Understanding AS 1657:2018
AS1657 is the Backbone of Safe Access Design and everything we do in height safety.
AS 1657 : 2018 is the Australian Standard governing the design, construction, and installation of fixed platforms, walkways, stairways, and ladders. It serves as the benchmark for ensuring safe access in industrial and commercial settings, aligning with the hierarchy of controls and the Code of Practice for managing the risk of falls at workplaces.
Key Applications
This standard is integral to the design and implementation of access solutions across various industries, including a wide range of industries and solutions:
- Rooftops and plant rooms
- Tanks and silos
- Marine and offshore structures
- Airports and hangars
- Warehouses and manufacturing facilities
Core Requirements of AS 1657:2018
AS 1657:2018 outlines specific criteria to ensure the safety and functionality of access systems:
Walkways and Platforms: Must be designed to support appropriate loads, with non-slip surfaces and adequate drainage.
Stairways: Should have uniform risers and goings, with handrails on at least one side if less than 1000mm wide, and on both sides if wider.
Ladders: Fixed ladders must include rest platforms at intervals not exceeding 6 meters in vertical height. Fall protection measures, such as cages or personal fall arrest systems, are required for ladders exceeding 3.5 meters.
Guardrails and Toeboards: Guardrails must be installed on the open sides of walkways, platforms, and landings, with toeboards where there is a risk of objects falling to a lower level
Updates in the 2018 Revision
The 2018 revision of AS 1657 introduced several clarifications and enhancements:
Terminology: Clarified definitions for terms like "level," "landing," and "ladder flight" to eliminate ambiguity.
Design Specifications: Updated figures and clauses to better illustrate requirements, such as the minimum length of landings and dimensions for ladder cages.
Safety Measures: Emphasised the importance of fall protection systems and the conditions under which they are mandatory.
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Integration with Safetylyne Solutions
At Safetylyne, AS 1657 is not just a guideline - it is the foundation upon which we design and engineer our access solutions. Our commitment to this standard ensures that every walkway, stairway, platform, and ladder we provide meets the highest safety and compliance requirements, tailored to the specific needs of your facility.
For detailed information on AS 1657:2018, refer to the official documentation provided by Standards Australia.
To learn more about roof safety systems design and fabrication - visit our
Height Safety Systems Page.
