WHEN CAN I START USING AS 1428.1:2021 Design for access and mobility?

We’ve seen how keen architects and building designers are to upgrade from AS 1428.1:2009 to AS 1428.1:2021 but… not yet.

Until this new standard is referenced by a future version or amendment of the BCA and, more problematically due to the required legislation changes, a future version of the Premises Standards, AS 1428.1:2009 (including Amendments 1 and 2) remains the current standard.

What will change once AS 1428.1:2021 is adopted¹?

AS 1428.1:2009	AS 1428.1:2021
-	Numbering of sections varies.
-	Clarification on the luminance contrast of visual indicators on glazing.
-	New requirements for glazing viewing panels in doors in text and figure.
-	New construction tolerances for abutment of surfaces on timber decking and boardwalks.
-	Adjustments and clarifications on carpets and other soft flexible materials as floor coverings.
-	The International Symbol of Deafness must not include the letter ‘T’ or any other symbol or lettering.
Walkways and landings shallower than 1:33 must have a maximum crossfall of 1:40 for the shedding of water (maximum 1:33 for bitumen).	The crossfall for all walkways and landings must be no steeper than 1:40 (no steeper than 1:33 for bitumen).
Walkways must be bordered by 600mm ground of a different surface and on grade, a compliant kerb, a compliant kerb rail and handrail or a minimum 450mm high wall.	Walkways must be bordered by 600mm ground of a different surface and on grade, a compliant kerb, a compliant kerb rail and handrail or a wall, fence, balustrade or similar barrier.
-	Street kerb adjacent to a walkway requires an additional 600mm width on that side.
-	Clarification on handrail extensions and terminations to a wall.
-	Curved walkways and ramps must begin and end with 1500mm long straight landings which intersect along their centreline. Any required change in width must be within the landing length.
-	Threshold ramps must have sharp transitions at the top and bottom and at any tapered or splayed edges.   Additional clarification on threshold ramps in figures.
-	Step ramps must have their top and bottom aligned at 90° to the direction of travel and must have sharp transitions at the top and bottom and at any tapered or splayed edges.
The edges of a step ramp may be protected by a wall or suitable barrier with a minimum height of 450mm.	The edges of a step ramp may be protected by a wall, fence, balustrade or similar barrier.
Landings at 90° changes in direction must be truncated at the internal corner.	Landings at 90° changes in direction may be truncated at the internal corner and the truncation must not reduce the clear width.
-	Additional clarification on stair nosings in figures.
-	Additional clarification on handrails to stairs with intermediate landings in figures.   The height of handrails to stairs may vary across landings at handrail extensions, at transitions between flights or to a balustrade or to provide construction tolerance up to 10mm.
Handrail diameter must be 30-50mm.	Handrail diameter must be 30-52mm.   Adjustments to figures of handrail sections.
-	A maximum door reveal depth of 300mm to the door face added to text and figures.
-	Clarification of door handle clearances to back plate or face of the door in text and figures.
Door controls that need to be grasped or turned must be 900-1100mm high.	Controls that need to be grasped, turned, pushed or pulled to operate a door must be 900-1100mm high and minimum 500mm from an internal corner (except within lift cars).
Manual controls for power-operated hinged doors must be located 1000-2000mm from the door leaf in any position.	Manual controls for power-operated hinged doors must be located 500-1000mm from the arc of the door leaf.
In accessible sanitary facilities, taps must have lever handles, sensor plates or other similar controls.	In accessible sanitary facilities, taps must have lever handles, sensor plates, voice activation or other similar controls.
-	Clarification that luminance contrast for the toilet seat must be achieved between the seat and pan, seat and wall, or seat and floor against which it is viewed.
-	The backrest for the toilet must be located 430-495mm from the front of the pan and allow the seat to remain in a raised position.   In an accessible sole-occupancy unit, the backrest must be capable of being removed and refitted.
Toilet flushing controls must be user activated – either hand operated or automatic.	Toilet flushing controls must be user activated – hand operated, electronic sensor or automatic.   Zone for flushing controls revised in figures.
-	Toilet roll must not project more than 150mm from the wall.
Grabrails must be 800-810mm high to the top of the grabrail.	Grabrails must be 800-820mm high to the top of the grabrail.
Where a concealed or high-level cistern or flush valve is installed, the rear grabrail for the toilet must be continuous behind the toilet and extend to the side wall.	Where there is no obstruction, the rear grabrail may be continuous behind the toilet and extend to the side wall.
The washbasin must remain clear of the shower circulation space.	The washbasin may encroach maximum 100mm into the shower circulation space. Figures updated to show permitted encroachment zones.
For semi-recessed washbasins other than for a sole-occupancy unit, the bench and front edge of the washbasin must be 800-830mm high.	For semi-recessed washbasins other than for a sole-occupancy unit, the bench must be 800-830mm high while the front edge of the washbasin is to be 800-840mm high.
Where provided, a mirror must extend from maximum 900mm to minimum 1850mm high.	Where located above the washbasin, the mirror must extend from maximum 900mm to minimum 1850mm high. Where located adjacent to a washbasin, the mirror must extend from maximum 780mm to minimum 1850mm high.
A central waste outlet is required in the shower recess. Separate falls must be achieved within the shower recess and in the remainder of the room.	A linear drain may be provided in the shower recess. If provided, the slope of the entire floor to the linear drain must be between 1:50 and 1:90.
Wall outlet and back-flow prevention device must be 695-705mm high and underneath the vertical support rail.	Hose connection must be 100-800mm from the internal corner and 700-1100mm high with clearance to other fixtures.   Unless the shower has a restrictor device fitted to prevent the head from reaching the floor or basin, a back-flow prevention device is required. If the head is capable of reaching into the toilet pan, a restrictor device is required. Figures added to illustrate requirements.
-	The shower tap lever handle must be 100mm maximum.
The top of the folding shower seat must have a height of 470-480mm.	The top of the folding shower seat must have a height of 460-480mm.   For assisted residential care buildings, a portable shower chair may be provided in lieu of a folding shower seat.
-	Figures added to provide absolute minimum overall room dimensions for accessible toilet facilities.
Appendix C – Summary of requirements for walkways, ramps and landings.	Previous Appendix C deleted and replaced with Appendix C – Vision impairment (provides information on various aspects of vision impairment when navigating the built environment).