AS 4674-2004 is the Australian standard for the design, construction and fitout of food premises. For the stainless work it sets the material minimum, requires surfaces that are smooth, impervious and cleanable, and requires junctions that do not trap material. It governs fabrication, not certification of the room.
What Does AS 4674-2004 Actually Cover?
Design, construction and fitout of food premises. That includes surfaces in contact with food, the cleanability of junctions, and the general requirement that the fitout not create harbourage for dirt or pests. It is a fabrication standard. Passing an inspection is a separate event involving your local authority.
What Does It Require of the Stainless?
Three things that decide most of the detailing.
Material suitable for food contact
304 grade is the practical minimum for preparation surfaces, as our stainless steel kitchen bench guide sets out.
Smooth and impervious
So the surface can actually be cleaned, not just wiped.
Formed junctions, not butted
No gap or ledge where material can sit.
Cleanable in practice
Access for cleaning, no open seams, no exposed fasteners in food zones.
That last requirement is why coved junctions and formed upstands appear throughout a compliant fitout, and why the stainless steel wall panel specification matters as much as the bench.
Which Parts of a Fitout Does It Touch?
Benches and preparation surfaces, sink benches and hand wash facilities, wall surfaces, and the junctions between them. It also connects to the ventilation requirements governed by AS 1668.2, which the commercial range hood and exhaust canopy guide covers, and to floor classification under AS 4586 in our commercial kitchen flooring guide.
What Does a Fabricator Certify?
We fabricate to the standard and can describe what we built and to which material. We do not certify the premises and cannot tell you the room will pass. That distinction matters when a builder asks for a compliance certificate, and it is better clarified at the outset than at handover.
We can tell you what we built and to which standard. We cannot tell you the room will pass. Those are two different things, and a builder should know which one they are getting.
Where Does Material Choice Come In?
Grade and finish are covered separately. Our 304 vs 316 guide covers when chlorides force the higher grade, and the stainless steel finishes guide covers surface selection. The food grade stainless steel guide covers what the term means and what to specify.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AS 4674 mandatory?
It is the standard referenced for food premises fabrication in Australia. Your authority and certifier determine what applies to your premises.
Does it require 304?
It requires a suitable food contact material, and 304 is the practical minimum for preparation surfaces.
Does it cover ventilation?
Ventilation sits with AS 1668.2. AS 4674 references the fitout as a whole.
Does it cover floors?
Floor slip classification is AS 4586. The requirement for a cleanable, coved junction connects the two.
Who inspects?
Your local authority, against your registration and food safety plan.
Can you provide a certificate?
We can describe the fabrication and materials. We do not certify the premises.
Book a Site Measure
If a fitout is being documented and the fabrication standard is unclear, a measure is where the details get resolved. We fabricate at our Burpengary East workshop and install across South East Queensland. Call 07 3888 7534.
Fitout Documented to AS 4674-2004
We fabricate to the standard and tell you exactly what was built and to which material.