What is AS 1428.1:2021? Standards for Access and Mobility Guide

Related standards to the 1428.1:2021Standards for Access and Mobility Guide PDF are:

• AS 1428.2-1992 (Design for access and mobility Enhanced and additional requirements).
• AS/NZS 1428.4.1:2009 Design for access and mobility Means to assist the orientation of people with vision impairment - Tactile ground surface indicators)
• AS 1428.4.2:2018 series Design for access and mobility ​Means to assist the orientation of people with vision impairment - Wayfinding signs).

AS 1428.1:2021 is part of the broader AS 1428 series, which collectively forms the foundation for accessibility Standards in Australia. This particular Standard, AS 1428.1, specifically addresses the general requirements for access and mobility in buildings and facilities. It provides detailed specifications for designing spaces that are accessible to people with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility aids. The AS 1428 design for access and mobility guidelines cover a wide range of architectural elements, including:

• Circulation spaces
• Doorways and corridors
• Ramps and walkways
• Stairs and handrails
• Sanitary facilities
• Signage and wayfinding

AS 1428.1:2021 is applicable to various settings, including public buildings, commercial spaces, and certain residential areas. Its primary goal is to ensure that people with disabilities can navigate and use these spaces safely and independently. By adhering to AS 1428.1, designers and builders can create environments that are not only compliant with legal requirements but also truly inclusive and user-friendly for all individuals.

One of the most critical aspects of AS 1428.1 is the specification for grab rails and handrails. These features play a crucial role in providing support and stability for people with mobility challenges, particularly in bathrooms and on stairways.

AS 1428.1 grab rails are designed to offer secure support in various locations, including toilets, showers, and other areas where additional stability might be needed. The Standard provides detailed guidelines on the dimensions, placement, and load-bearing capacity of grab rails to ensure they are effective and safe for users. AS 1428.1 handrails are also essential for providing support on stairs, ramps, and in corridors. The Standard specifies the height, diameter, and clearance requirements for handrails to ensure they can be easily grasped and used by individuals with different abilities. Key specifications for AS 1428.1 grab rails and handrails include:

• Diameter: Generally between 30-40mm for easy gripping
• Clearance from walls: Typically 50-60mm to allow for a secure grip
• Height: Varies depending on the location and purpose, but usually between 800-1000mm from the floor
• Load-bearing capacity: Must withstand significant force to ensure user safety

One common question we receive from designers and builders is ‘where to put toilet grab rails AS 1428.1 compliant?’ The Standard provides specific guidelines for the placement of grab rails in accessible toilets to ensure they offer maximum support and usability. According to AS 1428.1, toilet grab rails should be installed as follows:

• Horizontal grab rail: On the wall beside the toilet, 800-810mm above the floor level, extending 100-150mm in front of the toilet pan
• Vertical grab rail: On the wall behind the toilet, 600-1000mm above the floor level, positioned 700-750mm from the opposite wall
• Foldable grab rail: On the wall opposite the fixed horizontal grab rail, 800-810mm above the floor level when horizontal

It's crucial to note that these measurements are general guidelines, and the exact placement may vary depending on the specific toilet configuration and user needs. Always refer to the most current version of AS 1428.1 for precise measurements and additional details.

All three of these parts of the AS1428 standard are titled “Design for access and mobility”, and the key differences are these:

• AS1428.1 (issued in 2021) is Part 1 of the standard, subtitled “General requirements for access - New building work”. It contains the mandatory design requirements that architects and developers must follow to ensure new buildings and facilities are accessible for people with disabilities. AS1428.1:2021 guides minimum accessibility standards. It outlines how doors, passageways, ramps, slopes, bathrooms, seating, lighting, and floor spaces should be designed to create public and private spaces that can be accessed and used by everyone.
• As Part 2 of the standard, AS1428.2 (issued in 1992 and reconfirmed in 2015) is subtitled “Enhanced and additional requirements - Buildings and facilities”. This enhances existing Australian standards for wheelchair access by guiding the minimum requirements. It outlines enhanced accessible features, such as wider circulation spaces—giving greater clear widths for paths of travel and increased passing spaces for wheelchairs. It outlines best practice guidelines for enhancements and fittings.
• AS 1428.4 is Part 4 of the AS 1428 standard and has now been split into two further standards:
• AS/NZS 1428.4.1 (issued in 2009) with the subtitle “Means to assist the orientation of people with vision impairment - Tactile ground surface indicators”. A Tactile Ground Surface Indicator (TGSI) is a specialised flooring element, typically raised domes or strips, designed to help people with visual impairments navigate safely. This standard outlines the tactile and visual cues that warn users of hazards, such as stairs and curbs, and guides them at intersections or along pathways.
• AS 1428.4.2 (issued in 2018) has the subtitle “Means to assist the orientation of people with vision impairment - Wayfinding signs”. This standard guides tactile signs (with raised and/or braille content). AS 1428.4.2 includes identification signs at building and site entry points, as well as inside rooms and facilities.

All parts of AS 1428 are designed to work together to provide full accessibility coverage.

See also:

AS 1428.2

AS/NZS 1428.4.1

AS 1428.4.2

Some of the major changes in the 2021 update of AS1428.1 are:

• Updated wheelchair circulation spaces
, which ensure a continuous accessible path for wheelchair users. This makes it easier to turn and navigate any potential obstructions, such as handrails.
• AS1428.1 clarifies the dimensions of handrails and ramps. For example, a straight ramp requires a clearance of 1000mm between the handrail, while a curved ramp requires a clearance of 1500mm. For handrails (among other changes), the standard now requires a minimum of 50mm of clear space between the handrail and its adjacent wall.
• Revised accessible toilet layouts and fixture clearances
 include specifications for minimum clear floor space, toilet seat height, minimum clear door opening, grab rail specifications (including load-bearing capacity) and washbasin clearances.
• Improved alignment with the current National Construction Code (NCC). This resulted in the NCC adopting the 2021 edition of the 
AS1428.1 standard on July 29, 2025. The improved accessibility features include the location of manual controls for doors.

The changes in the 2021 edition were made to improve usability and consistency for new buildings and facilities in Australia.

Implementing AS 1428 design for access and mobility guidelines requires careful planning and attention to detail. Here are some best practices to ensure compliance with AS 1428.1:

• Engage certified professionals: Work with architects and designers who are well-versed in AS 1428.1 requirements to ensure your project meets all necessary Standards.
• Conduct regular audits: Periodically assess existing spaces to ensure ongoing compliance with AS 1428.1, especially after renovations or changes in building use.
• Stay updated: Keep abreast of any updates or amendments to AS 1428.1, as accessibility Standards may evolve over time.
• Consider universal design principles: While meeting AS 1428.1 requirements, also consider broader universal design concepts to create spaces that are usable by the widest range of people possible.
• Prioritise user experience: Beyond mere compliance, focus on creating spaces that are truly comfortable and easy to use for people with disabilities.
• Seek feedback: Consult with disability advocacy groups or individuals with disabilities to gain insights into the practical usability of your designs.

The National Construction Code (NCC) uses AS 1428.1 as a reference standard, and the release of NCC 2022 Amendment 2 (effective July 29, 2025) has further improved NCC’s alignment with AS 1428.1 by adopting the (latest) 2021 edition of the standard. This means that AS 1428.1 provides the Australian standards for ramps, handrails, accessible paths of travel and other parts of the NCC’s accessibility provisions.

To further clarify their functions, the NCC mandates that buildings and their individual spaces be accessible to people with disabilities, while AS1428.1 sets out the technical specifications and requirements for achieving this. Therefore, AS 1428.1 is a Deemed-to-Satisfy (DTS) standard under the NCC.
 DTS means the standard provides a straightforward and acceptable way to satisfy NCC performance requirements, so designers should always cross-check the NCC requirements with their relevant AS 1428.1 clauses.

As a practical example, NCC Section D1, Access and Egress, focuses on specifying the number and location of exits, constructing exits to enable safe evacuation, and providing access to and within buildings for people with disabilities. Section D1 then outlines the Functional Statements, Performance Requirements and Verification Methods to achieve these requirements. The designer would then select the specifications and best practice guidance from AS 1428.1:2021 to actually achieve the NCC requirements.

AS 1428.1:2021 plays a crucial role in fostering inclusive design practices across Australia. By providing clear, Standardised guidelines for accessibility, AS 1428.1 ensures that buildings and public spaces can be used safely and independently by people with a wide range of abilities. The importance of AS 1428.1 extends beyond mere compliance with building regulations. It represents a commitment to creating a more inclusive society where everyone, regardless of their physical abilities, can participate fully in public life. This Standard helps to:

• Enhance safety: By specifying requirements for features like grab rails and handrails, AS 1428.1 reduces the risk of accidents and injuries.
• Promote independence: Accessible design allows people with disabilities to navigate spaces without assistance, fostering a sense of autonomy.
• Increase social participation: When public spaces are accessible, it encourages greater involvement of people with disabilities in community activities.
• Future-proof buildings: As the population ages, the need for accessible spaces will only grow. Adhering to AS 1428.1 helps ensure buildings remain usable for years to come.
• Drive innovation: The requirements set out in AS 1428.1 often lead to creative design solutions that benefit all users, not just those with disabilities.

Standards Australia publishes and maintains this standard. You can download or purchase AS 1428.1:2021 in either PDF or hardcopy form. At Intertek Inform, we are an official distributor of AS 1428.1:2021, and we provide secure checkout and instant PDF access. Click here to obtain your copy today!

Adhering to AS 1428.1:2021 is crucial for creating safer, more accessible spaces that cater to the needs of all individuals, regardless of their physical abilities. This Standard not only ensures compliance with legal requirements but also promotes a more inclusive society where everyone can participate fully in public life. By implementing the guidelines set out in AS 1428.1, designers, builders, and property owners can create environments that are truly welcoming and usable for all.

Easily buy individual Standards in digital PDF or printed (hardcopy) formats on our website. Or you may like to manage your standards with i2i, our secure, configurable, cloud-based platform, accessible through our subscription service. Intertek Inform provides easy access AS 1428.1 and other accessibility Standards, helping professionals stay informed and compliant in their pursuit of inclusive design.