AS1657-2018 is the Australian Standard for fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders. Procurement and safety managers use this standard to specify the design and construction of compliant access equipment.
What AS1657 covers in manufacture
The standard sets out specific requirements for how equipment is built. It covers the geometry of stairs and ladders. It also defines requirements for landings, guardrailing and surface textures.
When a manufacturer builds to AS1657, they follow these rules to create the physical product. This includes the spacing of rails and the slip resistance of the floor. Star Aluminium manufactures access products to AS1657-2018 to meet these design and construction needs.
A buyer can verify these requirements by inspecting the delivered equipment. This involves checking that the guardrails are at a consistent height and that the mid rails are spaced to prevent falls. The stair pitch should be uniform to avoid trip hazards and the landings must provide enough space for a person to turn or stand safely. The walking surfaces should have a visible slip resistant texture to help maintain grip in industrial environments.
The difference between equipment and installation
AS1657 is a design and construction standard. It applies to the equipment itself. It does not cover how that equipment is installed or managed on a worksite.
Duties under WHS law regarding the installation, inspection and use of platforms sit with the person conducting the business or undertaking. Buying equipment built to the standard covers the equipment side of the requirement. The site manager must still manage the installation and ongoing safety checks.
For example, a manufacturer can provide a platform that is fully compliant with AS1657 in terms of its rails and tread. If the site manager then installs that platform in a way that creates a new trip hazard or fails to bolt it securely to the floor, the installation is non compliant. Regular inspections are required to check that the equipment remains secure and that no damage has occurred during daily use.
Specifying the right work platforms
Different site needs require different types of equipment. Some areas need fixed stairs and landings. Other areas require adjustable work platforms to suit varying equipment heights.
A buyer should identify the exact height and reach required before specifying a product. Using a work platform range that matches the task reduces the need for improvised access. This approach helps maintain height safety across the facility.
Custom engineering for complex sites
Standard sizes do not fit every plant layout. Many industrial sites have pipes, pumps or electrical panels that obstruct standard walkways. In these cases, custom engineering is required to fit the equipment to the space.
The process for custom work begins with a detailed site measure to identify all obstructions and available floor space. The manufacturer then produces technical drawings that show how the platform will fit around the existing machinery. Once the client signs off on these drawings, the build begins. This is the step that catches clashes on paper rather than on site, where changes are harder to make and can affect the structure.
Custom designs must still follow the AS1657-2018 requirements for guardrails and stair geometry. A manufacturer can design a platform that fits a tight space while still meeting the construction rules of the standard.
Questions to ask your supplier
When sourcing compliant access equipment, the procurement officer should verify the supplier’s process. It is worth confirming how a supplier applies the standard before you order.
Use these questions to vet a supplier:
- Do you manufacture specifically to AS1657-2018?
- Can you provide evidence of your quality management system?
- Is the equipment designed for the specific load and environment of my site?
- Do you provide a structural warranty on the manufactured platforms?
- How do you handle the finishing of the aluminium for corrosive environments?
Quality management and certification
A standard is only as good as the process used to follow it. Quality management systems help a manufacturer stay consistent across every weld and bolt. Star Aluminium holds ISO 9001:2015 certification for its manufacturing.
This certification applies to the manufacturing process at the factory. It means there are documented steps to check that the finished product matches the design. This level of control helps maintain the integrity of the structural warranty provided on Star Aluminium platforms.
Finishing and powder coating
Raw aluminium is suitable for many environments. However, some industrial sites have chemical exposure or specific colour coding requirements for safety. This is where industrial powder coating becomes necessary.
Powder coating provides a durable finish that can withstand harsh conditions. Star Powder Coating operates a workshop in Dandenong South, Victoria. Their oven takes work up to 7.5 metres, which allows for the coating of large platform sections.
Managing the full supply chain
Procuring height safety equipment often involves multiple steps. A project might start with aluminium stairs and platforms, followed by powder coating, and ending with the purchase of site safety gear.
Star Aluminium is part of Star Holdings, a parent group of six Australian businesses. This structure allows a buyer to coordinate different needs through one group. Star Aluminium handles the design and manufacture. Star Powder Coating manages the finish. Star Print and Signage covers business and site signage, and Content Mundo covers video, web and marketing for the group and its clients.
For the supply of off the shelf products, Aluminium Platforms provides work platforms and ladders shipped Australia wide. Future safety requirements will be supported by Star Safety Supplies, which opens in October 2026 to offer workplace safety gear and training.
Planning for long term use
Investing in AS1657 compliant equipment is a long term decision. Aluminium is chosen for its strength and resistance to corrosion. When manufactured correctly, these platforms serve a facility for many years.
The service life of a platform depends on the environment. Sites with high coastal exposure to salt spray or those using aggressive wash down chemicals may see faster degradation of finishes. High UV exposure in outdoor settings can also affect certain coatings over time. Choosing the right grade of aluminium and the correct industrial finish helps the equipment withstand these specific Australian conditions.
The first Star business started in 1999. This experience helps the team understand how platforms perform in real world Australian conditions. Star Aluminium is a member of the Australian Made Campaign and manufactures its access platforms in Australia.
Discussing your site requirements
Every site has different challenges. You may need a simple step platform or a complex network of walkways. The design must be right for the application.
The team can help you determine which equipment meets your needs and follows the AS1657-2018 standard. You can contact our team to discuss a specific requirement for your facility.
