Product Overview

Summary: This SOP provides a clear, step‑by‑step framework for the safe and compliant installation of accessibility features in Australian workplaces and facilities. It helps organisations meet WHS duties and disability access obligations while protecting workers, contractors, and building users during installation activities.

The installation of accessibility features—such as ramps, handrails, tactile ground surface indicators, accessible toilets, automatic doors, hearing augmentation systems and compliant signage—has direct implications for both user safety and WHS compliance. Poorly planned or incorrectly installed features can create new trip hazards, entrapment points, impact risks, and non‑compliant access paths, exposing organisations to legal, financial and reputational risk. This SOP standardises how accessibility features are installed, from initial planning and risk assessment through to verification against relevant Australian Standards and handover to the client.

Designed for Australian workplaces, construction sites, and public facilities, the procedure integrates WHS requirements with disability access and building code obligations. It sets out safe work methods for common installation tasks (cutting, drilling, lifting, electrical work, working at height), controls for managing public and worker safety in live environments, and documentation requirements to demonstrate due diligence. By implementing this SOP, businesses can confidently coordinate contractors, reduce installation errors, protect vulnerable users, and ensure that new or upgraded accessibility features genuinely improve access and safety rather than introducing new risks.

Key Benefits

• Ensure accessibility features are installed safely and in line with Australian WHS, building and disability access requirements.
• Reduce the risk of trips, slips, falls and impact injuries arising from poorly designed or installed accessibility elements.
• Standardise installation practices across contractors and sites, improving quality, consistency and auditability.
• Streamline project planning and approvals by clearly defining responsibilities, risk controls and inspection points.
• Demonstrate due diligence to regulators, clients and building users through robust documentation and commissioning records.

Who is this for?

• Facilities Managers
• Project Managers
• Building and Maintenance Supervisors
• Construction Site Supervisors
• WHS Managers and Advisors
• Accessibility Consultants
• Carpenters and Shopfitters
• Electricians
• Plumbers
• Building Owners and Property Managers
• Local Government Building Officers

Hazards Addressed

• Trips and falls from uneven surfaces, temporary works and partially installed ramps or thresholds
• Slips on newly installed or modified floor surfaces and ramps, especially in wet areas
• Falls from height during installation of handrails, signage, lighting and door hardware
• Manual handling injuries from lifting and positioning heavy components such as ramps, grab rails and door operators
• Impact and crush injuries from moving doors, gates and automated systems
• Electrical shock or arc flash during installation of powered door openers, lifts and hearing augmentation systems
• Noise and vibration exposure from drilling, cutting and demolition activities
• Exposure to silica dust, treated timber dust, adhesives, sealants and other hazardous substances
• Contact with sharp edges, protrusions or unfinished fixtures during installation
• Public and occupant exposure to construction hazards in live environments (corridors, entries, toilets, car parks)

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Key Terms (Accessibility Features, PCBU, Competent Person, Live Environment)
• 3.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Codes of Practice
• 4.0 Roles and Responsibilities (PCBU, Project Manager, Supervisor, Installers, Contractors)
• 5.0 Pre‑Installation Planning and Consultation (Access audits, design review, stakeholder engagement)
• 6.0 Risk Management Process (Hazard identification, risk assessment and control selection)
• 7.0 Site Preparation and Public Safety Controls (Barricading, signage, traffic and pedestrian management)
• 8.0 Required Competencies, Training and Licences
• 9.0 Tools, Equipment and Materials Requirements
• 10.0 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements
• 11.0 Safe Work Method – General Installation Activities (cutting, drilling, fixing, finishing)
• 12.0 Specific Procedures – Ramps, Thresholds and Level Changes
• 13.0 Specific Procedures – Handrails, Grab Rails and Balustrades
• 14.0 Specific Procedures – Tactile Ground Surface Indicators (TGSIs) and Wayfinding
• 15.0 Specific Procedures – Accessible Toilets, Fixtures and Fittings
• 16.0 Specific Procedures – Automatic Doors, Gates and Door Hardware
• 17.0 Specific Procedures – Hearing Augmentation, Signage and Communication Aids
• 18.0 Working at Height Controls (ladders, platforms, scaffolds, fall protection)
• 19.0 Manual Handling and Material Handling Controls
• 20.0 Hazardous Substances Management (adhesives, sealants, coatings, dust)
• 21.0 Electrical Safety and Isolation Procedures
• 22.0 Quality Assurance and Compliance Checks Against AS 1428 and NCC
• 23.0 Commissioning, Testing and Verification of Accessibility Features
• 24.0 Handover, Documentation and Recordkeeping Requirements
• 25.0 Incident Reporting, Non‑Conformance and Corrective Actions
• 26.0 Review, Audit and Continuous Improvement of the SOP

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and corresponding state and territory WHS Acts and Regulations
• Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth)
• Disability (Access to Premises – Buildings) Standards 2010 (Cth)
• National Construction Code (NCC) – Access and Egress Provisions
• AS 1428.1: Design for access and mobility – General requirements for access – New building work
• AS 1428.2: Design for access and mobility – Enhanced and additional requirements – Buildings and facilities
• AS 1428.4.1: Tactile ground surface indicators for the orientation of people with vision impairment
• AS 1428.5: Communication for people who are deaf or hearing impaired
• AS/NZS 3000: Electrical installations (Wiring Rules)
• AS/NZS 1891 series: Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices
• AS/NZS 1715: Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment
• AS/NZS 4501 or ISO 45001: Occupational health and safety management systems
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – Hazardous Manual Tasks Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – Managing Risks of Falls at Workplaces Code of Practice