Access for a specific task
AS 1657:2018 addresses fixed access for operating, inspection, maintenance and servicing personnel. Establish its suitability and any NCC conditions; the D3D23 concession has a limited scope. [2] [3]
Before fabrication
Start with the use.
Then establish the requirements.
Plant access, warehouse circulation and required exits can need different stair solutions. A building’s industrial label does not select the standard.
NSW edition check
As checked on 19 October 2026, NSW identifies NCC 2022 Amendment 2 as current, effective 29 July 2025. NCC 2025 adoption is scheduled for 1 May 2027. Confirm the edition and NSW variations applicable to the project’s approval. [1]
Three starting questions
What will this stair serve?
These are assessment prompts, not automatic compliance decisions.
Everyday movement
Confirm the building classification, occupants and NCC access, egress and accessibility requirements. An occupied mezzanine or office stair should not be treated as maintenance access simply because it is inside a warehouse. [1] [3]
Part of the escape route
Ask the project designer and certifier to establish the stair’s role in the exit strategy and applicable provisions. Do not substitute a generic industrial-access specification for the project’s required-exit design. [1] [4]
Consider the whole route
Accessibility and surface performance.
A stair alone does not provide a step-free route. Assess accessible paths, stair details, any ramp or lift requirements, and applicable exemptions or concessions for the building. Amendment 2 references AS 1428.1:2021; use the edition applicable to the project. [4]
SafeWork NSW highlights slip-resistant treads and visible, slip-resistant nosings. Select and assess surfaces for the operating conditions; orange paint or chequer plate appearance alone does not demonstrate the required performance. [5]
Make the scope reviewable
Agree the evidence before the order.
Suggested project requirements to agree with the responsible parties—not a promise that every item is included in a supply package. Evidence should relate to the actual product, application and limitations. [6]
Design basis
Intended use, approval requirements, design responsibility, nominated loads and drawing revisions.
Engineering
Agreed calculations, drawings and appropriately scoped reports, including connections and anchorage.
Product & installation
Relevant material, fabrication, coating and surface evidence; site inspections and agreed rectification.
Handover
Agreed as-built records, maintenance information and actual warranty terms.
Common questions
Clarify the essentials.
Does AS 1657 cover every warehouse stair?
No. Confirm the intended access, applicable NCC requirements and scope of the standard before deciding the design basis. [2] [3]
Does a certificate prove the whole installation complies?
Check what it covers, its conditions and whether it matches the supplied and installed work. Evidence has a defined scope. [6]
Can I use a general guidance sheet as a design specification?
Use guidance to frame questions, then check the applicable adopted code, referenced standards and project design. Older guidance may cite earlier editions.
Read the references
Sources & currency.
Links checked 19 October 2026. Public guidance and catalogue scope were reviewed; the complete licensed standards were not inspected. This overview is not a project design or certification.
- 01 / NSW Government
NCC adoption & approval editions ↗
Current NSW code, future adoption and project approval context. Updated 13 May 2026.
- 02 / Intertek Inform catalogue
AS 1657:2018 scope ↗
Published standard scope and catalogue status; not the complete standard.
- 03 / ABCB
D3D23 access concession ↗
Why particular infrequently used access areas have different provisions.
- 04 / ABCB · PDF
NCC 2022 Amendment 2 ↗
AS 1428.1:2021 references and accessibility amendments. Effective 29 July 2025.
- 05 / SafeWork NSW · PDF
Safe design & use of stairs ↗
Workplace stair hazards, treads and nosings. Guidance based on AS 1657:2018.
- 06 / ABCB · PDF
Evidence of suitability handbook ↗
Evidence types, scope and limitations. Read alongside the applicable adopted code.