Frequently Asked Questions

CME has led the way in the Australian composite materials industry for 50 years. We formulate, manufacture and compression mould long glass fibre materials for the Automotive, Building & Construction as well as Transport industries.

CME Tactile has leveraged off this experience to guarantee the Australian market a TGSI product that will out-perform the current industry standard.

Our Surface Applied Warning & Directional TGSI products have been independently tested to AS / NZ 1428.4.1 2009 Design for Access & Mobility compliance requirements.

The diverse Australian climate will challenge even the most durable product. At CME Tactile, we have the advantage of 50 years’ experience in the formulation of materials that stand up to Australia’s harsh environment.

Our products are made and manufactured in Australia with the Australian built environment, Australian Standards and Compliance requirements at the core of what we do.

TGSI that doesn’t perform to these standards will become:

• Non-compliant
• Slip Hazards
• Public Safety Risks
• Worn, Cracked & Peeled – requiring replacement
• Non-adhesive
• False economy

Our TGSI is manufactured using Sheet Moulding Compound (SMC). SMC provides a high strength-to-weight ratio and is used widely as an alternative to steel for its performance in fluctuating temperature environments.

Using a highly advanced polymer and chemical composition in SMC, our indicators are made to withstand Australia’s unique environmental conditions and extreme UV. Each tile is fixed mechanically and chemically to the surface, providing superior adhesion to a range of surfaces.

When it comes to SMC technology, CME Tactile has the advantage. Our products have been born from our technologies as a tier one supplier to the Automotive industry since the 1970’s.

Made from our high-grade polymer and CME’s UV stabilisers, born from our work in the Automotive industry, our tiles comes in a range of colours and dimensions providing high contrast and luminance in both our Warning and Directional tiles.

Using stainless steel screws and corrosion resistant anchors to fix the tiles to the substrate or surface will ensure the structural integrity of our high performance TGSI products.

Tactile Indicators must provide a high visual contrast between the surface the tile is applied to and the environment. Our indicators are simple to install on a range of surfaces.

Yes.

CME Tactile has independently tested our Warning and Directional TGSI according to AS / NZ1428.4.1:2009 – Design for Access & Mobility and AS 4586 – 2013. This includes the requirement for a minimum of 30% Luminance Contrast.

We have achieved a rating of P5: Wet Pendulum Slip Rating and R12: Oil Wet Ramp Slip Rating, in accordance with AS 4586-2013 Slip Resistance Classification for new pedestrian surface materials.

Our products have been designed to address common TGSI complaints such as; wear and tear due to high pedestrian traffic – including mobility aides and wheelchairs; slips, trips and falls associated with poor quality TGSI materials; cracking, peeling, dirt and debris build up and longer lasting contrast luminance.

CME Tactile product experts can help you interpret and apply the relevant standards and codes applicable to your project.

How the AS/NZS 1428.4.1:2009 standards apply to your project

• Applications of Directional & Warning TGSI Access Tiles
• CME Tactile tile colours & sizing
• Colour & Visual contrast between ground and surrounding environment
• Sales & Distribution
• Installation & Service

Layrite Concepts can assist you with choosing the right indicators to achieve compliance, and to improve public access and safety.

The overarching requirements are as follows:

Warning Tactile Indicators

• Required to indicate a hazard, obstacle or public service point in an open space.
• Required at the top and bottom of stairways, ramps, escalators and moving walks (see NCC for current exemptions).
• Used to indicate safe road crossing points, i.e., pedestrian crossings, car park entry warnings and exit points.
• Designated public transport access points, for example tram stops & train stations, particularly where there is a risk of fatality.
• Building projections into the path of travel (or any overhead structure less than 2m high), for example a flight of stairs or escalator that has not been isolated by a compliant, detectable barrier.

Directional Tactile Indicators

• Provide directional orientation in open spaces in the absence of other directional tactile cues, for example handrails or fences.
• Lead pedestrian along or towards an access path and / or to a service point, for example a help point or telephone.
• Used at an intersecting path of travel to direct pedestrians to alternative points of access, such as pedestrian crossings, public transport access points or entry points to public buildings

Luminance contrast is defined under AS/NZ1428.4.1-2009 as ‘the light reflected from one surface or component, compared to the light reflected from another surface or component’. It is not the colour contrast between two surfaces, but the difference in the light reflective properties of each colour.

When it comes to Warning & Directional Tactile Ground Surface Indicators, you will hear a lot about the ‘Australian Tactile Standards’. The use of Tactiles in Australia is covered by the Australian & New Zealand Standard 1428.4.1 2009 Design for Access & Mobility and the National Construction Code. These publications are available for purchase, however, below is a guide to the minimum standards you should expect of the TGSI product you choose.

It is essential that you obtain clarification on your compliance requirements from your certifying officer / inspector, as soon as possible and prior to commencing your project.

Guiding Principals for Compliance with AS / NZ 1428.4.1:2009 – Design for Access & Mobility

Size & Shape Requirements:

Warning Tactile Indicators incorporate a grid pattern of studs at 50mm-centres. They are raised, truncated cones with a base diameter of 35mm, no higher than 5mm, and a top diameter of 25mm.

Directional Tactile Indicators incorporate rows of parallel bars with rounded ends spaced 50mm apart, end to end, and at 75mm centres side by side. They also have a chamfered side with a base of 35mm by approx. 285mm long and 5mm high.

Slip Resistance Testing:

AS 4586 – 2013 is the Australian Standard that provides slip resistance ratings for pedestrian floor surface materials. In order to comply with the AS / NZ 1428.4.1:2009, the National Construction Code, and other public safety and access requirements, Warning and Directional TGSI Access Tiles must achieve minimum slip resistance ratings.

CME Tactile TGSI has been independently tested in accordance with the AS 4586 Slip Resistance Classifications to achieve:

• P5: Wet Pendulum Slip Rating
• R12: Oil Wet Ramp Slip Rating

Colour Requirements:

Tactile Indicators must have a luminance contrast to the surrounding ground surface:

• 30% minimum luminance contrast to the surrounding ground surface is required where the Tactile Indicator is in the form of a precast concrete paver or tile or mat with a uniform colour (defined as being ‘integrated’).
• 45% minimum luminance contrast to the surrounding ground surface is required where the Tactile Indicator is an individually drilled and fixed stud or bar (defined as ‘discreet’).
• 60% minimum luminance contrast to the surrounding ground surface is required where the individually drilled and fixed Tactiles have a different colour top than the side – the 25mm diameter top must exhibit the minimum 60% luminance contrast.

Layrite Concepts recommends the use of CME Tactile yellow (or white) TGSI on dark surfaces, and vice versa, as this has been proven to provide effective contrast in all conditions and supports public safety.