How Stellar Washrooms Modular Buildings Comply with NCC 2022 Accessibility Requirements
Australia’s accessibility standards continue to evolve to improve usability and inclusion in public infrastructure. The latest update to AS1428.1-2021 Design for Access and Mobility, adopted through the NCC 2022 amendment, introduces several refinements affecting the design of accessible and ambulant sanitary facilities.
For councils, parks authorities, architects and specifiers, understanding these changes is critical when delivering compliant public amenities.
This article summarises the key updates relevant to modular public toilet buildings, particularly those affecting the design of accessible and ambulant washrooms.
When Did AS1428.1-2021 Become Mandatory?
The AS1428.1-2021 standard became mandatory on 29 July 2025 following its adoption by the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) through the NCC 2022 amendment.
From this date forward, new buildings required to comply with accessibility provisions must reference AS1428.1-2021 rather than the previous 2009 version.
How Do Stellar Washrooms Modular Public Toilet Buildings Comply with AS1428.1-2021?
To ensure our modular public toilet buildings meet current accessibility standards, Stellar Washrooms engages a qualified Accessibility Consultant to audit our designs.
These independent accessibility audits verify compliance with:
- AS1428.1-2021 Design for Access and Mobility
- NCC 2022 accessibility provisions
- Relevant Premises Standards requirements
Importantly, these design reviews have been carried out since the release of the AS1428.1-2021 standard, allowing Stellar Washrooms to implement the updated requirements well before they became mandatory in July 2025.
This proactive approach ensures that councils, architects and contractors can confidently specify fully compliant modular public amenities.
Important Note
This article does not focus on the full structure or definitions within the standard, and it is not intended to be exhaustive.
Instead, it highlights the key changes most likely to affect the design of accessible and ambulant public washrooms, particularly within modular public toilet buildings.
Key AS1428.1-2021 Updates for Accessible Public Toilets
Accessible Entry and Doorways
Accessible entry is the first point of interaction with a public amenity building. The updated standard clarifies several doorway design requirements.
Doorway Identification
Additional notes have been introduced to provide clearer guidance for identifying accessible doorways.
Doorway Clear Opening
The standard reintroduces a maximum doorway reveal depth of 300mm, a requirement present in earlier versions but omitted in the 2009 standard.
This improves accessibility for wheelchair users approaching doorways.
Power-Operated Doors
The revised wording now allows multiple types of power-operated doors, rather than specifying sliding doors only. This provides greater flexibility in accessible building design.
Door Controls and Handles
Performance requirements for door handles have been expanded to ensure adequate clearance throughout the handle’s operating range.
Door Control Location
Door controls must now be located at least 500mm from internal corners, reducing the previous requirement of 1000mm and allowing more efficient layouts within compact modular buildings.
Accessible Building Controls
The definition of building controls has been expanded to include a wider range of operational systems such as:
- Heating and cooling controls
- Ventilation controls
- Security systems
- Similar building operation interfaces
These must all be designed to remain accessible to users.
Accessible Unisex Public Toilets
Several amendments clarify the design of accessible sanitary facilities.
Tapware
The revised standard now allows a broader range of tapware control types, supporting more inclusive and modern plumbing fixtures.
Toilet Seat Requirements
Accessible WC seats must now be capable of remaining in the upright position when raised, assisting users during transfers.
Backrests
The updated provisions clarify WC backrest requirements and state that backrests must be removable and refittable in accessible sanitary facilities.
Flushing Controls
Clearer positioning requirements ensure flushing controls remain accessible to seated users.
Toilet Paper Dispensers
The standard clarifies the maximum allowable projection of toilet roll holders to reduce obstruction.
Grabrails
Updated installation guidance includes:
- Revised grabrail height ranges
- Updated offsets from the WC pan
- Allowable installation tolerances
These refinements help standardise accessible installations.
Accessible Circulation Spaces
The standard clarifies circulation requirements around the WC and defines acceptable encroachments into wheelchair manoeuvring space.
These updates are particularly relevant for modular public toilet buildings, where careful spatial planning is required.
Accessible Washbasins
Several refinements affect washbasin installation:
- Clarification of allowable basin encroachment into shower circulation space
- Updated height ranges for vanity basin mounting
- Confirmation that knee and toe clearance may extend beyond the wall line, depending on construction methods
Accessible Public Showers
The 2021 standard introduces additional clarity around shower installations.
Shower Layout
Updated provisions clarify:
- Shower circulation height
- Drainage arrangements
Floor Waste
The standard now allows linear (channel) floor grates, providing more flexible drainage design.
Grabrails and Shower Controls
Revised tolerances apply to:
- Grabrail installation heights
- Shower head support grabrails
- Tap and water outlet zones
Folding Shower Seats
Updated guidance clarifies the allowable height range for folding seats.
Backflow Prevention Devices
A new clause connects plumbing and building code requirements by allowing either:
- A backflow prevention device (BPD), or
- A hose restrictor device
Importantly, the location of these devices must not limit the ability of a seated user to reach lower limbs with the shower hose.
These updates allow more flexible basin design while maintaining accessibility.
Combined Accessible Bathroom Layouts
The updated standard now provides examples of overlapping circulation spaces between toilets, basins and showers.
These examples demonstrate how designers may use allowable encroachments to reduce the overall footprint of a room while maintaining required accessibility circulation spaces.
This guidance is particularly valuable for modular public toilet buildings, where efficient use of space is essential.
Ambulant Accessible Toilets
Updated provisions clarify:
- Seat height requirements
- WC projection
- Grabrail installation tolerances
The standard also introduces examples where shorter grabrails may be used with raked or cranked grabrail designs.
However, a transitional issue exists:
A grabrail compliant with AS1428.1-2009 may not comply with AS1428.1-2021, while the newer grabrail design may not yet align with all NCC/BCA provisions.
Improved Guidance for Vision Accessibility
A new appendix expands guidance relating to vision impairment, including procedures for assessing luminance contrast within accessible environments.
Designing Accessible Modular Public Toilets
The updates in AS1428.1-2021 reinforce the importance of thoughtful accessibility design across all public amenities.
For modular public toilet buildings, this includes:
- Careful circulation planning
- Accessible door controls and hardware
- Compliant grabrail positioning
- Accessible tapware and fixtures
- Flexible layouts that maintain accessibility requirements
At Stellar Washrooms, our modular amenities are designed to align with the latest accessibility standards while delivering durable, high-quality public infrastructure for parks, councils and public spaces across Australia.
This supports better design outcomes for people with low vision.
Need Compliant Modular Public Toilets?
If you’re planning a new public amenities building, ensuring AS1428.1-2021 and NCC 2022 compliance is essential.
Stellar Washrooms provides fully compliant modular public toilet buildings designed for accessibility, durability and long-term public use.
Contact our team to discuss your next accessible modular amenities project.