The objective of this Standard is to provide technical specifications and criteria for fixed platforms, walkways, guardrails, stairways, ladders and permanently configured (but movable) platforms that are used in the workplace, to reduce the risks to the safety of users.

The objective of this revision is to clarify a number of clauses where the text was causing some confusion with readers and to improve the clarity of some figures. The bulk of the Standard is not affected by this revision.

Changes in this edition include the following:

(a) Clarification to the word ‘level’, which generally meant replacing it with less ambiguous words. Definitions for ladder flight and landings have been revised to replace the word ‘level’.
(b) Figure 5.4(b) has been revised to align with the text of the Clause relating to rectangular handrails.
(c) Clauses 5.6.4 and 5.6.5 have been revised.
(d) Clause 7.3.6(a) is accompanied by a new figure, which has been included to clarify the ‘length of the landing’.
(e) Figures 7.5 and 7.9 have been revised to align with the text of the relevant clauses.

Statements expressed in mandatory terms in notes to figures are deemed to be requirements of this Standard.

The terms ‘normative’ and ‘informative’ have been used in this Standard to define the application of the appendix to which they apply. A ‘normative’ appendix is an integral part of a Standard, whereas an ‘informative’ appendix is only for information and guidance.

First published as CA10-1938. Fourth edition 1971. Revised and redesignated AS 1657-1974. Fifth edition 2018.