The Straight Facts About Detectable Warning Strips
Slightly different from detectable mats or tactile tiles, detectable warnings strips were first recommended by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) in 1986. Still required today by building codes in the states of Florida, Georgia and Illinois, detectable warning strips feature a different pattern and dimensions than their panel variants.
Raised, detectable warning strips are only 1.27" wide, with .5" spacing between the strips, and do not feature the more commonly-required truncated domes that have become more commonplace in construction across the United States. Although detectable warning strips are still acceptable as part of indoor projects, the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) now insist upon larger detectable tiles with standardized, truncated domes for most infrastructure projects.
The most common method of installation is:
- Clean and prime the surface.
- Peel the backing off of the strip and place it in the desired location, making sure the edges of the strip firmly adhere to the surface.
- Pedestrian traffic over the strip can begin immediately, as it will only aid in collating the strip to its designated surface.
Detectable warning strips are skid resistant and once installed, are relatively maintenance-free. Primary locations in which they can be used include building access areas, bus stops, sidewalks, wheelchair access areas and pedestrian islands.
Raised, detectable warning strips are sufficient as a directional aid for indoor use but they definitely fall short of current safety expectations, in particular, in terms of surface contrast with the surrounding, urban terrain. Once vehicular traffic is introduced to the pedestrian environment, the possibility of more serious, and sometimes even deadly, consequences have to be considered and addressed.
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