This Standard incorporates Amendment No. 1 (June 2016). The changes required by the Amendment are indicated in the text by a marginal bar and amendment number against the clause, note, table, figure or part thereof affected.

Changes in this edition include the following:

(a) The inclusion of single stile ladders, as they are used in other parts of the world.
(b) Access to roofs (for the installation or maintenance of equipment, e.g. air-conditioning plants) has been addressed in this edition.
(c) References to the regulatory authority have been removed.
(d) All requirements pertaining to a particular form of access (e.g. stairways, ladders) are grouped together.
(e) A broader scope of testing of products and more complete test methods have been included.
(f) The issue of slip resistance of walking surfaces has been highlighted, and informative references to relevant Australian Standards and handbooks included.
(g) Testing of a wider range of products has been introduced for use when verification by engineering analysis is not possible, practicable or when the products are proprietary products and proof of performance is required.

Statements expressed in mandatory terms in notes to figures are deemed to be requirements of this Standard.

The terms 'normative' and 'informative' have been used in this Standard to define the application of the appendix to which they apply. A 'normative' appendix is an integral part of a Standard, whereas an 'informative' appendix is only for information and guidance.

This Standard incorporates a Commentary on some of the clauses. The Commentary directly follows the relevant clause, is designated by 'C' preceding the clause number and is printed in italics in a panel. The Commentary is intended to help readers understand the background to the clause but does not form part of the clause.

First published as CA10-1938. Fourth edition 1971. Revised and redesignated AS1657-1974. Fourth edition 2013. Reissued incorporating Amendment No. 1 (June 2016).