Understanding Stair Riser & Going – A Quick Guide to Australian Standards

When it comes to stair design in commercial or industrial buildings, many of our clients ask: “What dimensions do we need to follow?” or “What’s the difference between stairs in an office versus a factory?” Let me break it down for you in a simple, no-jargon way—so you know exactly what to expect on your project.

Let’s Start with the Basics

Before we dive into the rules and standards, here are two terms you’ll hear a lot:

• Riser – This is the vertical part of the step—the height between one step and the next.

• Going (or Tread Depth) – This is the horizontal part—how deep each step is from front to back.

These two together decide how comfortable (and safe) your stairs feel. Too steep or too shallow, and we’re looking at tripping hazards or discomfort—especially in work boots!

Now, What Do the Australian Standards Say?

Depending on whether you're building in a commercial setting (like an office or shopping centre) or an industrial site (like a warehouse or plant), we’ll need to follow different sets of rules.

Commercial & Public Buildings (NCC + AS 1428.1)

These standards make sure stairs are safe for everyone, including people with disabilities. Here’s what’s required:

• Riser height – Max 180 mm

• Going depth – Min 250 mm

• No sharp or sticking-out nosings (edges of steps)

• Consistent step sizes – All risers and goings must match

• No open risers unless gaps are under 125 mm

• Landings after every 18 steps

• Handrails required if there are more than 4 risers

• Tactile indicators (those little dots or lines under your feet) at the top and bottom

• Slip-resistant treads and contrasting nosing for visibility

⚙️ Industrial Sites (AS 1657:2018)

Here, the focus is on functionality, durability, and safety in tougher environments. We typically see:

• Riser height – Between 125 mm and 190 mm

• Going depth – At least 230 mm

• Stair slope – Between 20° and 45°

• Slip resistance – Think serrated metal or grating-type treads

• Handrails and guardrails – Always required, no exceptions

• Wider treads – Built to handle steel caps, tools, and heavier use

  
  

  

  
  

So, What’s the Difference?

Here’s a quick side-by-side for easy comparison:

Feature	Commercial (NCC & AS 1428.1)	Industrial (AS 1657:2018)
Max Riser Height	180 mm	190 mm
Min Going Depth	250 mm	230 mm
Stair Slope	30°–38°	20°–45°
Handrails	Required for 4+ risers	Required for all
Tactile Indicators	Required	Not required
Slip Resistance	Non-slip coatings or nosings	Serrated or grating
Open Risers	Not allowed	Allowed

If you’re ever unsure which standard applies, just ask yourself—“Who will be using these stairs, and what kind of environment is it?” That usually clears it up.

A Few Key Tips from Our Side

• Keep all steps consistent. Uneven stairs are a top reason for slips and trips.

• Think about who’s using them. If it's the public, visibility and accessibility are vital. If it's your team in steel caps, go for durability and grip.

• Don’t skip handrails or guardrails. They're not just for show—especially in industrial settings.

  
  
  

  
  
  
  
  

If you're planning a project and want to make sure your stairs tick all the right boxes, feel free to reach out. We’ll help you align with the correct Australian standards and even suggest materials that suit your environment—whether it’s high-traffic commercial space or a rugged industrial site.

Let’s build safe, smart, and standards-compliant stairs together!

📞 Call us: +61 478 727 338

📧 Email us: shyam@sharcon.com.au

🌐 Visit our website: www.sharcon.com.au