Ramp handrails and kerb rails under AS 1428.1 in NSW

Handrails and kerb rails are where most built ramps fail at occupation-certificate inspection. The gradient may be correct, but the rail stops short of the transition, the kerb sits too far in from the handrail line, or brackets eat the clear width. This page is the practitioner checklist for ramp handrails and kerb rails under AS 1428.1:2021 as called up by NCC 2022 Amendment 2 in New South Wales. NSW stays on that edition until 1 May 2027.

Ramp handrails and kerb rails in one paragraph

On a ramp that forms part of a continuous accessible path, AS 1428.1:2021 requires a handrail on both sides. The top of the handrail sits between 865 mm and 1000 mm above the ramp surface. Ends extend horizontally past the transition at the top and bottom except where the inner rail is continuous at a landing. Where the handrail is not wall-supported, a kerb or kerb rail is required. Its ramp-side face is flush with, or no more than 100 mm from, the ramp-side face of the handrail. The access report status-codes these items so the certifier can see what is compliant and what needs a fix or a Performance Solution.

When handrails are required on a ramp

AS 1428.1 distinguishes ramp types. A ramp steeper than 1:20 and not steeper than 1:14 that exceeds 1900 mm in length requires handrails on both sides. Step ramps, threshold ramps and kerb ramps do not require handrails under the Standard. Confirm the ramp type on the drawings before applying the handrail rules. The NCC calls up the relevant clauses of AS 1428.1 for accessible ramps.

Handrail geometry the certifier checks

Height: top of rail not less than 865 mm and not more than 1000 mm above the finished ramp surface. Height is consistent along the ramp and landings, with limited construction tolerance and landing transitions permitted by the Standard.
Grip: circular or elliptical section between 30 mm and 52 mm across the uppermost 270 degrees. No obstruction to the passage of a hand.
Clearance: not less than 50 mm to an adjacent wall or obstruction, extending above the rail.
Extensions: horizontal extension past the transition at the top and bottom of the ramp, typically 300 mm, except where the inner handrail continues through an intermediate landing.
Terminations: ends turned through 180 degrees, taken to the ground, or returned to the end post or wall.
Both sides: a handrail on each side of the ramp.

These dimensions are taken from the published summaries of AS 1428.1:2021. Always verify the current clause wording and figures in the Standard itself before detailing.

Kerb and kerb rail requirements

Where a handrail is not supported on a wall, a kerb or kerb rail is required along the open edge. The Standard sets:

Minimum height of 65 mm above finished floor for the kerb or kerb rail in the lower band.
The top of the kerb or kerb rail must not sit in the 75 mm to 150 mm band in a way that creates a trapping risk (see the Standard figures).
Ramp-side face of the kerb or kerb rail flush with, or no more than 100 mm from, the ramp-side face of the handrail.
Where the handrail is post-supported, the kerb or kerb rail height is not less than 150 mm in the configurations shown in the Standard figures.
Support posts set back where the lower kerb height is used.

The most common site failure is a kerb rail set too far in from the handrail line so a wheelchair caster can still drop off the edge.

Common failures seen at inspection

Handrail terminates at the end of the sloping section instead of extending past the transition.
Inner handrail interrupted at a landing where continuity is required.
Kerb rail more than 100 mm from the handrail face.
Post-supported rail with the kerb too low, allowing a wheel to pass under.
Brackets or fixings that reduce the clear width between rails below the required minimum.
Handrail height that varies beyond the permitted tolerance across a landing.

What the access report status-codes

The report lists each ramp with elemental status: compliant, capable of compliance, non-compliant, insufficient information, or Performance Solution. Dimensions are taken from the drawings or measured on site. Where the DtS geometry cannot fit (heritage fabric, constrained site, or existing structure), the route is a Performance Solution. See Performance Solutions and the example on performance-based ramp solution.

Frequently asked questions

Do both sides of a ramp need a handrail?

Yes, for ramps that require handrails under AS 1428.1. Confirm the ramp type first. Step, threshold and kerb ramps are treated differently.

What is the handrail height on a ramp?

The top of the handrail is not less than 865 mm and not more than 1000 mm above the ramp surface. Verify against the current Standard.

When is a kerb rail required?

Where the handrail is not wall-supported, a kerb or kerb rail is required along the open edge so a wheelchair cannot leave the ramp.

What if the detail cannot meet deemed-to-satisfy?

Document a Performance Solution with evidence that the Performance Requirement is met. Do not claim compliance where the geometry fails.

Call (02) 9586 3111 for a design audit or access report.