New AS 1428.1 (2021) Requirement for Visual Indicators on Glazing
Image copyright © Realm Access 2026
This short article outlines:
Why visual indicators are so important
New AS 1428.1 (2021) requirement for visual indicators
Existing unchanged requirements for visual indicators
Universal Design considerations
Why are visual indicators so important?
Visual indicators, also commonly called visual indication strips and glazing decals, are a safety feature intended to assist people with vision impairments identify glazing that might be mistaken for a doorway or opening. This reduces the risk of people colliding with glass and injuring themselves.
To meet the current compliance requirements of the National Construction Code / Building Code of Australia (NCC / BCA) and the Disability (Access to Premises – Buildings) Standards 2010 (often referred to as the Premises Standards), any glazing capable of being mistaken for a doorway or opening within accessible areas, such as frameless or fully glazed doors, glazed walls and sidelights, must be clearly marked in accordance with AS 1428.1 (2021) unless there is a chair rail, handrail or transom.
An example of opaque visual indicators with excellent contrast.
Image copyright © Realm Access 2026
New AS 1428.1 (2021) Requirement for Visual Indicators
The 2021 edition of AS 1428.1 notes that visual indicators must be opaque.
To test the opacity of a visual indicator, AS 1428.1 (2021) Clause 3.6 outlines the following procedure: a solid object is to be placed against the glass directly behind the contrasting line. The visual indicator is accepted as being opaque if an image of the object cannot be seen through the strip.
Previously, the wording of the 2009 edition of the Standard allowed visual indicators to be a ‘non-transparent’ contrasting line. As a result, some of the most commonly used visual indictors you’ll see throughout the built environment are made from translucent and ‘frosted’ materials. However, most of these products are unlikely to comply with the new requirement.
AS 1428.1 (2021) also includes a number of new advisory notes which provide guidance about tinted glass and recommendations for logos and branding. The new notes also reference AS 1288 (2006) which is the Australian Standard for the selection and installation of glass in buildings. Section 5 of this Standard outlines useful criteria for assessing when glazing can and can’t be mistaken for an opening.
Existing Unchanged Requirements for Visual Indicators
The requirements for visual indicators remain largely unchanged from the 2009 edition of AS 1428.1. Visual indicators must still be:
Provided for the full width of the glazing
Unbroken (i.e. not a series of unconnected patterns, shapes or dots)
Solid (i.e. without cutouts for logos or patterns)
At least 75mm wide
Mounted so the lower edge is between 900mm and 1000mm AFFL
Provided with a minimum 30% luminance contrast against the floor surface or surfaces within 2m of the glazing on the opposite side, noting that the luminance contrast must be achieved when viewed from each side of the glazing (read more about luminance contrast here)
Setout requirements for visual indicators on glazing as per AS 1428.1 (2021).
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Universal Design Considerations
Unmarked or inappropriately marked glazing can be a potential hazard for everyone, not just people with vision impairments (anyone who has spent time mindlessly scrolling on social media has almost certainly seen videos of inattentive people running into glass walls and doors!), and not just adults.
It’s important to note the requirements of AS 1428.1 are based on data collected from testing of people between the ages of 18 and 60 and may not be applicable to people outside this age range. Consideration should be given to adopting a Universal Design approach to ensure the safety of everyone, including children and people of short stature.
As access consultants and Universal Design specialists with significant experience in interpreting and applying the requirements of the disability access legislation, Realm Access is ideally placed to help our clients meet their obligations under the DDA. We always welcome the opportunity to assist in incorporating Universal Design principles and industry best-practice into each project to ensure the public realm is safe and accessible to a diverse range of people.
If you would like further information or assistance with your project, please do not hesitate to contact us.
On a side note, did you know there are decals for windows to prevent bird strikes?
Sparrow decals provided to a glasshouse in the Netherlands.
Image copyright © Realm Access 2026
Posted 30th April 2026