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Choosing the Right Grating Pattern for Walkways

A Guide to Safety, Compliance, and Performance

Selecting the right steel grating pattern for industrial walkways may seem like a small detail—but it plays a critical role in workplace safety, compliance, and long-term performance. In Australia, walkway systems must align with standards such as AS 1657 (Fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders) and AS 1170 (Structural design actions), making correct specification essential.

Choosing the wrong grating pattern can increase slip, trip, and fall risks, reduce drainage efficiency, and lead to unnecessary costs or non-compliance. Below, we break down the key considerations when specifying the right grating system for your application.

Why Grating Pattern Selection Matters

The size and spacing of grating openings directly affect:

• Slip resistance and traction
• Load-bearing capacity
• Drainage and debris fall-through
• Compliance with Australian Standards
• Maintenance requirements

Under AS 1657, walkway surfaces must minimise slip hazards and safely support pedestrian traffic, while AS 1170 ensures structures can withstand expected loads and environmental conditions such as wind and impact forces.

Managing Spill Hazards in Industrial Environments

One of the primary functions of walkway grating is to manage spill hazards.

In industries such as chemical processing, wastewater treatment, power generation, and grain handling, workers frequently encounter liquids or small particulate materials. In these environments:

• Smaller grating openings improve footing and stability
• They still allow liquids and debris to pass through
• They provide better compliance with slip resistance expectations under AS 1657

Recommended options:

• Pattern A – 30 mm load bar pitch, 100 mm cross rod pitch
• Pattern B – 30 mm load bar pitch, 50 mm cross rod pitch

These grating patterns are versatile, making them ideal for a wide range of industrial walkway applications. For areas exposed to oils or grease, serrated grating should be specified to further enhance slip resistance.

High-Volume Material Handling Environments

For industries such as mining, quarrying, and bulk material handling, walkway systems must accommodate larger and more frequent material spillages.

In these conditions:

• Larger openings prevent buildup of debris
• Improved clearance reduces maintenance and cleaning
• Structural integrity must align with heavy-duty loads per AS 1170

Recommended option:

• Pattern F – 60 mm load bar pitch, 50 mm cross rod pitch

Pattern F is specifically designed for crusher buildings, transfer stations, and mining walkways, where managing larger materials is critical to preventing hazards.

Optimising Weight, Cost, and Efficiency

Not all projects require heavy-duty grating. Over-specifying can lead to unnecessary material costs and installation challenges.

For lighter-duty applications, such as plant access walkways or low-traffic service areas:

• Lightweight grating reduces handling and installation time
• Lower steel content improves cost efficiency
• Still complies with AS 1657 load and safety requirements

Recommended options:

• Pattern C – 40 mm load bar pitch, 100 mm cross rod pitch
• Pattern D – 40 mm load bar pitch, 50 mm cross rod pitch

These options strike a balance between performance, compliance, and cost-effectiveness, making them suitable for a wide range of commercial and industrial environments.

Key Compliance Considerations (AS 1657 & AS 1170)

When selecting walkway grating, ensure your design considers:

• Slip resistance requirements (AS 1657)
• Maximum allowable openings for safe foot traffic
• Load ratings and span calculations (AS 1170)
• Environmental conditions, including corrosion and exposure
• Deflection limits and structural integrity

Working with compliant products ensures your installation meets regulatory requirements and reduces long-term risk.

Choosing the Right Grating for Your Project

Every industrial site presents unique challenges. The ideal grating pattern depends on:

• Type and volume of materials handled
• Foot traffic frequency
• Required load capacity
• Environmental exposure
• Safety and compliance requirements

Partnering with experienced suppliers ensures your walkway system meets Australian Standards, improves safety outcomes, and delivers long-term value.

Talk to the Experts

At Webforge, we specialise in Access Flooring Solutions for industrial, mining, and infrastructure applications, all designed to meet AS 1657 and AS 1170 requirements.