AUSTRALIAN STANDARDS WHEELCHAIR ACCESS: TIPS AND ADVICE

What is the Australian standard for wheelchair access?

The Australian standards for wheelchair access are provided within AS 1428.1, also known as Design for access and mobility, Part 1: General requirements for access - New building work. The BCA and Premises Standards reference AS 1428.1 to specify how to meet their performance standards.

It is important to note that the aim of the wheelchair accessibility standards is to provide wheelchair users clear, continuous access paths and multi-directional space to manoeuvre in and use the building as intended.

AS 1428.1 provides building developers, certifiers, managers, and practitioners with the minimum design requirements for new buildings and new building work to enable access for people with disabilities.

How wide does a door need to be for wheelchair access?

A single-leaf door is required to have a minimum width of 850mm when the door is open. When double doors are used, the 850mm minimum opening clearance applies to the active leaf. The minimum width is measured at the narrowest point i.e. from the inside face of the open door to the nearest point of the door jamb. The wheelchair user must be able to travel through the opening unobstructed, which means that door handles must not protrude into their path and the angle of the door must open at least 90 degrees.

An 870mm door leaf is usually unable to achieve this width as the thickness of the door when open impinges on the clearance width. 

How wide does a wheelchair access ramp need to be?

The AS 1428.1 prescribes a minimum clear width of 1000mm between handrails for a straight ramp. If the ramp includes a change of direction, the width at the turning point must increase depending on the angle of the turn. This is to accommodate the turning arc of a wheelchair. A completely curved ramp requires a minimum clear width of 1500mm.

The AS 1428.1 standards are a minimum for accessibility. Other standards and guidelines (e.g. AS 1428.2, Specialist Disability Accommodation Design Standards, Livable Housing Design Guidelines) suggest a minimum width of 1200mm would enhance access and accommodate a broader range of needs.

What is the maximum gradient of a wheelchair access ramp?

The general principle behind ramp gradients is that the longer the ramp, the more gradual the slope must be so that wheelchairs users can maintain sufficient momentum to reach the top. Generally 1:14 is the maximum gradient for a ramp.

A steeper gradient of up to 1:10 is permitted if the ramp is relatively short (a maximum of 1900mm long and 190mm high). Kerb ramps have a maximum gradient of 1:8. Threshold ramps in doorways may have a gradient up to 1:8 if they are 35mm high or less.

Where can I get specialist advice?

Our friendly team at Accessed is happy to provide advice, assessments, and performance solutions for all your wheelchair accessibility needs!