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Stair Nosing Requirements AS 1428.1 vs AS 1657 vs NCC
The webinar explains what stair nosings are, why they matter for safety, and how different standards set dimensional and slip-resistance requirements.
At a high level:
- AS 1428.1 is the most prescriptive about nosing geometry and luminance contrast for accessible public stairs.
- AS 1657 is more performance-based, focusing on industrial stairs that are slip-resistant and clearly visible, with no strict dimensional rules for the strip itself.
- The NCC requires minimum slip resistance classifications for treads and nosing strips, referencing AS 4586 and Table 11.2.4, and governs when treads must be solid and risers closed.
The session then links these requirements to Treadwell’s FRP StairSAFE products, which are designed to meet both visibility and anti-slip requirements in demanding environments.
Key Benefits of Compliant Stair Nosings
Safer foot placement and reduced slip risk
- A stair nosing is a solid, contrasting strip at the leading edge of each tread. It improves traction right where users land their foot and where slips are most likely.
- Under AS 1428.1 and NCC requirements, the nosing zone is a specific band at the front of each tread that must be both visible and slip-resistant, which directly supports safer movement on stairs.
Clear visual guidance for all users
- AS 1428.1 requires a 50 to 75 mm wide strip of contrasting colour on the tread surface, set back no more than 10 mm from the front edge, with up to 10 mm visible on the riser and a maximum 5 mm radius or chamfer on the front.
- The nosing must achieve at least 30 per cent luminance contrast against the surrounding tread to assist users with low vision in judging the step edge.
Improved durability of stair treads
- The nosing acts as a sacrificial, high-wear component, protecting the leading edge of concrete and other substrates from chipping and abrasion, which is a common maintenance problem on busy stairs.
- Treadwell’s StairSAFE FRP nosings use grit embedded in the FRP substrate, significantly reducing the risk of delamination compared with metal-backed strips and extending service life.
Demonstrable compliance pathways
- AS 1428.1: Gives explicit dimensions for nosing projection, shape and strip width, which Treadwell can match with dedicated AS 1428.1 compliant profiles.
- AS 1657: Requires stair treads to be slip-resistant and for the nosing to be clearly visible against the background, but leaves geometry more flexible, which suits many industrial access stairs.
- NCC: Requires minimum slip resistance classes for both tread surfaces and nosing strips according to AS 4586, with different courses for dry and wet conditions, as set out in Table 11.2.4.
Treadwell’s anti-slip products are tested to AS/NZS 4586 and achieve high-performance slip ratings suitable for wet industrial and public environments.
Applications
Public access and compliant accessible stairs
Use AS 1428.1 compliant nosings where:
- Stairs are part of an accessible path of travel for the public
- You must support users with impaired vision with clear visual and tactile cues.
- The certifier requires strict adherence to AS 1428.1 geometry and luminance contrast requirements.
Typical locations:
- Public buildings, transport hubs and education facilities
- Retail, commercial and healthcare environments
Industrial platforms, walkways and back-of-house access
Use solutions based on AS 1657 where:
- Stairs are part of fixed platforms, maintenance access or plant walkways
- Safety and slip resistance are critical, but there is more flexibility in the exact nosing geometry, provided the edge is clearly visible, and the tread is slip-resistant
Typical locations:
- Processing plants and utilities
- Water and wastewater facilities
- Industrial platforms and maintenance catwalks
NCC governed building stairs and fire egress
Where the NCC is the primary reference, you must:
- Select treads and nosing strips that meet the required P class or R class slip resistance values from Table 11.2.4, tested in accordance with AS 4586.
- Provide solid treads and limit riser openings where stairway height or the number of storeys requires them.
Treadwell’s anti-slip FRP stair systems, including StairSAFE nosings, can help meet the required slip resistance classes for both internal and external stairs.
Key Moments
- 00:18 👋 Welcome to Tech Talk Tuesday with a focus on stair nosing requirements in AS 1428.1, AS 1657, and NCC.
- 01:12 📋 Standards interpretation can vary between individuals, and specific site advice may be necessary.
- 02:31 🛠️ Stair nosings enhance slip resistance, durability, and visual distinction of stair edges for safety.
- 03:26 ⚖️ Stair nosings are generally required unless the building is a single residential dwelling.
- 04:50 🧭 AS 1428.1 emphasizes accessibility, ensuring stairs offer visual and tactile cues for individuals with impairments.
- 06:34 📏 Specific dimensions for nosing requirements in AS 1428.1 include color strip width and setback measures.
- 09:11 ⚓ AS 1657 applies mainly in industrial settings, highlighting slip resistance without detailed dimension requirements.
- 11:00 📜 The NCC outlines performance-based requirements but lacks detailed dimensional specifications for stair nosings.
- 12:44 ⏱️ Compliance ratings for slip resistance vary based on wet or dry conditions according to the NCC guidelines.
- 13:38 💡 Treadwell offers various anti-slip products meeting compliance for different environments and safety standards.
- 14:06 📅 Future sessions will cover specific topics based on attendee feedback, ensuring relevant discussions.
Why Treadwell?
- FRP stair nosing specialists
Treadwell’s StairSAFE FRP nosings are purpose-designed for harsh industrial, marine and public environments, with grit integrated into the FRP substrate to resist wear and delamination over time. - Designed with standards in mind
The team understands AS 1428.1, AS 1657 and NCC slip resistance requirements and can help you choose the right profile, slip rating and geometry for your specific staircase and approval pathway. - Independent test data
StairSAFE and other SAFE SERIES anti-slip products are tested to AS/NZS 4586 and international slip resistance standards, supporting compliance documentation and risk management. - Configurable and project-ready
Multiple widths, colours and profile options, including AS 1428.1 focused configurations, mean you can match nosings to both design intent and regulatory requirements while keeping installation straightforward. - Local support for site-specific questions
If you need help interpreting how AS 1428.1, AS 1657, or the NCC apply to a particular stair, Treadwell’s team can review layouts, advise on nosing selection and provide documentation for certifiers.
By aligning clear standards understanding with robust FRP stair nosing systems, Treadwell helps designers, builders, and asset owners create stairs that are safer, more durable, and easier to certify.
