Tactile Risk Map: an inclusive practice in Higher Education

Abstract

Occupational safety in Higher Education Institutions is regulated by Brazilian standards such as NR-9, NR-32, and NR-5, with the risk map serving as a tool for identifying and assessing hazards in laboratory environments. However, the conventional application of the risk map, which is essentially a visual document, reveals an inclusion gap, as it constitutes a communication barrier for students with visual impairments, thereby undermining the principle of equality. The university environment presents challenges such as the heterogeneity of risks, the fluctuating dynamics of its population, and the limited technical experience of students, making safety communication an ethical and pedagogical imperative. In this context, the objective of this study was to develop and apply a tactile risk map in a Chemistry laboratory, with the aim of promoting inclusion and safety. The methodology employed was Action Research, structured around cycles of planning, action, observation, and reflection, with the active participation of a blind student in the validation of the risk map. The process involved risk mapping and the development of a tactile prototype. Simple and low-cost materials were used, including EVA foam, fabrics, cords, and Braille labels. The traditional color symbolism of the risk map was adapted into tactile patterns based on texture and relief, such as fuzzy fabric to represent chemical risk and EVA foam to represent accident risk. Accessibility and comprehension tests involved tactile exploration, allowing adjustments to the model, such as the use of different textures for smaller objects, which contributed to improve user perception. The accessible risk map enhanced spatial perception and facilitated the blind student’s understanding of the location of risks within the laboratory. The proposal proved effective, going beyond an informative function by also contributing to education, guidance, and prevention, while presenting low production costs and significant potential for replication in other academic contexts. It is expected that this study may serve as a reference for the development of future tactile risk maps, thereby fostering a culture of inclusion.