braille toilet signs
Browse male, female, unisex and other amenity signs in the Braille Toilet Signs range.
Accessible signage
See the broader Accessible Braille & Tactile Signage range.
Ambulant signage
Browse Ambulant Braille & Tactile Signs for applicable sanitary facilities.
Complete Braille range
View the full Braille & Tactile Signage collection for building projects.
Ordering signs for a building project
For a complete building project, it is best to determine the required signs from the architectural drawings, door schedule, room schedule and accessibility requirements before ordering.
- Use the latest architectural drawings and room or door schedule
- Confirm the NCC edition and project accessibility requirements
- Check required room names, exit levels, symbols and directional information
- Confirm sign material, colour, finish, size and fixing requirements
- Resolve custom wording before manufacture
StatutorySigns.au supplies stocked Braille and tactile signage as well as custom signs for commercial building projects.
Need Braille and tactile signs for a building project?
Send the current signage schedule, drawings or required wording. We can review the information supplied and quote stocked or custom Braille and tactile signage for the project.