AS1428 The Standard

 Please note there is some confusion as to what is on top when it comes to safety. The standard that we all try and work to is AS1428 and sections within this standard. There are a lot of people who THINK they know the codes and how it all should work and unfortunately reality proves they do not.
So lets clear this up, the Australian Standards ARE NOT the top of the safety tree, THE OHS (Occupational Health and Safety Act) Act and Regulations are.Then comes  Codes of Practice (Worksafe etc).Then comes the Australian Standards.
So in laymen's terms what does this mean. When you design something, lets say a ramp or a safety system, your design must meet the criteria of the primary code 'in that' it is safe for use, it does not create a problem and will enhance safety, so you look at the Codes of Practice for design tips and determinations that, what ever is built will comply, and after all of that you then look at the Australian Standards regarding design criteria pertaining to distances and measurements. 

This means the standards are there to tell you that the steps you are building need to be designed to meet the following dimensions, rise, going, material etc, think of the standards as a ruler and information on how the system must be built. 

Once you/we determine, or the OT (Occupational Therapist) in our case, determines that the design for this residence is required and the design that everyone wants is correct you go ahead and build it.  This is where the consultation comes in to it, or in layman's terms, asking questions as to who is using it, how they intend to use it, who else will use it, mobility of the client etc.

ALWAYS TEST THE SYSTEM WITH THE PEOPLE THAT WILL USE THE SYSTEM, ELIMINATE A PROBLEM AT THE BEGINNING.

This is not the case with commercial, all commercial ramps must be DDA compliant to the correct standard, RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES DO NOT.  

The model WHS Act and Regulations require those who have a duty to ensure health and safety, achieve it by eliminating health and safety risks, so far as is reasonably practicable.
At all times Rcrumbs will show 'Due Diligence' and 'Duty of Care' for you and your family.