AS1428.1 Door Clearances: Widths, Circulation & Handle Heights
Door clearances are one of the most frequently audited—and most commonly misunderstood—elements of AS1428.1 compliance. Even where toilets and showers meet accessibility requirements, incorrectly sized door openings, poorly positioned handles, or inadequate circulation space can result in non-compliance and costly rectification.
This guide explains AS1428.1 door clearance requirements in plain English. It covers door widths, circulation and approach space, handle heights, and common mistakes—helping Australian facilities design accessible bathrooms that pass audits and support safe, independent access.
For a complete overview of accessible bathroom requirements, see our AS1428.1 Compliance Guide for Accessible Bathrooms.
Use the table of contents below to jump to the sections most relevant to your project.
Table of Contents
- What “Door Clearance” Means Under AS1428.1
- AS1428.1 Door Clear Opening Widths
- Circulation and Approach Space at Doors
- Door Handle Height and Operability (AFFL Explained)
- Door Operation and Swing Direction
- Thresholds and Level Changes
- Common Door-Related Compliance Mistakes
- Practical Checklist: AS1428.1 Door Compliance
- Frequently Asked Questions
What “Door Clearance” Means Under AS1428.1
In AS1428.1, door clearance is not just about the door leaf size. Compliance considers:
- The clear opening width when the door is open
- The circulation space on the approach side
- The location and operability of door hardware
- The interaction between door swing and required turning or transfer zones
A door that looks wide enough can still fail compliance if it obstructs circulation or requires excessive force to operate.
AS1428.1 Door Clear Opening Widths
For accessible bathroom doors:
A minimum 850 mm clear opening is commonly referenced for AS1428.1 compliant doors (measured with the door open at 90°).
Key points:
- The clear opening is measured between the door face and the frame, not the nominal door size.
- Hinges, stops, or hardware must not reduce the effective opening.
- Sliding doors may be used where swing clearance is limited, provided approach space is maintained.
Important: Always verify final requirements against current drawings and the adopted standard.
Circulation and Approach Space at Doors
Adequate circulation space must be provided on the approach side of accessible doors to allow wheelchair users to:
- Approach the door front-on or side-on
- Reach and operate the handle
- Open the door without obstruction
- Pass through safely without reversing
Common audit issues include:
- Doors swinging into required turning circles
- Fixtures or bins encroaching into approach zones
- Inadequate latch-side clearance for wheelchair manoeuvring
Door clearances should always be coordinated with basin, toilet, and shower layouts—not treated as a standalone detail.
Door Handle Height and Operability (AFFL Explained)
AS1428.1 Door Handle Height
- 900–1100 mm above finished floor level (AFFL)
Door handles, latches, and locks must:
- Be operable with one hand
- Not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting
- Operate with minimal force
AFFL (Above Finished Floor Level) means measurements are taken from the completed floor surface, including tiles or other finishes—not the structural slab.
Door Operation and Swing Direction
Accessible bathroom doors should:
- Open smoothly without excessive force
- Avoid swinging into required circulation, turning, or transfer spaces
- Be fitted with hardware that returns consistently to the same position
Where inward-swinging doors are unavoidable, layouts must be carefully reviewed to ensure transfer zones remain clear.
Thresholds and Level Changes
Door thresholds should:
- Be level where possible
- Avoid abrupt changes in level
- Not create trip hazards or wheelchair barriers
Any change in level at a doorway must be treated carefully to maintain continuous accessible paths of travel.
Common Door-Related Compliance Mistakes
The most frequent AS1428.1 door failures include:
- Specifying door leaf sizes instead of measuring clear openings
- Installing handles outside the 900–1100 mm AFFL range
- Allowing door swings to overlap turning circles or transfer zones
- Using hardware that requires excessive force or two-handed operation
- Adding fixtures or bins that reduce approach space after handover
Most issues arise from coordination errors, not intent.
Practical Checklist: AS1428.1 Door Compliance
Before final sign-off, confirm that:
- Clear opening width meets accessible requirements
- Handle height is within 900–1100 mm AFFL
- Circulation space is unobstructed on the approach side
- Door swing does not conflict with turning or transfer zones
- Hardware is operable with one hand and minimal force
Photographing door clearances and handle heights during installation can simplify audits and future reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum door width for wheelchair access in Australia?
AS1428.1 commonly references a minimum 850 mm clear opening for accessible doors. Final requirements should always be verified against current drawings and the adopted standard.
What is the AS1428.1 door handle height?
Door handles should be installed between 900 mm and 1100 mm AFFL and be operable with one hand using minimal force.
Do sliding doors comply with AS1428.1?
Yes, sliding doors can be compliant where circulation and approach space requirements are met and hardware remains accessible.
Door clearances are a small detail with a big impact on AS1428.1 compliance. Getting widths, circulation space, and handle heights right early helps avoid failed audits, retrofit costs, and access issues for users.
For a broader view of accessible bathroom requirements — including toilets, showers, basins, and signage — see our AS1428.1 Compliance Guide for Accessible Bathrooms.
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