Accessibility is a critical aspect of building design. AS 1428.1:2021, Design for access and mobility, Part 1: General requirements for access - New building work provides guidelines for thecreation of spaces that support independent and dignified access for people with mobility and sensory needs. Referenced by the National Construction Code (NCC) and the Disability (Access to Premises — Buildings) Standards (Premises Standards), this document provides clear technical guidance for new building work.
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What is AS 1428.1?

AS 1428.1:2021 sets out minimum design requirements for new building work to provide access for people with disabilities. It covers dimensions, circulation spaces, and features that support safe and practical movement through buildings.
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What does AS 1428.1 cover?

AS 1428.1:2021 specifies design details that enable independent and dignified access for people with mobility, sensory and ambulant disabilities, across:

• Continuous accessible paths of travel: Widths, heights, passing and turning spaces
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• Surfaces: Slip resistance, transitions, grates, and carpets
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• Signage: Tactile and Braille requirements, international symbols
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• Ramps, landings, and stairs: Gradients, landings, handrails, nosings
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• Doorways and controls: Clear openings, luminance contrast, handle design
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• Switches and power points: Heights and locations
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• Sanitary facilities: Layouts for accessible and ambulant toilets, showers, and fittings

Who uses AS 1428.1?

• Architects and building designers – to incorporate accessible features into plans from the outset.
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• Building surveyors and certifiers – to verify that designs and completed works meet compliance requirements.
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• Builders and contractors – to follow correct dimensions and layouts during construction.
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• Facility managers and asset owners – to maintain accessible environments and plan upgrades.
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• Regulators and compliance officers – to assess projects against legal and technical obligations.

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Implementation

The NCC and Premises Standards identify where access is required and point to AS 1428.1 for technical solutions. Practitioners should confirm any jurisdictional adoption settings and check project‑specific requirements (e.g., performance solutions or client standards that go beyond minimums).
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Access the standard

AS 1428.1:2021 is available through the Standards Australia Store and our distribution partners.

• Buy AS 1428.1 – Get the latest requirements to support safe and compliant plumbing installations.
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• Subscribe to the NCC Primary References Set – Access to the Australian Standards and other publications that are primary referenced in the currently adopted editions of the National Construction Code (NCC).
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Frequently asked questions

How does AS 1428.1 relate to the Disability (Access to Premises — Buildings) Standards (Premises Standards)?
The Premises Standards set out legal obligations under the Disability Discrimination Act. They reference AS 1428.1 for technical details, so following the standard can help demonstrate compliance with the Standards.

Is AS 1428.1 mandatory?
AS 1428.1 becomes mandatory where it is referenced by the NCC or the Premises Standards. Outside of those triggers, organisations may still adopt it voluntarily as a best-practice approach.

What is the difference between AS 1428.1 and AS 1428.2 or other parts?
Part 1 (AS 1428.1:2021) covers new building work. Part 2 provides guidance on adaptations for existing buildings, and other parts cover aspects such as tactile ground surface indicators and wayfinding.

Do performance solutions replace the need to use AS 1428.1?
Performance solutions can be used instead of the Deemed-to-Satisfy provisions, but they must demonstrate that equal or better levels of access and usability are achieved.

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