Door latch-side clearance is one of the most frequently misunderstood and incorrectly implemented requirements in AS1428.1.
Written by Cathryn Grant, Access Leader Victoria
In tight circulation spaces, particularly within retrofit and high-density environments, small errors can have a significant impact on usability for people with mobility impairments and frequently result in non-compliance on site.
All doors on accessible paths of travel are required to have door circulation spaces. This includes space on the latch-side of the door, space in front of the door and sometimes space beside the hinges of the door called hinge-side clearance.
The size of these spaces is dependent on the direction of approach to the door. In an open area we usually approach a door front-on however in a narrow corridor we will approach the door from the side.
Latch-side clearance is required to allow a person using a wheelchair to position themselves beside the door, reach the door handle, and manoeuvre while opening the door. Without sufficient space on the latch side, a user may be unable to operate the door independently, particularly where the door needs to be pulled open.
This circulation space is required by people that use a wheelchair and the dimensions in AS1428.1:2021 has based this on the 90th percentile of wheelchair size and user.
This space is also useful for people that are pushing prams, people using wheeled mobility aids or using a trolley. This space also makes the doorway more comfortable for everyone to use especially where there are two or more people approaching the doorway.
What happens when latch-side clearance is inadequate
- A wheelchair/pram/trolley user may have difficulty reaching the door handle after positioning beside the door
- Users may need to repeatedly reposition, increasing difficulty, fatigue and frustration
- Independence may be reduced, requiring assistance from others
Some common problems in design and construction seen by Architecture & Access:
- Designing to the minimum dimensions as specified in AS1428.1: 2021. A minimum dimension is very hard to build accurately. We always encourage some construction tolerance.
Recommendation: Many architectural firms have standard templates that they use within their drafting programs to ensure that this space is allocated. However, it is recommended that these are drawn to include some tolerance and allow for finishes and site variability.
- Not thinking about or indicating the direction of approach to the doorway. This is particularly problematic in areas where multiple approach paths are possible, such as open-plan layouts or intersections of circulation routes.
Recommendation: The direction of approach is important as this will determine the size of the space required. The direction of approach may not always be obvious or there might be multiple options. In these cases, judgement must be used to determine the most likely approach or to provide the most generous circulation space.
- Where and how to measure latch-side and hinge-side clearance. The figures 31 & 32 in AS1428.1: 2021 provide guidance, however they are not very detailed. These figures indicate that latch-side clearance is measured from the door stop (not the door frame/architrave/jamb), and hinge-side clearance is measured from the face of the open door.
Recommendation: Measure from the door stop for latch-side clearance, and include the face of the door in hinge-side measurements.
Design challenges and coordination
Latch-side clearance often conflicts with:
- Narrow corridor widths
- Adjacent walls or nibs
- Joinery and cabinetry
- Competing circulation paths
These constraints require early consideration during design to avoid compromises that impact accessibility or compliance.
Visual diagrams can assist to fully understand circulation spaces and latch-side clearance relationships.
Early circulation planning can prevent costly redesign and help ensure compliance with AS1428.1
Our access consultants regularly work with project teams to resolve these challenges and develop practical, compliant solutions tailored to each project.
