Luminance Contrast

Luminance Contrast is defined as the light reflected from one surface or component, compared to the light reflected from another surface or component.

You can read more about luminance contrast testing here, and get a list of definitions used in the access industry here.

Question mark over a computer keyboard with a mouse curser over the question mark

Why do we need Luminance Contrast?

Luminance contrast between building elements helps ensure people with low vision, those easily visually confused, or people distracted can identify accessible features in the built environment. It’s not just providing a colour contrast, it’s about making sure that a product, sign, handrail, toilet seat, stair tread, or the like, can easily be recognised by ensuring a contrast is provided between the luminance reflective values

Definitions

There are many specific terms used when discussing luminance contrast in building and disability legislation and those technical standards they reference. This table outlines each term, the applicable Australian Standard, or building code reference, and provides a definition for each. The terms come from AS 1428.1, AS/NZS 1428.4.1, the BCA and BS 8300.

Mandatory Luminance Contrast

There are mandatory situations where luminance contrast is required in buildings. This table lists each reference from the BCA, Premises Standards Schedule 1 (Access Code), and Disability Standards for Public Transport where luminance contrast is required in building elements. These are mandatory requirements in new building works requiring a building approval or permit.

Best-Practice Luminance Contrast

Whilst not mandatory requirements, there are many references from within Australia and overseas where luminance contrast is recommended in other building elements, outside those required in the BCA and Premises Standards. These are non-mandatory in new building works but help to reduce risk under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) and align well with the principles of universal design.

Luminance Contrast Assessment Tool Example 1

Example 1 shows how the LCAT can be used to check two colours against each other to determine if a 30% luminance contrast will be achieved. In this case, the door and door frame will be Dulux Bilby, with the adjoining wall painted Dulux Sweet Nymph.
The question is, does this combination provide a compliant luminance contrast as per AS 1428.1-2009, Clause 13.1?

many people in dark clothes waiting for a subway train to stop

Luminance Contrast Assessment Tool Example 2

Example 2 shows how the LCAT can be used to check two colours against each other to determine if a 30% luminance contrast will be achieved. In this case, the door and door frame will be Dulux Black, with the adjoining wall painted Dulux Pink Style.
The question is, does this combination provide a compliant luminance contrast as per AS 1428.1-2009, Clause 13.1?

An overhead wayfinding sign in yellow in a transport building with pictograms for toilets, accessible toilet and baby change facilities

Luminance Contrast Assessment Tool Example 3

Example 3 shows how t the LCAT can be used to check two colours against each other to determine if a 30% luminance contrast will be achieved. In this case, visual pictograms on an overhead sign will use a Dulux Outrageous Red colour, with the adjoining surface of the sign using Dulux Button Eyes.
The question is, does this combination provide a 30% luminance contrast?

Modern fire stairs, view down from landing of handrail

Luminance Contrast Assessment Tool Example 4

Example 4 shows how the LCAT can be used to check differing colours against each other to determine if a 30% luminance contrast will be achieved. Each combination can then be compared. In this case, the wall will be Dulux White Polar Half and compared against multiple different Dulux paints, each with a differing LRV.
The question is, what is the best combination to achieve a maximum luminance contrast?

Luminance Contrast

Share this: