AS 1657: Fixed Platforms, Walkways, Stairways and Ladders — Australian Standard

AS 1657 is the Australian Standard governing the design, construction and installation of fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders used for safe access in industrial, commercial and mining facilities. This page provides a reference copy of the standard and explains how ASTCAD helps Australian businesses achieve compliant structural designs.

Last reviewed: May 2026

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What is AS 1657?

AS 1657 (formally AS 1657-1992, referenced as AS/NZS 1657) is the joint Australian/New Zealand Standard for fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders. It specifies minimum requirements for:

Structural design loadings for platforms and walkways
Guardrail heights, strengths and configurations
Stairway riser and going dimensions, handrail requirements
Fixed ladder spacing, cage requirements and rest platforms
Material specifications for aluminium, steel, timber and concrete structures

The standard applies to fixed access structures intended for operating, inspection, maintenance and servicing personnel — in industries including mining, oil and gas, manufacturing, construction and utilities. It does not cover portable ladders or emergency egress stairs governed by building codes.

AS 1657 Standard — reference copy

The embedded document below is a reference copy of AS 1657-1992. For the current normative version and certification purposes, obtain the authorised copy from Standards Australia.

AS 1657-1992 Fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders — Design, construction and installation

Key AS 1657 requirements at a glance

Platforms and walkways (Section 3)

Floors must be designed for a minimum superimposed live load of 2.5 kPa uniformly distributed, or a concentrated load of 1 kN at any point — whichever is more adverse. Guardrailing must resist a force of 550 N acting outwards or downwards at any point on the top rail, or 330 N per linear metre. Where AS 1170.2 wind loadings apply, these are additive.

Stairways (Section 4)

AS 1657 stairways must fall within a slope range of 20° to 45° from horizontal. The going (horizontal tread depth) and riser (vertical height) must comply with the formula specified in Figure 1.1. Handrails are required on both sides for widths greater than 600 mm. Non-slip nosings are mandatory on open-riser and metal-pan stairs.

Fixed ladders (Section 5)

Fixed ladders steeper than 45° must comply with Section 5, including minimum rung diameter (20 mm round bar), rung spacing (225–300 mm), and clearance behind rungs (150 mm minimum). Cage guards are required for ladders with a climb height exceeding 6 m. Rest platforms must be provided at maximum 9 m intervals for caged ladders.

Structural materials referenced

AS 1657 references the following Australian Standards for structural material design: AS 1664 (aluminium), AS 3600 (concrete), AS 3700 (masonry), AS 1720.1 (timber), AS 1538 / AS 4100 (steel). Compliance drawings must reference the applicable material standard and design loading assumptions.

AS 1657 compliance drawings — how ASTCAD can help

ASTCAD provides structural drafting and design services for fixed access structures compliant with AS 1657 across Australia. Our structural engineers and CAD drafters produce:

Fabrication drawings for steel platforms, walkways and mezzanines with full dimensioning, material callouts and AS 4100 compliance notes
Stair and ladder details referencing AS 1657 Section 4 and 5 requirements including guardrail, handrail and anti-slip specifications
3D models in AutoCAD, SolidWorks and Revit for clash detection and approval documentation
As-built drawings for maintenance and regulatory submissions

We serve clients in mining, oil and gas, manufacturing, utilities and construction across Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Gold Coast. Turnaround is typically 5–10 business days for standard platform and stair packages.

Frequently asked questions

Is AS 1657 a mandatory standard in Australia?

AS 1657 is referenced by the Model Work Health and Safety Regulations and Safe Work Australia guidance as the accepted means of compliance for fixed access structures. While compliance is not always mandated by a single piece of legislation, most workplace regulators (SafeWork NSW, WorkSafe VIC, WorkSafe WA, Workplace Health and Safety QLD) treat AS 1657 compliance as the benchmark for reasonably practicable safety of fixed access structures.

What is the difference between AS 1657-1992 and AS 1657:2018?

AS 1657:2018 is the current edition, superseding the 1992 version. The 2018 revision introduced updated loading requirements, revised stair geometry limits and new provisions for elevated work platforms. For new projects and regulatory submissions, the 2018 edition should be used. The 1992 reference copy on this page is provided for historical reference — for compliance purposes, obtain the current version from Standards Australia.

What slope range does AS 1657 cover?

AS 1657 covers access structures from 0° (platforms/walkways) through to 90° (fixed vertical ladders). The standard defines slope bands in Figure 1.1: walkways and platforms (0°–20°), stairs (20°–45°), and fixed ladders (45°–90°). Structures between 45° and 90° that are not fixed ladders require special engineering consideration.

How do I get AS 1657 compliant drawings for my project?

Contact ASTCAD with your project brief — site location, access structure type (platform, stair, ladder or combination), height, materials preference and any existing drawings. We will scope the deliverables, reference AS 1657 requirements and provide a fixed-price quote within 24 hours.

Related standards and services

Structural steel detailing services — AS 4100 compliant steel fabrication drawings
Fabrication drawings — shop drawings for steel, aluminium and mixed-material structures
Structural design services — full structural engineering and drafting for industrial facilities
Mining drafting services — access structures for mine sites and processing plants

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