CAG Position Statement - Plexiglass shields used at retail establishments

Clear plexiglass barriers erected to protect employees during the pandemic present challenges for people who are blind, Deafblind, and partially sighted. They are at risk of injuring themselves on the edges of plexiglass shields when approaching the register areas. It can also be difficult for these individuals to locate the payment terminals and position themselves at the optimal location to conduct transactions. Read the full Position Statement for further information and CAG recommendations.

Position Statement on plexiglass shields used at retail establishments

Revised – June 24, 2022

About the Consumer Access Group

The Consumer Access Group (CAG) is a coalition of blindness related not-for-profit organizations. Each partner contributes their expertise to developing position statements on blindness related concerns. These statements enable organizations and individuals to advocate with a common voice on blindness-related issues, increasing the capacity of each to more effectively promote social inclusion for Canadians who are blind, Deafblind, and partially sighted.

Issue

Persons who are blind, Deafblind, and partially sighted are at risk of injuring themselves on the edges of plexiglass shields used in retail establishments when approaching the register areas. It can also be difficult for these individuals to locate the payment terminals and position themselves at the optimal location to conduct transactions. 

Background

Plexiglass shields are being used around the payment areas at many retail establishments to protect customers and staff from the COVID virus. These clear barriers present challenges for several people including people who are blind, Deafblind, and partially sighted. The visual clutter and glare make it difficult to find the openings around the payment terminals and pass-through areas where retail staff hand items, such as receipts, to customers. It is also difficult to determine where the outer edges of the barriers are situated. 

Recommendations

  1. Outer edges and openings of plexiglass shields should be marked with a strip that provides enough contrast to help people avoid injuries, find the area to place purchases, locate payment terminals, and be handed receipts
  2. The default colour to be used for these strips is safety yellow. It is recognized in some situations however, that another option for colour might provide better contrast. Colours that are not recommended are white, silver, grey, or black. The minimum width is 2 inches / 5.08 centimeters. If safety yellow does not provide enough contrast in a specific setting, consider using strips made up of two colours with an angled stripe pattern often used on warning signs and barriers around unsafe sites.
  3. Payment terminals be placed in an area that is intuitive and as consistent as possible making it easier to locate the opening of the shields so those with sight loss or other challenges can calculate where the payment area is situated. Attempts should be made to keep payment terminals and pass-through areas as close to each other as possible. 
Review Date: June 2023
Endorsed by the following CAG organizations: