What Does the National Construction Code (NCC) or Australian Building Code (BCA) Say About Braille and Tactile Signage?

The National Construction Code (NCC) or Australian Building Code (BCA) requires Australian buildings to provide clear, legible Braille and tactile signage in order to receive certification. Brailliant Touch Australia wants to help you understand these regulations so that your new building is both complaint with the law and friendly to visually impaired visitors.

Overall Guidelines Concerning Signage

Braille and tactile signage is covered in Section D3.6 of the Building Code of Australia. Buildings must contain Braille and tactile signage that identifies each sanitary facility, accessible space with a hearing augmentation system, accessible lift entrance, and the path of travel from the entrance to these features. The building code also sets strict requirements on the height and location of these signs.

Guidelines Relating to Tactile Characters

As to the design of code appropriate signs, tactile characters must follow specific guidelines for height and position and must have rounded edges. The entire sign, including any frame, must have also have rounded edges and be continuous to for hygienic reasons. Signs must be securely constructed to resist the removal of letters and Braille dots. Letters must also be spaced according to the strict requirements of the building code and follow the guidelines for luminance-contrast.

Guidelines Relating to Braille Signage

Braille signage must be grade 1 Braille as defined by the Australian Braille Authority and be raised and domed. Braille must be located 8mm below the bottom line of text and be left justified. An arrow must be provided in  Braille when an arrow is used in the tactile sign. Signs use a semi-circular Braille locator aligned horizontally with the first line of Braille text to indicate which line to begin reading first.

While we hope this gives you a sense of the clear but very specific coding that surrounds Braille and tactile signage. Contact Brailliant Touch Australia to discuss specific questions or to design signage for your new building project.