Stair Nosings & Luminance Contrast
Stairs are a major slip and fall hazard. AS 1428.1 requires luminance contrast on stair nosings and edges. Correct marking prevents accidents and keeps you compliant.
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What is Why Stair Edge Marking Saves Lives?
Quick answer: Line Marking Australia applies contrasting stair nosing strips and edge markings to stairs and ramps. Under AS 1428.1:2021, each nosing strip must be 50 to 75 mm deep and give at least 30% luminance contrast with the surrounding surface, so people can see every step edge, even in poor light or with low vision.
Stair falls are one of the most common causes of serious injury in buildings. Many falls happen because people misjudge step edges, particularly in poor lighting or when vision is impaired.
AS 1428.1 requires luminance contrast strips on stair nosings to make edges clearly visible. The contrast must be at least 30% difference from the surrounding surface.
A factory in Dandenong had three lost-time injuries from stair falls in one year. Their concrete stairs were all one colour with no edge marking. Workers couldn't distinguish step edges in the morning shadows.
We applied high-contrast yellow nosing strips to all stairs. No stair injuries in the two years since. The cost of marking was less than one workers' compensation claim.
We made an error on a Ringwood office building in 2019. We used a nosing strip with insufficient contrast, about 20% instead of the required 30%. It looked fine to us but failed the luminance contrast test during building inspection. We replaced all nosings at our cost, around $2,200.
For stairs that are also slippery, see our anti-slip stair nosings and slip resistance ratings pages. For walkways at ground level, see tactile ground surface indicators.
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Compliance Standards
AS 1428.1
Primary standard requiring luminance contrast on stair nosings and edges in accessible buildings.
AS/NZS 1428.4.1
Related standard for tactile indicators often required in conjunction with stair marking.
AS 4586
Slip resistance requirements for stair nosing materials.
Building Code of Australia
References AS 1428 standards for access requirements including stair nosings.
AS/NZS 4663
Slip resistance of pedestrian surfaces including stairs.
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AS 1742
Traffic Control Devices
Specifies line colours, widths, arrow designs, and placement for road markings. Ensures all traffic control devices meet national safety standards.
AS/NZS 2890
Parking Facilities
Covers bay dimensions (2.4m × 5.4m standard, 2.4m × 5.4m accessible plus a 2.4m shared zone), aisle widths, and traffic flow requirements for compliant parking areas.
AS 4586
Slip Resistance
Defines slip resistance classifications (P rating) for pedestrian surfaces. Critical for wet areas, ramps, and high-traffic zones.
AS/NZS 1428
Access & Mobility
Sets requirements for accessible parking bays, tactile indicators, and mobility access. Essential for DDA compliance and accessibility audits.
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Frequently Asked Questions
It's the measurable difference in light reflectance between two surfaces. AS 1428.1 requires minimum 30% contrast between stair nosings and surrounding surfaces. This makes edges visible to people with low vision.
Any colour providing 30% minimum contrast with your stairs. Yellow is common on dark surfaces. Black or dark colours work on light surfaces. We measure and recommend appropriate colours.
AS 1428.1 specifies 50-75mm width on the tread, extending no more than 10mm down the riser. This provides adequate visibility from above when descending.
AS 1428.1 focuses on visibility. AS 4586 covers slip resistance. We can provide nosings that meet both requirements for comprehensive safety.
Yes, we can apply nosing strips or paint to existing concrete, timber, or metal stairs. Surface preparation ensures proper adhesion.
Quality nosing strips typically last 5-10+ years in normal foot traffic. High-traffic commercial stairs may need earlier replacement.
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