AS1428.1 Door Clearances: Widths, Circulation & Handle Heights
door clearance requirements
Door clearances are an important consideration when designing accessible bathrooms and other accessible areas of Australian buildings. A doorway needs to provide more than enough physical space for someone to pass through — its clear opening, surrounding circulation space, hardware and interaction with nearby fixtures can all affect accessibility.
AS1428.1 contains technical requirements relating to accessible doors, doorways and circulation spaces in new building work. The National Construction Code (NCC) also references AS1428.1 in relation to various accessibility requirements.
This guide provides a general overview of accessible door clearance considerations for facility managers, builders and project teams. It should be used as an introduction to the subject rather than as a substitute for the applicable Standard, NCC, approved project documentation or professional advice.
Important information: This article is provided for general informational purposes only and is not building, architectural, engineering, legal or compliance advice. Requirements can vary depending on the building, application, jurisdiction and applicable NCC provisions. Always verify current dimensions, clearances and other requirements against the applicable Standards, NCC, approved project documentation and advice from the relevant building professional or certifier.
For a broader overview covering toilets, showers, basins, grab rails and other accessible bathroom considerations, see our AS1428.1 Compliance Guide for Accessible Bathrooms.
Table of Contents
door clearances as1428.1
When considering door clearances as1428.1 requirements involve more than the nominal width of the door itself.
Depending on the doorway and project, considerations can include:
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The clear opening available when the door is open
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Circulation and manoeuvring space around the doorway
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Door swing
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Approach to the door
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Latch-side clearance
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Door handles and hardware
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Thresholds and changes in floor level
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Interaction with nearby fixtures
This distinction is particularly important in accessible bathrooms where toilets, basins, grab rails, bins, dispensers and other fixtures may be positioned relatively close to the doorway.
A door that appears wide enough does not necessarily establish that the overall doorway or surrounding layout satisfies the applicable accessibility requirements.
Clear Opening Width
The clear opening is the usable, unobstructed space available to pass through a doorway when the door is open.
The NCC specifically references a clear opening width of not less than 850 mm in certain accessible doorway circumstances in accordance with AS1428.1. However, applicable requirements depend on the particular doorway, building and project.
It is therefore important not to assume that simply specifying a particular door leaf width will automatically provide the required clear opening.
Door hardware, frames and the way the door operates can influence the available opening. The applicable clear opening should be confirmed against the current project documentation, NCC provisions and relevant Standards.
Circulation and Approach Space
The space surrounding an accessible doorway can be just as important as the doorway itself.
AS1428.1 contains requirements relating to circulation spaces at doorways. These spaces are intended to support movement, approach and operation of the door by people using mobility aids, including wheelchairs.
When reviewing the area around a bathroom door, consider potential conflicts with:
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Basins
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Toilets
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Grab rails
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Shower areas
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Waste bins
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Hand dryers
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Paper towel dispensers
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Soap dispensers
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Other bathroom accessories
This is one reason door clearances should be considered as part of the complete bathroom layout rather than treated as an isolated measurement.
Adding accessories after construction without considering the surrounding circulation space may also create accessibility issues even if the original doorway was appropriately designed.
Door Handles and Hardware
Accessible door hardware should be considered alongside the doorway itself.
AS1428.1 and applicable NCC provisions contain requirements relating to the location, operation and characteristics of door hardware in accessible areas.
Depending on the application, relevant considerations can include:
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Handle positioning
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Ability to operate the hardware
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Clearance around handles
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Door opening forces
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Locks and latches
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Ability to use the door without unnecessarily difficult hand movements
Rather than relying on a general handle-height measurement, installers should refer to the applicable Standard, approved project drawings and manufacturer documentation when positioning accessible door hardware.
Door Swing and Operation
The direction and operation of a door can affect the surrounding circulation and usable space.
When planning an accessible bathroom doorway, consider whether the door swing interacts with circulation, transfer or other spaces required by the bathroom design.
The door should also be capable of being used in accordance with applicable accessibility requirements.
Sliding, hinged and automatic doors may all be appropriate in different situations, but the use of a particular door type does not by itself establish compliance.
The complete doorway arrangement — including opening, circulation, hardware and operation — should be assessed against the project's requirements.
Thresholds and Floor Transitions
Changes in floor level around doorways can create barriers for people using wheelchairs and other mobility aids and may also introduce trip hazards.
Thresholds and transitions should therefore be considered as part of the accessible path of travel.
The NCC and referenced Standards contain requirements that can apply to thresholds and changes in level. The appropriate treatment will depend on the doorway and project circumstances.
Where a threshold, ramp or other transition is proposed, its suitability should be checked against the applicable project requirements rather than relying on a general rule.
door clearance requirements australia
Door clearance requirements australia wide can involve the National Construction Code, referenced Australian Standards and project-specific requirements.
AS1428.1 is one of the key Standards referenced by the NCC in relation to access and mobility. However, the requirements that apply to an individual doorway can depend on factors such as:
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Building classification
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Location of the doorway
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Whether the area is required to be accessible
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Type of building work
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Door configuration
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Surrounding circulation space
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Applicable NCC provisions
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Project documentation
For this reason, there isn't a single door measurement that can be applied to every commercial building or accessible bathroom in Australia.
Common Accessible Door Planning Problems
Problems with accessible doors often arise from how different elements of the building interact rather than from the door itself.
Using nominal door size instead of clear opening
The size used to describe a door is not necessarily the same as the usable clear opening available when the door is installed and open.
Insufficient circulation space
A doorway may provide an appropriate opening while the surrounding area does not provide the circulation space required for the particular layout.
Fixtures encroaching on circulation areas
Bathroom fixtures and accessories positioned near a doorway can affect the available space.
Door swing conflicts
The movement of a hinged door may interact with other spaces or fixtures within the bathroom.
Unsuitable door hardware
Hardware selection and positioning should be considered against applicable accessibility and project requirements.
Changes made after construction
Bins, dispensers, furniture and other items added after handover can alter how the space around a doorway functions.
Planning Accessible Bathroom Doors
A structured approach can help project teams consider door accessibility earlier in the design process.
1. Identify the applicable accessibility requirements
Determine which NCC provisions, Standards and project requirements apply to the building and doorway.
2. Review the complete doorway
Consider the clear opening, circulation space, door swing, approach, hardware and thresholds together.
3. Coordinate the bathroom layout
Check how toilets, basins, grab rails, showers and accessories interact with the doorway and surrounding circulation areas.
4. Review product and manufacturer information
Door hardware and associated products should be selected with reference to project specifications and available manufacturer documentation.
5. Install according to approved documentation
Doorways and hardware should be installed in accordance with approved project drawings, applicable requirements and manufacturer instructions.
6. Obtain appropriate verification
Where required, the completed work should be reviewed by the appropriately qualified building professional or certifier responsible for the project.
Maintaining Accessible Doorways
Accessibility should also be considered after a facility has been completed.
Facility managers may benefit from periodically checking accessible doorways for:
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Obstructions within circulation areas
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Changes to furniture or bathroom accessories
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Door operation
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Damaged or difficult-to-use hardware
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Changes to thresholds or floor surfaces
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General maintenance issues
Something as simple as placing a bin or other object beside a doorway can potentially change the usable circulation space, so maintaining clear areas is an important part of managing accessible facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum door width for wheelchair access in Australia?
The NCC references a clear opening width of not less than 850 mm in certain accessible doorway circumstances in accordance with AS1428.1. However, requirements depend on the particular doorway and project. The applicable clear opening and circulation requirements should be confirmed against the current NCC, relevant Standards and approved project documentation.
Is a 920 mm door AS1428.1 compliant?
A nominal door leaf size alone does not establish AS1428.1 compliance. The usable clear opening, surrounding circulation space, door hardware, operation and other aspects of the doorway may need to be considered. Suitability should be confirmed against the project's applicable requirements.
What is the AS1428.1 door handle height?
AS1428.1 contains requirements relating to the location and operation of accessible door hardware. Rather than relying solely on a general height range, the applicable positioning and hardware requirements should be confirmed against the relevant Standard and approved project documentation.
Can sliding doors comply with AS1428.1?
Sliding doors may be suitable for accessible applications where the complete doorway arrangement satisfies the applicable requirements. Clear opening, circulation space, approach, hardware and operation should all be considered before determining suitability.
Does an 850 mm clear opening make a door compliant?
Not by itself. Clear opening width is only one consideration. Depending on the application, circulation space, approach, door operation, hardware, thresholds and other requirements may also need to be addressed.
Who should confirm AS1428.1 door compliance?
Compliance should be determined by the appropriately qualified professionals responsible for the project, such as the relevant building professional or certifier. General online information and product documentation should not be used as a substitute for project-specific assessment.
Final Considerations
Accessible doorways involve more than choosing a wide door. Clear opening, circulation space, approach, hardware, door operation and the surrounding building layout can all be relevant.
Considering these elements early can help facility managers, builders and project teams make more informed decisions when planning accessible bathrooms and other accessible areas.
Pro Facility Solutions can assist with commercial bathroom product information, specifications and available manufacturer documentation. However, we do not provide building certification or determine whether a doorway, bathroom or facility complies with AS1428.1 or the NCC.
Always confirm applicable door clearance and accessibility requirements against the current NCC, relevant Australian Standards, approved project documentation and advice from the appropriately qualified building professional or certifier.
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