02/03/2026
GLYDE Pro Tips, by Tyrone Hare, Architectural Sales Manager:
Latch side clearance can be a significant challenge for architects when working through DDA compliance on a project.
Latch side clearance refers to the unobstructed space required on the latch side of an acoustic slider to allow individuals, particularly those using mobility aids, to reach the handle and pass through the doorway with ease.
Under AS1428.1, this clearance typically needs to see 530mm from the latch side to any adjacent wall. This sounds easy in theory. However, it can become tricky when you have intersecting sliders, limited egress paths, or simply not enough room to offset the slider opening by 530mm.
So, how do we achieve a DDA compliant entry way into the space whilst maintaining the original design intent?
The addition of a simple 530mm nib wall can be a great solution. Unfortunately, this does not work is all instances, as some openings can be quite limited in width and not able to accommodate the 530mm imposition.
Another option is to set the handle back by 530mm, fixing it through the slider panel as opposed to the lead stile of the frame. This option has been common practice over the years, but still has a few Achilles heels.
First, and very popular, many building surveyors are recently taking this method to task and raising queries through the purview of the practice being deemed a performance solution. Like all performance solutions, this leaves a large portion of the approval in the hands of a surveyor's interpretation, never a guarantee when developing a design in its initial stages.
The second issue is more blatant. When we set the handle back 530mm, we lose that 530mm from the opening still, as the slider handle cannot recess beyond the wall or cavity that limits it.
Both handle setbacks and nib walls have their place, however the simplest and most effective solution to latch side clearance issues has been the GLYDE Evolve system.
The Evolve suite sees a jamb hung passdoor acoustically sealed into the lead stile of the Acoustic Slider panel. When closed, the Evolve swing door takes care of all the latch side clearance and DDA compliance issues for egress into and out of the space.
When the Evolve door is pinned back and the slider is fully recessed back, we benefit from the entire opening width unimpeded by posts or slider intrusion.
Talk to the GLYDE team to learn more about the Evolve system. We’ll make it easy for you to get compliance without compromise.