Specialized Steel Braille Segments for Access Covers by EJ Australia

As part of the Brisbane City Council's strategy to improve accessibility and inclusivity for the visually impaired, the council has, over the last several years, rolled out a series of linking 'Braille Trails' across the city to aid pedestrians with visual limitations in moving independently.

These trails are designed to be guiding pathways of dots and dashes that can be easily followed with a cane. Tiles with ridges indicate to the reader the direction of travel, while raised dots warn of upcoming changes in direction or upcoming hazards.

However, one complication the Braille trail can encounter is the intermittent utility access covers that populate the busy city sidewalks. A necessity in any populous area, the various manhole covers that often go unnoticed by regular passers-by can interrupt the crucial trail that serves as a guide for many. In response to this issue, EJ, in cooperation with Energex, embarked on the challenge of overcoming the dilemma the access covers were may have been causing.

Focusing on one such example of an interrupted trail in the city, the EJ team took specific measurements of the interrupted trail and set about altering a similar electrical cover at their factory in Brendale.

EJ's Specialized Steel Braille Segments for Access Covers.

After milling a portion of the existing pattern off, the EJ technicians were able to attach specialized steel braille segments to the cover that would replicate the raised braille path when installed. Critically, the adapted cover was tested to still provide the integral P5 anti slip rating essential to high traffic areas like Queen Street.

Specialized Steel Braille Segments for Access Covers by EJ Australia.

After replacing the old covers, the EJ team were delighted to see the covers aligning effectively with the neighbouring trail, proving the trial braille covers to be a resounding success. With a strong example in place, EJ are looking forward to working with Energex and the Brisbane City Council on replacing other such covers.

At EJ, we are thrilled to contribute to making Queen St Mall a more inclusive space, and we're committed to continuing our efforts to enhance accessibility in our communities. Stay tuned for more exciting updates and projects from EJ & Energex!

For more information, visit www.ejco.com today.