ABSTRACT
This chapter deals with a variety of warnings and markings for stairways and pedestrian terrain. It begins with a brief discussion of the magnitude of the fall injury problem, as well as a perceptual-cognitive approach to prevention, including dealing with (a) unexpected impediments in a level walking surface, (b) unexpected change in level, (c) unexpected change in traction, and (d) unexpected change in stair geometry. Next, specific safety and warning criteria are discussed with respect to the following subtopics: stairways and handrails, ramps, sidewalks, curbs and parking garages, driveways and parking lots, pathways through landscaped areas, walkways in and around residences, aisles in and around commercial establishments, and elevated walking surfaces. The chapter concludes with a proposed schema for making such warning signs and markings readily detectable, highly attention-getting, easily understandable, totally unambiguous, and easily recalled and acted on to avoid, or at least minimize, the consequences of potential danger.
