AS1428 Accessibility for Bathrooms (AS 1428.1 / AS 1428.2)
If you’re renovating a bathroom for improved accessibility—whether for ageing in place, disability access, or a public/commercial building—AS 1428 is the main Australian Standard suite used to guide “design for access and mobility”. It’s closely tied to the Disability (Access to Premises – Buildings) Standards 2010 and the National Construction Code (NCC).
This page explains (in plain English) what AS1428 generally covers for bathrooms, where it applies, and the practical things you should plan for before you start demolition.
Table of Contents
What is AS1428 (and why it matters in a bathroom reno)?
AS 1428 is a set of standards used to help ensure buildings and facilities can be accessed and used by people with disability, including wheelchair users and people with limited mobility.
For bathroom renovations, AS1428 comes up most often when you’re dealing with:
- Accessible sanitary facilities (toilets, showers, basins)
- Circulation space (turning circles, door swings, clearances)
- Grab rails / fixtures positioning and usability
- Step-free access and safe transitions (thresholds, hobless showers)
- Slip resistance and safer detailing
AS 1428.1 is the core “general requirements for access” standard (new building work), and AS 1428.2 contains enhanced/additional requirements used with Part 1 in some cases.
AS1428, the Premises Standards, and the NCC: how they connect
In many projects, AS1428 isn’t “optional”—it becomes relevant through regulation:
- Premises Standards (2010) set nationally consistent accessibility requirements for certain buildings/new works.
- The NCC references accessibility requirements and “referenced documents” (including AS 1428.1).
- In July 2025, the ABCB noted NCC 2022 Amendment 2 aligned references so the 2021 edition of AS 1428.1 is now the currently referenced edition (through the Premises Standards amendment pathway).
Practical takeaway: if you’re renovating a bathroom in a context where NCC/Premises Standards apply (many commercial/public and some multi-res buildings), you should treat accessibility requirements as a compliance item—not a “nice to have”.
This page is general information only and doesn’t replace advice from your building certifier or an access consultant.
When do bathroom renovations need to follow AS1428?
Common scenarios where AS1428-style requirements are often relevant:
1) Public & commercial bathrooms
Cafés, restaurants, medical clinics, retail, offices, community facilities, gyms, schools—anywhere the public (or a section of the public) uses the premises can trigger access obligations under disability access rules.
2) Apartments / strata works (sometimes)
Depending on building classification and scope, common-area facilities or certain upgrades may be impacted by NCC/Premises Standards pathways.
3) Purpose-built accessible bathrooms
Even where strict compliance isn’t legally required (e.g., a private home), many homeowners renovate to AS1428-inspired layouts for safety, mobility and resale flexibility.
The “accessible bathroom” planning checklist (high-level)
Below is a practical checklist you can use when briefing your designer/builder. (Exact dimensions and detailing depend on the specific standard/edition and your building context—so use this as a scoping guide.)
Layout & movement
- Clear, logical circulation space (especially in front of toilet, shower and basin)
- Door swing and hardware that doesn’t “steal” critical manoeuvring room
- Step-free transitions where possible (especially into the shower)
Shower
- Prefer hobless / level-entry showers for accessibility
- Reinforce walls early if grab rails may be installed now or later
- Plan the screen/entry so it doesn’t obstruct access
Toilet zone
- Space for safe transfers (side approach is often the limiting factor)
- Consider backrest and grab-rail-ready wall framing (even if you’re not fitting rails yet)
Basin & tapware
- Basin position that allows easier approach
- Lever-style mixer taps are generally easier than twist knobs
Floors, falls & safety
- Slip resistance suitable for wet areas
- Falls designed to avoid ponding while keeping transitions manageable
Lighting & controls
- Good task lighting + glare reduction
- Switches and controls placed where they’re easy to reach and operate
Common AS1428-related mistakes in bathroom renovations
These are the things that most often cause rework, access issues, or poor usability:
- Designing the bathroom “to look accessible” but missing functional circulation space
- Installing a shower screen that blocks entry or reduces clear width
- Not reinforcing walls where grab rails may be needed (costly to retrofit)
- Placing towel rails, niches, shelves and hardware in ways that clash with future grab rails
- Choosing beautiful fixtures that are difficult to operate (small knobs, awkward placements)
“Ambulant” vs “wheelchair accessible”: not the same thing
A bathroom that works well for ambulant users (people who can walk but need support) may still fail for wheelchair access. Requirements and layout priorities differ, so be clear on your goal:
- Ageing-in-place might prioritise safer movement, support points, and a level-entry shower.
- Wheelchair access usually demands more generous circulation and carefully planned transfer zones.
If you’re unsure, an access consultant can help you choose the right target early—before drawings are finalised.
Do you need an access consultant?
Consider one if any of these are true:
- The bathroom is in a commercial/public setting
- You need to meet NCC/Premises Standards requirements
- The renovation is funded through a program with accessibility requirements
- You want confidence the bathroom will work for a specific mobility need
Even a short consult can prevent expensive changes mid-build.
Renovating a Bathroom? Start With the Right Information
A bathroom renovation is a big decision — and the right information makes all the difference. Before choosing a renovator, most homeowners want clear, practical answers to questions like these:
Sometimes. It depends on the building type/classification and the scope of work, especially for public/commercial premises under the Premises Standards and NCC pathways.
The NCC/Premises Standards referencing has been updated over time. The ABCB noted that NCC 2022 Amendment 2 aligned references so the 2021 edition of AS 1428.1 is the currently referenced edition via that pathway.
(Your certifier can confirm what applies in your jurisdiction and project.)
Australian Standards are generally copyrighted and typically require purchase/licensing (or access via organisations/libraries). What you can do is use a qualified designer/access consultant to interpret and apply requirements correctly.
AS 1428.1 covers general access requirements for new building work; AS 1428.2 includes enhanced/additional requirements and is intended to be used with Part 1 where relevant.
Choosing the right renovator means checking licensing, insurance, experience, and past work — not just price. Knowing what to look for helps you avoid unreliable tradies and make a confident, informed decision.
Ready to plan an accessible bathroom layout?
If you’re renovating for accessibility, we can help you scope the project properly—layout, fixture selection, and builder-ready notes—so you avoid expensive rework later.