Barrier-free design legal requirements in Hong Kong - Tactile Guide Paths

To promote the development of a barrier-free environment in Hong Kong, the Buildings Department has published the Design Manual BFA 2008.

Tactile guide paths are crucial for individuals with visual impairments. For them, these paths are not just a wayfinding tool but a key to independence and autonomy. These paths assist them in navigating through buildings, locating entrances, facilities, and other important areas.

Whether driven by legal requirements or compassion for vulnerable communities, we should understand the needs of visually impaired individuals and install tactile guide paths in public spaces and buildings. This allows them to move more easily through spaces and feel more comfortable when traveling.

According to the Design Manual BFA 2008, there are specific regulations regarding the placement, width, materials, and other aspects of tactile guide paths. Our professional team will provide you with relevant information and guidance to ensure that your premises meet these standards and provide a safer and more welcoming environment for individuals with visual impairments.

Composition of tactile guide paths

Directional Tile/Block
has parallel raised bars for guiding the users along an intended safe path.
Hazard Warning Tile/Block
has raised big dots (35 mm in diameter) arranged in square grid parallel to the sides of the slab for indication of potential hazards ahead.
could be used alone to form tactile warning strips at the top and bottom ends of staircase or ramps, and at dropped kerb.
Positional Tile/Block
has raised small dots (23 mm in diameter) placed in staggered positions for indication of possible change in walking directions.

General Standard

Dimensions: 300 mm × 300 mm
Block: 60 mm thick; Tile: 8-20 mm thick

Directional Tile/Block

The raised bars are 22-34 mm wide, 5 mm high, and 75 mm apart between center points.
Concrete blocks shall have rounded corners with a radius of 5 mm.

Hazard Warning Tile/Block

The raised dots are 25-35 mm in diameter, 5 mm high, and 50 mm apart between centers.

Positional Tile/Block

The raised dots are 12-23 mm in diameter, 5 mm high. The distance between the center points of the horizontal and vertical rows is 60 mm, and one dot is placed in the middle of every 4 dots.

Tactile guide path/warning strip installation locations

Tactile guide path shall be installed from a point of access at the lot boundary to the main entrance of the building and from the main entrance to lift zone, the nearest accessible toilet, public information/service counter, Braille and tactile floor plan and staircase
A tactile warning strip is provided 300 mm from the vehicular areas.
A tactile warning strip of nominal width of 600 mm is provided on the ramp.

Tactile warning strip/tile installation locations

Tactile warning strips shall be provided at landings and at both the bottom and top ends of a staircase. For landings leading to a floor, tactile warning strips of 300 mm in width shall be provided; for those leading to an open space or the entrance/exit of a building, the tactile warning strips shall be 600 mm in width.
Tactile warning tiles are 300 mm from curbs, doors (when opened), doorway carpets, lifts, escalator steps, stairs, passenger conveyor belts, counters, etc.
The width of the tactile warning tiles is the same as the width of the doorway (not more than 150 mm).

Other considerations

Different materials should be selected for indoor and outdoor tactile warning strips, but both must be non-slip and strong. Common materials include PVC and stainless steel.
It is recommended that the minimum brightness contrast between tactile warning strips and adjacent surfaces is 70%, that is, light-colored tiles with dark-colored floors and dark-colored tiles with light-colored floors.
While tactile guide paths and tactile warning strips can help orient the visually impaired, they can also pose a risk to people with limited mobility, children and the elderly.