Learn how to install Avail grab rails, shower seats and backrests to comply with the Australian Standard AS1428.1 for public buildings. Public buildings have specific requirements for length, angle and position of grab rails and shower seats in AS1428.1 bathrooms, our product guide is available via the Install/AS1428.1 page and shows all the required dimensions to ensure your public bathroom fully complies.
We have NATA accredited test reports showing all required approvals, these are available to download from our website via this page: CLICK HERE: Avail AS1428.1 Compliant Accessible Public Bathroom Dimensions
When installed correctly grab rails must be able to handle at least 110kg of weight in each direction. This can only be achieved by installing the grab rail into a wall supported by timber or steel studs, brick, or tiles. The Calibre grab rails can be cut to size to ensure both brackets can be installed into studs. Studs are usually spaced at 300 to 600mm so to ensure your grab rail spans both studs you can purchase the longer rail and cut it down if necessary. We recommend adding timber noggins in the wall during the build to make sure each bracket can be fully supported.
For Safety: Grab rails need to be safe to use. They must have at least 5mm radius on all edges to reduce the chance of injury in a fall. They must also allow for a clear grip around the rail for the full vertical rail and the top 270 arc of the horizontal rail. The ends of the rails should be enclosed inside the end bracket to reduce any potential hazard.
Size and Clearance: We also provide our Calibre Mecca rails in 25mm which suit children and smaller hands, many customers also prefer this smaller diameter as it is more comfortable for some with arthritis, and they look more slimline in residential buildings. For commercial building the 30-40mm diameter is required however in private homes you can choose any size that is more comfortable to you.
Weight Rating: All our Calibre Mecca grab rails have higher 150kg weight rating to ensure long term strength. Also please note this rating is not the weight of the user, most users only place approximately less than 40% of their weight onto the grab rail.
Rust Resistance: Our calibre mecca grab rails are made from stainless steel and come with a 25 year warranty including the finish, ensuring they are suitable for wet areas long term
For wheelchair accessible AS1428.1 bathrooms the following products from our range are required:
-A Tbar grab rail for the shower is needed with an adjustable sliding hand shower set, this can be coupled with an overhead rain shower as well. The horizontal rail can be offset to either side of the vertical rail during installation to allow space for the seat on the side wall. The vertical and horizontal rails do not need to be attached for AS1428.1, a separate vertical section min 900mm long can be installed instead: Calibre Mecca 32mm T Bar Grab Rail And Adjustable Shower Set 1100x750mm
-The Liberty 960mm shower fold up shower seat installs on the side wall beside the Tbar rail, the wider wall mounted 960mm rail is required for AS1428.1-2021 compliance, for assisted residential care buildings a freestanding portable seat can be provided instead of the wall mounted option: Liberty DDA Shower Seat 960 Wide White or Liberty DDA Shower Seat 960 Wide Black
-The 90 or 45-degree rail beside the toilet and the back 300 rail come in a set together for wheelchair accessible DDA bathrooms, or for in-wall cisterns AS1428.1-2021 version has updated so the rear rail is optional to extend so the wrap around rail option can be used and is optional, it is mandatory to have a minimum 300mm rail on the rear wall same as wall facing cisterns: Calibre Mecca 32mm DDA Toilet Grab Rail Set 90 Degree Continuous 600X1065X1025mm, Calibre Mecca DDA Grab Rail Set 45 Degree 750x900mm, or Calibre Mecca 32mm DDA Grab Rail Set 90 Degree 600x1000mm
-2 Robe hooks are required outside the shower area: Robe Hooks
-Tapware in the shower requires a maximum handle length of 100mm for AS1428.1-2021 compliance and minimum 50mm clearance from any surface: Mecca Shower Mixer 80mm Plate Brushed Gold - NR221911BG
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Basin tapware requires the handle and spout to be within 300mm of the front edge of the basin and 50mm handle clearance from any surface at the end (includes the spout): Bianca Care Basin Mixer Brushed Nickel - NR321502ABN and Mecca Care DDA Accessible Basin Mixer Extended Lever Brushed Bronze are compliant to AS1428.1-2021 tapware requirements in accessible unisex sanitary facilities.
- Toilet Accessible - a toilet pan projecting 800mm front the rear wall is required with a 460-480mm height with raised flush buttons and the seat and buttons must contrast at least 30% with either back wall, floor or toilet, a backrest is also required: DDA Toilet 800mm Care Raised Height Floor Pan Only
-Toilet backrest - this must be removable in sole occupancy rooms, our Mecca Care backrest is removeable with options wall bracket caps available: Calibre Mecca DDA Toilet Backrest and Backrest Removable Wall Cover Plate
DDA AS1428.1 Compliant Bathrooms
Ambulant toilet cubicles in public bathrooms require 90 or 45-degree grab rails on both walls: Calibre Mecca 32mm AS1428.1 Ambulant 90 Degree Bent Tube Grab Rail 450x450mm Brushed Nickel - NRCR3290DBN
-Toilet Ambulant - must be 460-480mm height, standard buttons and projection are fine:
Ambulant and Standard In Wall Toilet Flush Button Plate Brushed Bronze - NRPL001BZ
Avail Ambulant Toilet Pan Back To Wall for In Wall Cistern AS1428.1 - ATPAMBW1
Avail Ambulant Toilet Suite 620mm with Cistern Wall Faced AS1428.1 - ATCPAMBW1
See projects that have created stunning accessible bathroom spaces including Sydney Airport and Lansons Place Hotel: Project Case Studies – Avail Design