AS1657:2018 Compliance for Fixed Ladders and Access Systems

Understanding exactly what makes a fixed ladder or roof access system compliant with the current Australian Standards is key to ensuring the installation is safe and fit for use. Anchor Safe is Australia’s leading provider of roof access solutions, installing ladder and stairway systems that ensure complete compliance and safety for our clients. We’ve taken our expert understanding of fixed ladder and stairway compliance and detailed it below.

Definition: An access system is a fixed or permanent structure designed to provide safe entry and exit to elevated or hard-to-reach areas such as rooftops, elevated walkways or Plant Platforms. Commonly constructed from durable materials such as aluminium or steel for strength and longevity, access systems can include fixed ladders, stairways, platforms, guardrails and fall arrest systems to ensure safety and meet compliance standards.

Related Article: The Ultimate Guide to Ladder Safety

AS1657:2018 Requirements for Fixed Ladders and Access Systems.

Fall Protection Requirements: Fall protection is mandatory for ladders and access systems exceeding 3.5 meters. This can include ladder cages, guardrails, vertical lifelines, or mid-way rest platforms. The specific requirements depend on the type of access system, the height involved, and the surrounding conditions. Seeking guidance from a qualified height safety technician ensures your system complies with AS1657:2018.

Heights Between Rest Platforms: For vertical or step ladders, rest platforms are required at intervals of no more than 6 meters of vertical height. Stairways are allowed a maximum of 18 risers or approximately 4 meters of vertical height between platforms.

Rest Platform Specifications: Rest or change of direction platforms must adhere to the minimum 600mm x 600mm size requirements specified in the standard. The platform must be large enough to allow a person to rest securely, include guardrails to prevent falls and be positioned so that users can step onto them comfortably without straining.

Handrails and Cages: Handrails are mandatory on both sides of step-type ladders, regardless of height. The clear space between these handrails must be between 550 mm and 750 mm. Ladder cages are required for any ladder with a vertical height exceeding 3.5 meters unless an alternative fall protection system such as a vertical static line and fall arrest system is installed. Handrails are mandatory on at least one side for all stairways and both sides for stairways wider than 1000mm.

Landing Platforms: A top landing platform is required for all fixed ladders over 3.5 meters or for any fixed ladder where the landing surface is not level, uneven or slopes greater than 3° in any direction. A top landing platform must not be greater than 300mm off the roof deck. If the ladder’s vertical height is under 3.5 meters a 1-meter platform is required. If the ladder’s vertical height is above 3.5 meters a 2-meter platform with guardrails is recommended. A lower landing is required on all fixed ladders allowing for equal rung spacing.

Angle of Inclination: AS1657:2018 specifies preferred angles of inclination for various access systems:

• Stairways: 20° to 45° – Preferred angle between 30° & 38°
• Inclined Step Ladders: 60° to 70°
• Inclined Rung Ladders: 70° to 75°
• Vertical Ladders: up to 90°

Rung Design and Spacing: Rungs must be spaced evenly between 250mm and 300mm for heights greater than 1 meter. The rungs must be of sufficient diameter to ensure a secure grip (between 20mm and 50mm) and must have anti-slip features. The top rung must be at the same height as the top landing and the distance between the landing and the first rung must be equal to the rung spacing.

Load Requirements: All ladders, platforms and stairways must be designed to support a minimum static load. Generally, ladders should support at least 1.5 kN (approximately 150 kg) at any point. Platforms and stairways must support 2.5 kN/m² to accommodate workers as well as their tools and materials.

Material and Durability Standards: Ladders, platforms, and stairways must be constructed from materials resistant to environmental conditions and must meet strength and durability standards to ensure long-term safety.

Labels and Certification: All access systems must be clearly marked with their load capacity, identification of compliance with AS1657:2018, warnings or instructions for safe use, and date of most recent certification.

Understanding the Hierarchy of Means of Access

The AS1657:2018 hierarchy for means of access provides guidance in the selection of access systems by ranking access methods from least to most risk. This hierarchy reflects the stability, usability, and inherent hazards of each type of system. Persons Conducting Business or Undertaking (PCBU) that involves work at height must use the safest form of access that is reasonably practicable to comply with AS1657:2018 standards. AS1657:2018 states the hierarchy for permanent means of access from least to most risk as follows:

1. Level Walkway (0° to 3°): Level walkways provide the most stable access with the lowest risk of slips, trips, or falls. They allow for natural movement without requiring significant effort or specialised safety measures.

2. Sloping Walkway (3° to 20°): While still offering stability, sloping walkways introduce a slight incline, increasing the risk of slipping, particularly in wet or slippery conditions. Sloping walkways are suitable for providing access to areas with moderate height differences such as rooftops or plant platforms where a slight slope accommodates drainage needs.

3. Stairs (20° to 45°): Access Stairways provide secure footing and less effort to ascend/descend compared to ladders but still require controlled movement and proper handrail use to maintain safety. The risk of slips or falls increases with the angle of inclination with a preferred angle of 30° to 38° to balance usability and safety. Stairways are suitable for providing access between levels and provide the safest solution for regular access or the transfer of tools and materials from ground level to the rooftop.

4. Inclined Step Ladder (60° to 70°): Inclined step ladders carry an increased risk as they require more effort to climb and depend on consistent hand and foot placement. Wider steps and lower angles of inclination make step ladders significantly more secure than rung ladders. Step ladders are suitable for changes in elevation on the roof deck, access to elevated equipment or scenarios where stairs are impractical due to space constraints.

5. Inclined Rung Ladders (70° to 75°): The steeper angle and rung-based design of these ladders demand careful climbing technique, and carry a significantly higher risk of fall if users lose grip or balance. The need for both hands to safely use a rung ladder makes the transfer of tools or supplies using these ladders difficult or impossible. Inclined rung ladders are suitable for intermittent access to elevated areas or rooftops for inspection and maintenance purposes, or scenarios where safer access systems are impractical due to space constraints.

6. Vertical Rung Ladders (90°): Vertical ladders carry the highest residual fall risk and are not suitable for transferring equipment or tools. AS1657:2018 states that a cage or fall arrest system must be installed for vertical height exceeding 3.5 meters on all vertical ladders. Vertical fall arrest systems require specific training and rescue procedures, further increasing complexity and increasing the inherent risk to the user and PCBU. Because vertical ladders are the least secure and safe for the user they should only be used where no other access system is deemed reasonably practicable.

Why Compliance with AS1657:2018 Matters

Compliance with AS1657:2018 is essential to ensuring workplace safety and avoiding serious legal and operational consequences. This standard establishes clear guidelines for safe access systems, helping to minimise risks and promote a secure working environment.

From a legal standpoint, non-compliance with AS1657:2018 can lead to significant fines and potential prosecution under Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) laws. In the event of an accident, businesses may face lawsuits, disputes with insurers, and reputational harm. Ensuring compliance not only protects your workforce but also safeguards your business from these costly legal outcomes.

The safety implications of non-compliance are equally critical. Inadequate or improperly installed access systems increase the likelihood of accidents, injuries, and even fatalities. Risks such as falls, trips, and structural failures can be significantly reduced by adhering to the standard’s specifications for ladders, platforms, and fall protection.

Operationally, non-compliance can result in unplanned downtime due to accidents or regulatory inspections. Addressing these issues after an incident often incurs higher costs than proactively ensuring compliance during the design and installation phases. By following AS1657:2018, businesses can maintain operational continuity while prioritising the safety and well-being of their workforce.