AS1657: The Standard That Keeps Workers on Their Feet — and Off the Ground
When you think about engineering compliance, most people jump straight to structural frames or pressure vessels. But what about the stairs, walkways, platforms, and guardrails your people use every day?
That’s where AS1657 comes in — and it’s one of the most important (and often overlooked) standards on site.
At Trang Imagineering, we’ve delivered certified AS1657 designs for platforms, ladders, handrails, and walkways across mine sites, machinery sheds, pump stations, and fertiliser plants. Here’s why this standard matters — and why we take it seriously.
What Is AS1657?
AS1657:2018 is the Australian Standard for Fixed Platforms, Walkways, Stairways and Ladders. It defines the minimum requirements for the design, construction, and installation of access infrastructure attached to or associated with plant and buildings.
This includes:
Platforms (elevated or attached to equipment)
Guardrails and toe boards
Stairways, ladders, and rung ladders
Walkways (including grating and tread selection)
Why It Matters
A dodgy platform isn’t just a safety risk — it’s a liability. Improperly designed access infrastructure can lead to:
Slips, trips, and falls
Failed site inspections
Rework during fabrication or installation
Delays in commissioning or shutdown works
Legal issues and insurance exposure
AS1657 compliance ensures your access systems are safe, maintainable, and certifiable — and when done properly, they also improve site efficiency.
How Trang Applies AS1657
We specialise in designing mechanical and fabricated structures, including access infrastructure that interfaces with plant and equipment. That means we consider:
Operator access and reach
Maintenance clearance
Load combinations (AS1170 & AS1657 together)
Material selection (e.g. galvanised vs stainless vs FRP)
Modularisation for transport and install
We provide:
Full 3D design and layout of walkways, stairs, and platforms
Certification and documentation aligned with AS1657 and AS4100/AS3990
Support with retrofits and upgrades to existing non-compliant access
Drawings, BOMs, and fabrication-ready documentation
Who Needs AS1657-Compliant Design?
Mining and industrial operations installing new skids or equipment
OEMs delivering plant that includes platforms or stairways
Farmers or regional contractors fabricating tank platforms, catwalks, or maintenance access
Any workplace with fixed ladders, elevated walkways, or service platforms
Why Clients Trust Trang with Access Design
We get that access is often the last thing considered — but it’s one of the first things site inspectors notice. Our clients value that we:
Design with site use in mind, not just to code
Deliver compliant, certifiable documentation quickly
Understand how to integrate AS1657 with AS4100, AS1170, and AS3990 systems
Provide fabrication-ready files that save time and cost
Need AS1657-compliant access platforms, stairs, or handrails designed and certified?
Get in touch with Trang Imagineering — we’ll help you keep your workers safe and your project compliant.