Guardrail requirements under AS1657-2018 – Post & Rail Construction

Under AS1657-2018 Clause 6.2.1.2, guardrails shall consist of:

  • A top rail parallel to the floor, or where used on a sloping walkway, parallel to the slope of the walkway, that is supported by posts at necessary intervals to meet the specified imposed actions.
  • One or more intermediate rails that are parallel with the top rail, spaced so that the maximum clear space between those rails does not exceed 450mm.
  • A toeboard system, but only if there is no permanent structure within 10mm of the edge of a walkway or if an object could fall to where persons have access to the area below (see AS1657- 2018 Clause 5.5).

If a toeboard system is not required, then the maximum clear space between the lowest rail & the floor shall not exceed 560mm.


The section view below details the requirements shown from the Australia Standards versus the Moddex Tuffrail TR25 system.

guardrail post and rail construction
guardrail post and rail construction2

To save time, resource and ease of installation when specifying Moddex guardrails or balustrades please consult the Hot Design Tip or contact us:

Phone – 1800 663 339 (Australia) or 0800 663 339 (New Zealand)

Email – sales@moddex.com.au (Australia) or sales@moddex.co.nz (New Zealand)