oSIST prEN 18156:2025

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-marec-2025
Taktilna pisava - Zahteve glede predstavitve in uporabe Braillove pisave in
dvignjenih znakov
Tactile lettering - Requirements on the presentation and application of Braille and raised
characters
Taktile Schriften - Anforderungen an die Darstellung und Anbringung von Braille- und
erhabener Zeichen
Écriture tactile - Exigences relatives à la présentation et à l'application du braille et des
caractères en relief
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN 18156
ICS:
11.180.30 Pripomočki za slepe in Aids for blind or partially
slabovidne sighted people
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

DRAFT
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
January 2025
ICS 11.180.30
English Version
Tactile lettering - Requirements on the presentation and
application of Braille and raised characters
Écriture tactile - Demander à la présentation et fixation German title: (Optional) Taktile Schriften und
de Braille et écriture haute Beschriftungen - Anforderungen an die Darstellung
und Anbringung von Braille- und erhabener
Profilschrift
This draft European Standard is submitted to CEN members for enquiry. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee
CEN/TC 293.
If this draft becomes a European Standard, CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations
which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.

This draft European Standard was established by CEN in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other
language made by translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and
United Kingdom.
Recipients of this draft are invited to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant patent rights of which they are
aware and to provide supporting documentation.

Warning : This document is not a European Standard. It is distributed for review and comments. It is subject to change without
notice and shall not be referred to as a European Standard.

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2025 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. prEN 18156:2025 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents Page
European foreword . 3
1 Scope . 4
2 Normative references . 4
3 Terms and definitions . 4
4 General considerations . 6
5 Design . 6
5.1 General requirements . 6
5.2 Layout . 7
5.3 Material and finishes . 7
5.4 Braille . 8
5.4.1 Braille translation . 8
5.4.2 Dimensions. 8
5.4.3 Arrangement and presentation of Braille information . 9
5.5 Raised characters. 9
5.5.1 Characters usable by vision and optimized for detection with fingertips . 9
5.5.2 Large characters primarily used as visual information usable also by touch . 10
5.6 Tactile symbols and tactile pictograms . 11
5.6.1 Tactile symbols . 11
5.6.2 Tactile pictograms . 11
5.7 QR codes . 12
6 Placement and implementation . 12
6.1 Principles . 12
6.1.1 General. 12
6.1.2 Concept and design . 13
6.2 Application areas . 13
6.2.1 Handrails. 13
6.2.2 Room signage . 15
6.2.3 Information on walls . 15
6.2.4 Operating elements . 15
6.2.5 Lifts. 16
6.2.6 Explanatory information of objects . 16
6.2.7 Identification of labelled items . 17
6.2.8 Sanitary areas. 17
6.2.9 Public transportation . 17
6.2.10 Evacuation routes . 17
Annex A (informative) Examples for tactile symbols and pictograms . 18
Annex B (informative) Functional requirements for application of tactile signage in buildings
.......................................................................................................................................................................... 21
Annex C (normative) Alphabetical character index of the Braille for guidance information and
numbers . 22
Annex D (informative) Special font given in DIN 32986 . 25
Bibliography . 27
European foreword
This document (prEN 18156:2024) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 293 “Assistive
products and accessibility”, the secretariat of which is held by Sweden (SIS).
This document is currently submitted to the CEN Enquiry.
1 Scope
This document specifies requirements and technical specifications for information in tactile lettering in
the built environment.
It sets out rules for content, design, arrangement and application of information elements so that blind
and partially sighted people are able to locate, identify, fluently read and interpret this information.
This document does not describe technical methods for producing tactile lettering.
This document only applies to permanently installed tactile lettering.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 17210:2021, Accessibility and usability of the built environment - Functional requirements
ISO 21542, Building construction — Accessibility and usability of the built environment
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp/
— IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
3.1
blind
people, who primary rely on audible and tactile input, although they might also have a certain amount of
visual perception
3.2
braille
writing system consisting of tactile dot combinations to be used by people with a visual impairment
[SOURCE: ISO 24183:2024, 3.9.1.7]
3.3
Marburg spacing convention
defined system of dimensions within and between the Braille cells
Note 1 to entry: The Marburg Medium spacing convention for Braille is recommended in the European Commission
Guidance for use for medicinal product labelling.
Note 2 to entry: There are two different Marburg spacing conventions, Marburg Medium and Marburg Large.
[SOURCE: EN ISO 17351:2014, modified – reference to Marburg Medium in term was deleted and the two
different options are mentioned in a new Note 2 to entry.]
3.4
multiple senses
principle of multiple senses
principle of considering various sensory abilities in design decisions to support and enable users to
perceive information
Note 1 to entry: Sensory abilities e.g. seeing, hearing, touch.
[SOURCE: EN 17210:2021, definition 3.38 – modified: brackets have been moved to a Note 1 to entry.]
3.5
partially sighted
people, who primarily use their residual sight
3.6
raised characters
specially designed raised/embossed characters composing letters and numbers readable by touch
[SOURCE: ISO 19028:2016, definition 3.10]
3.7
tactile lettering
information provided both in Braille and raised characters
3.8
tactile pictogram
graphical composition that may include a symbol plus other graphic elements, such as a border,
background pattern that is intended to convey specific information recognizable by touch
[SOURCE: ISO 17840-1:2022, 3.15, modified, “tactile“ and “recognizable by touch” added, “or colour”
removed.]
3.9
tactile symbol
sign identifiable and recognizable by touch
[SOURCE: ISO 24503:2011, definition 2.4]
3.10
tactile walking surface indicator
TWSI
standardized walking surface used for information by blind or partially sighted persons
[SOURCE: ISO 23599:2019, definition 3.16 – modified and partially sighted persons was used instead of
vision-impaired.]
3.11
visually impaired
blind and partially sighted people
4 General considerations
Accessible and usable information via multiple senses is one of the key areas for accessibility and usability
of the built environment according to EN 17210. In relation to signage, this means, that written
information shall be perceptible by vision and touch in order to be accessible for the widest range of
users. Tactile lettering is an element of tactile guidance systems, which also consist of other elements
such as tactile walking surface indicators (TWSI).
EN 17210 contains functional requirements and recommendations regarding the areas of application and
design principles for tactile information in the built environment, see Annex B for further information.
This document provides requirements and technical specifications to comply with these functional
requirements. For dimensions and shape of Braille, raised characters, tactile symbols and tactile
pictograms see Clause 5. For placement and implementation of tactile information see Clause 6.
Tactile information shall be raised, shall not be engraved.
NOTE 1 People experience great difficulties identifying engraved characters, symbols and pictograms by touch.
Tactile information shall be presented in tactile lettering. It can be complemented by tactile symbols and
certain tactile pictograms, which are easily identified and understood.
For the purpose of this document the six dot Braille shall be used, for details see 5.4.
NOTE 2 Braille is a system of six or eight dot patterns.
Raised characters and tactile symbols or pictograms shall be easily detectable by touch and provide a
visual contrast in order to be perceptible also by vision. Raised characters and symbols made of lines
shall consist of raised triangular shaped relief profiles with slightly rounded upper edges. For details see
5.5 and 5.6.
Tactile lettering used for tactile information shall be short with a limited amount of characters. If more
extensive information is to be offered according to the principle of multiple senses, this can be achieved
with alternative technologies.
To identify the appropriate information content, it is recommended to consult specialists for accessible
design.
5 Design
5.1 General requirements
Written information for use in the public area shall be provided to blind and partially sighted people by
tactile lettering. This consists of Braille lettering (5.4) and raised characters (5.5).
Characters or numbers used for visual identification of rooms, building parts, building elements can be
read by blind and partially sighted people if they meet the requirements according to 5.5.2 and do not
require additional tactile lettering.
For guiding purposes directional arrows should complement tactile lettering (5.6.1).
The use of pictograms should be avoided since most blind people have enormous difficulties to identify
them (5.6.2).
5.2 Layout
A free space shall be provided around any tactile lettering, symbol and pictogram. A distance of at least
5 mm shall be provided to:
— the edge of a base plate;
— a frame or raised line;
— any other object.
The distance between Braille, raised characters and associated symbols and pictograms shall be 5 mm to
10 mm.
Tactile lettering should not be placed in a recess. If located in a recess, the depth of the recess shall be
maximum 2 mm and a free space of at least 10 mm shall be provided around the tactile lettering.
5.3 Material and finishes
Tactile information shall be designed to withstand the environmental stresses to which they are exposed
(indoor/outdoor, temperature, weather, corrosion, frequency of use, danger of vandalism etc.) without
losing accuracy.
Material of tactile lettering, symbols and pictograms and if provided their base plate shall be:
— durable;
— colour permanent;
— UV resistant;
— easy to clean;
— non allergic (not triggering allergies).
For detection and readability the finishes shall be:
— smooth and pleasant to touch, so as not to hinder reading;
— without sharp edges on characters and/or base plate to prevent injuries;
— base plate/background without high-gloss surface;
— with luminance contrast according to the relevant standards complying at least with the minimum
requirements in ISO 21542 to achieve optimal readability for partially sighted people.
NOTE 1 On glossy surfaces unfavourable reflections can reduce luminance contrast between symbols and their
background.
NOTE 2 Partially sighted people use tactile information, such as on handrails, also by vision.
If the item no longer meets the above requirements, it shall be replaced.
5.4 Braille
5.4.1 Braille translation
For guidance information and numbers, the six dot Braille code according to Annex C shall be used.
For additional information and longer text, national braille should be applied.
The capital letter indicator should be dropped unless it is absolutely necessary.
Some Braille codes include a contracted variant. This shall not be used for braille in a public environment.
5.4.2 Dimensions
For short guiding information (not longer than 25 characters) the “Marburg Large” according to Table 1
should preferably be used.
For operational elements and longer explanatory text the “Marburg Medium” according to Table 1 shall
be used.
For dimensions see Figure 1 and Table 1.
Dimensions in millimetres
Key
a horizontal distance between the centres of two dots
b vertical distance between the centres of two dots
c character width from the centre of dot 1 to the centre of dot 1 of the adjacent character
d dimension from the centre of dot 1 of the last character of a word to the centre of dot 1
of the first character of the next word
e line height from the centre of dot 1 to the centre of dot 1 of the character of the next line
Figure 1— Measurement system
Table 1 — Dimensions of Braille dots and characters
Dimensions between dots measured between centres of dots (see Marburg Marburg Large
Figure 1) Medium
mm mm
± 0,1 mm ± 0,1 mm
Horizontal distance between the centres of two dots, e.g. dot 1 to 2,5 2,7
dot 4
Vertical distance between the centres of two dots, e.g. dot 1 to dot 2 2,5 2,7
Horizontal distance between dot 1 of character 1 to dot 1 of 6,0 6,6
neighbouring character 2 in a line
Distance between dot 1 of last character of a word to dot 1 of first 12,0 13,2
character of next word in a line (including distance between
2 words)
Line spacing (dot centre dot 1 to dot centre dot 1 of the following 10,0 10,8
line)
Width of dot at base 1,6 1,8
Height of dot 0,6 to 0,7 0,6 to 0,7
NOTE The document follows the Marburg system of Braille dimensions, which is largely identical to a number
of international standards and regulations as well as the manufacturer’s internal agreement on electronic
Braille displays and devices.
WARNING — Any deviation from the arrangement of dots and the before mentioned distances and
dimensions (e.g. by increasing or decreasing the print size) will make Braille writing lose its legibility.
The single Braille dot caps shall be hemispherical or close to hemispherical and shall be free from sharp
edges.
5.4.3 Arrangement and presentation of Braille information
Braille characters shall not be arranged vertically nor in a nonlinear form.
Single letters, digits or numbers should be aligned to a reference edge.
5.5 Raised characters
5.5.1 Characters usable by vision and optimized for detection with fingertips
Raised characters optimized for detection with fingertips apply to information within reach of the arms
according to the principle of multiple senses and shall meet the following requirements:
— written in capital letters (avoid decorative fonts);
— have a font-size (height of uppercase or versal height) between 13 mm and 25 mm measured at the
base, preferably between 15 mm and 18 mm;
— have a minimum profile height of 1,2 mm;
−°5
— have a pyramidal shape of the relief profile with an angle on the top of (see Figure 2);
+°10
NOTE The profile getting smaller on top provides good detection while the width at the base provides a stroke
easily detectable by vision.
— to avoid sharp edges the top of the profile rounded with a radius of 0,2 mm;
— have a font weight at the minimum regular preferably bold;
— fonts (types) having distinguished letters easy to differentiate between round, straight, open or
closed shapes e.g. for letters such as E, G, S or numbers such as 6 or 5;
— fonts (types) supporting easy differentiation by tactile reading of characters and numbers, e.g. 1 and
7, l and 1, A and 4, S and 5, B and 8;
— large spacing shall be used; the minimum distance between two characters shall be 4 mm, measured
on the top edge (see a) in Figure 2). The horizontal distance between two characters shall
proportionally increase with the font-size.
— have a line space of minimum 120 % of the font-size measured on the base line.
For optimized reading the special font given in DIN 32986 should be used, see Annex D.

Key
1 tactile top edge
2 base plate
a minimum distance between two characters
b line width at the base
e profile height
Figure 2 — Example of the pyramidal shape of the relief profile
5.5.2 Large characters primarily used as visual information usable also by touch
Characters larger than 25 mm used for identification such as room or floor numbers positioned within
the reach of the arms are usable by touch if they have a raised profile. They shall meet the following
requirements:
— have a font size depending on the reading distance for visual detection;
— have a minimum relief height of 1,2 mm, preferable 2,5 mm;
— have a font weight which is bold or at the minimum regular;
— fonts having distinguished letters easy to differentiate between round, straight, open or closed shapes
e.g. for letters such as E, G, S or numbers such as 6 or 5;
— have a profile with rounded edges with a radius of minimum 0,2 mm.
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