Tactile Indicators – Manufacturer | ISO 23599

Tactile indicators

Tactile Indicators for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Tactile indicators are floor elements that help blind and visually impaired people navigate built environments – warning of hazards, guiding the direction of travel, and marking key locations. They are installed on pavements, in public spaces and inside buildings in compliance with the international standard ISO 23599, the German standard DIN 32984:2023, and applicable national accessibility legislation.

Types of tactile indicators

Our product range covers the complete navigation system required for visually impaired pedestrians:

Tactile studs (warning studs) – alert to stairs, platform edges, level changes and other hazards
Guiding strips and lines – lead the user along a safe route
Warning, guiding, and signal tactile plates.– self-adhesive polyurethane plates for fast installation

We manufacture them in stainless steel 304 and 316L, brass, aluminium, bronze and polyurethane – the material is selected based on the environment, expected load and aesthetic requirements of the project.

Function and placement

Floor tactile indicators serve as a clear, detectable signage system that warns of hazards, indicates direction changes and identifies important locations along a route. The most common types – warning studs, warning strips, guiding strips and signal strips – each have a specific function. Their layout follows the ISOTI rules (International System Of Tactile Indicators), which we apply in all our installations.

Requirements for tactile indicators

Tactile indicators must meet strict technical and functional requirements. They must be easily detectable against the surrounding floor surface through raised tactile profiles, have sufficient colour and luminance contrast, an anti-slip surface (typically R10 or R13 coefficient), and long-term resistance to load and weather conditions.

We offer two installation methods:

Drilled installation with metal elements – maximum durability, suitable for outdoor use and high traffic areas
Self-adhesive installation with polyurethane elements and professional adhesives (3M VHB 5925 or Gerband 941) – ideal for retrofitting into existing buildings without damaging the floor

Tactile elements as part of accessible infrastructure

Owners and operators of public spaces are required by national accessibility legislation to ensure barrier-free movement for people with reduced mobility and orientation. This includes the installation of tactile warning studs and guiding strips in indoor and outdoor publicly accessible areas. These elements are an integral part of accessible infrastructure that supports the independence and safety of all pedestrians.

Why OLEJÁR

We are a European manufacturer with our own production facility in Bardejov, Slovakia. Our tactile guidance systems are installed at Universität Wien, Staatstheater Darmstadt, the Slovenian National Museum, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg, Railway station in Senica and Poprad-Tatry railway stations, and in dozens of other public buildings across Europe and Canada. We deliver complete solutions – from layout design according to ISOTI rules, through manufacturing, to installation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a warning strip and a guiding line?

A warning strip (with a stud / dome pattern) warns of an obstacle or level change. A guiding line (with a bar / rib pattern) leads a visually impaired person along a safe route.

Which standards apply to tactile indicators in Europe?

Internationally, ISO 23599:2019 specifies product requirements and installation recommendations for tactile walking surface indicators. In Germany and the wider DACH region, DIN 32984:2023 is the reference standard. National regulations in each country may add specific requirements.

Which material is best for outdoor installations?

For outdoor use we recommend stainless steel 316L (highest resistance to corrosion and de-icing salts) or polyurethane with drilled installation. Brass and bronze look excellent outdoors but develop patina over time.

Can tactile indicators be retrofitted onto existing floors?

Yes. For retrofit projects we use self-adhesive polyurethane elements with professional 3M VHB 5925 or Gerband 941 adhesives. Installation does not damage the existing floor and is fast – even large projects can be completed within days.

What is the lifespan of your tactile indicators?

Our earliest installations from 2010 (Senica and Poprad-Tatry railway stations) are still fully functional today. Metal materials offer long-term durability; polyurethane elements are suited to indoor use and protected outdoor environments.