ISO Standard Targets Street Crossing Signals for Disabled People - ISO 23600
February 22, 2008 // Published as a news service by IHS
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A new standard from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) seeks to harmonize worldwide the acoustic and tactile signals disabled people use at pedestrian street crossings.
The aim of ISO 23600:2007 - Assistive products for persons with vision impairments and persons with vision and hearing impairments - Acoustic and tactile signals for pedestrian traffic lights is to provide equivalent information worldwide at intersections equipped with pedestrian crossing signals.
The standard sets out the requirements, technical specifications and performance criteria for acoustic and tactile signals for pedestrian traffic lights. ISO said it also will help to ensure:
- Harmonized criteria for manufacturers and designers.
- Safe, reliable and functional products.
- Compatibility between products.
- Common testing methods.
According to ISO, acoustic and tactile signals should be used in combination to provide information such as directional information and the geometry of the intersection. The signals can indicate for disabled persons the:
- Presence and location of a push button.
- Location of a pedestrian crosswalk.
- Walk initiation period.
- Direction of the pedestrian crosswalk.
- Prohibited walk initiation period.
People with vision and hearing impairments typically have to rely on assistance, ISO said. According to the organization, the installation of acoustic and tactile signals for pedestrian traffic lights based on ISO 23600:2007 will improve the ability of these people to travel safely and independently.
Source: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).