AS 1428 Design for Access and Mobility: Every Part Explained (NSW)
AS 1428 is a series of Australian Standards, not one document. AS 1428.1 is the Part called up for general building access in NSW today. The current edition is AS 1428.1:2021, referenced by the amended Premises Standards and NCC 2022 Amendment 2 since 29 July 2025.
This page maps the series for architects, certifiers and builders. It shows what each Part covers, which edition is current, and which Parts the NCC actually calls up. Call (02) 9586 3111 for a DA or CC access report.
The AS 1428 series at a glance
| Part | Current edition | What it covers | Called up by the NCC? | SAC page |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AS 1428.1 | 2021 (replaced 2009 including Amdts 1 and 2) | General requirements for access, new building work: path of travel, doorways, ramps, stairs, handrails, sanitary facilities, controls, luminance contrast | Yes. NCC Part D4 and related clauses (D4D2, D4D3, D4D4, D4D7, D4D10, D4D11, D4D13 and others). Confirm the exact list against the NCC edition applicable to the project. | NCC Part D4 guide, 2009 vs 2021 |
| AS 1428.2 | 1992 | Enhanced and additional requirements for buildings and facilities | Not for general D4 Deemed-to-Satisfy. Called up in narrower places such as certain public transport building clauses. Mandatory only where a contract, brief, DCP, consent condition or specific NCC Part calls it up. | Standards guide |
| AS/NZS 1428.4.1 | 2009 (including Amdts 1 and 2) | Tactile ground surface indicators (TGSIs) | Yes, where D4D9 requires TGSIs. | TGSI audits |
| AS 1428.4.2 | 2018 | Wayfinding signs | Braille and tactile signage Deemed-to-Satisfy sits in NCC Specification 15 via D4D7. Confirm Schedule 2 for any direct call-up. | Wayfinding |
| AS 1428.5 | 2021 (replaced 2010) | Communication for people who are deaf or hearing impaired (assistive listening) | Confirm against the applicable NCC Schedule 2 and D4D8. | Hearing augmentation |
NSW is on NCC 2022 Amendment 2 until adoption of NCC 2025 on 1 May 2027. Check the Schedule 2 referenced documents for the edition that applies to your Construction Certificate application.
AS 1428.1:2021 reading map
Do not reproduce figures or clause text. Use the Standard or the free Reader Room. Major topics and SAC pages:
- Continuous accessible path of travel, circulation and turning: wheelchair circulation
- Doorways, circulation space, latch-side clearance, thresholds: door circulation
- Walkways, ramps, kerb ramps and handrails: ramps and handrails
- Stairways (nosings, risers, handrails): stairways
- Luminance contrast: luminance contrast
- Switches and power points: switches and power points
- Sanitary facilities: disabled toilets
- Counters: reception counters
Which edition applies in NSW?
AS 1428.1:2021 is the edition referenced by the amended Premises Standards and NCC 2022 Amendment 2 from 29 July 2025. Using the 2021 edition where an earlier NCC edition still references 2009 is generally a Performance Solution. Use the decision tree in AS 1428.1:2009 vs 2021.
Is AS 1428.2 mandatory?
No for general Deemed-to-Satisfy access under Part D4. It is mandatory only where something calls it up: a specific NCC Part, a contract or design brief, a DCP, a consent condition, or an agency design guide. Otherwise it is a best-practice reference.
AS 1428, the NCC, the Premises Standards and the DDA
The Disability Discrimination Act 1992 creates the duty. The Premises Standards set the Access Code for most new and upgraded public buildings. The NCC Part D4 and related clauses call up the relevant AS 1428 Parts as Deemed-to-Satisfy. See NCC Part D4 guide, DDA vs NCC and unjustifiable hardship.
What AS 1428.1 does not cover
Inside Class 1a houses and Class 2 sole-occupancy units, AS 1428.1 is not Deemed-to-Satisfy. Separate streams are Livable Housing (voluntary in NSW), AS 4299 adaptable housing where a DCP calls it up, and SDA for NDIS enrolment. See SDA vs livable vs adaptable.
Existing buildings: AS 1428.1 applies to new building work. Upgrades are triggered through the Premises Standards affected part and NSW regulations. See existing building audits and change of use and fit-out.
Car parking geometry: AS/NZS 2890.6. See accessible car parking.
How to read AS 1428 legally
Buy the Standard from Standards Australia (or Accuris / Intertek Inform). The ABCB does not supply Standards. The Standards Australia Reader Room offers free read-only online access for personal, non-commercial use (confirm current terms: typically a limited number of 24-hour passes per year). Public and university libraries may hold copies. "Free download" PDFs are often superseded editions or unauthorised copies. Using the wrong edition is a common RFI trigger.
When to bring in an access consultant
For a DA, CC or CDC access report see access reports. Where Deemed-to-Satisfy cannot be met, use a Performance Solution. See also what certifiers want. Call (02) 9586 3111.
Frequently asked questions
What is AS 1428.1?
AS 1428.1 is the Australian Standard "Design for access and mobility, Part 1: General requirements for access, New building work". It sets minimum dimensions and features for an accessible path of travel, including doorways and circulation spaces, ramps, stairs, handrails, sanitary facilities, controls and luminance contrast. The current edition is AS 1428.1:2021. In NSW it has been the edition referenced by the amended Premises Standards and NCC 2022 Amendment 2 since 29 July 2025.
Which edition of AS 1428.1 applies in NSW now?
AS 1428.1:2021 for projects under the current NSW adoption of NCC 2022 Amendment 2. Confirm against the NCC edition that applies to the Construction Certificate application date. Use the 2009 vs 2021 decision tree for locked earlier editions.
Is AS 1428.2 mandatory?
Only where a contract, brief, DCP, consent condition or specific NCC Part calls it up. It is not general Deemed-to-Satisfy under Part D4.
Can I download AS 1428.1:2021 free?
No legal free PDF for commercial use. Use the Standards Australia Reader Room for personal read-only access, a library, or purchase the Standard.
Call Sydney Access Consultants on (02) 9586 3111 for assistance with AS 1428 compliance on your project.