Designing Accessible Spaces: Door Hardware Requirements Under AS 1428.1:2021
Designing Accessible Spaces: Door Hardware Requirements Under AS 1428.1:2021
As a leading supplier to Australia’s commercial, fitout and multi-residential sectors, ENTRO takes DDA and AS 1428.1:2021 compliance seriously. Accessible hardware is not just a regulatory requirement — it directly impacts usability, safety and independence for thousands of building occupants every day.
Below is a clear, practical guide to the key door-hardware requirements under AS 1428.1:2021, written for architects, designers and specifiers.
1. LEVER HANDLES
Lever handles remain the most intuitive and accessible hardware solution for hinged doors. AS 1428.1:2021 sets out specific requirements to ensure they can be operated comfortably by users with varying mobility or hand strength.
Key requirements:
- Grip clearance: 35–45 mm
A full hand must fit behind the lever. This requires 35–45 mm clearance between the handle and the door surface or plate. - Lever return: minimum 20 mm
The lever must return toward the door so the end sits at least 20 mm off the door face, reducing snagging risks and supporting better control. - Snib lever length: minimum 45 mm
Turn snibs must project at least 45 mm from the spindle for ease of grip. - One-handed, non-slip operation
The handle must be operable without tight grasping, pinching or twisting. - Opening force: maximum 20 N
Initiating the opening movement (including latch release) must not exceed 20 N of force. - Installed height: 900–1100 mm AFFL
The operable spindle of the lever — including snibs and privacy turns — must be set between 900 mm and 1100 mm above finished floor level.
2. PULL HANDLES
Pull handles provide a strong, positive grip on both hinged and sliding doors. AS 1428.1:2021 requires them to be shaped and positioned to allow safe and consistent operation.
Key requirements:
- Grip clearance: 35–45 mm
Users must have 35–45 mm finger clearance behind the pull handle. - Graspable area within 900–1100 mm AFFL
For vertical entrance pulls, part of the usable gripping surface must fall inside the accessible height zone. - D-type handles on sliding doors
Sliding doors must use D-shaped pulls, providing a continuous, secure grip suitable for one-handed operation.
When Offset Pull Handles May be Used:
Offset pull handles are not required on all accessible doors, but they are useful when:
- A narrow stile places a centre-mounted handle too close to the frame to achieve the required 60 mm clearance
- Double sliding or double entrance doors need improved ergonomic spacing
- Locks or snibs require additional finger access around the hardware
Offset pulls simply provide the extra clearance needed in these specific situations.
3. SLIDING DOORS — CLEAR OPENINGS & CRITICAL CLEARANCES
Sliding doors are commonly used in accessible bathrooms, meeting rooms and internal fitouts. To meet AS 1428.1:2021, they require additional design considerations beyond standard pull-handle selection.
- Minimum clear opening: 850mm
When the door is fully open, the clear opening width must be at least 850mm. - Minimum 60mm clearance — open and closed
To ensure safe gripping and prevent handle/frame collisions: - A minimum of 60 mm clearance must exist between the pull handle and the adjacent wall or door frame when the door is closed.
- A minimum of 60 mm clearance must also exist when the door is fully open.
These clearances protect the user’s hand, allow comfortable gripping and prevent hardware obstruction.
4. DOOR CLOSERS
Door closers have a major impact on accessibility — especially the force required to open the door.
AS 1428.1:2021 requirements:
- Opening force must not exceed 20 N
From 0° to 30° of opening, a user must not need more than 20 N to move the door. - Delayed action or hold-open
Where closers are fitted to non-fire-rated doors, they must include delayed action or hold-open functionality.
Why cam action closers are preferred
Cam action closers (e.g., the ENTRO D1203) provide significantly reduced opening resistance and are often the only practical solution for meeting the 20 N force requirement when adjusted to Power Size 1.
IMPORTANT NOTE: FIRE DOORS ARE EXEMPT
Fire and smoke doors are exempt from the 20 N opening-force limit.
For life-safety reasons, fire doors must:
- latch positively
- resist air-pressure differentials
- maintain fire and smoke compartmentation
Because of this:
Fire-rated doors typically require a minimum Power Size 3 door closer, even though this exceeds accessibility force limits.
Accessible circulation should be provided via non-fire-rated alternative doors where required.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Accessible hardware plays a vital role in creating buildings that are safe, inclusive and future-ready. By understanding handle clearances, lever geometry, height positioning and door-closer performance, architects can specify hardware that aligns with AS 1428.1:2021 while delivering better user experience across all commercial and fitout environments.
If you need support reviewing hardware schedules or selecting compliant door sets, the ENTRO team is here to help.
