A total ban on the manufacture, import, and use of all forms of asbestos came into effect in Western Australia in December 2003.
WorkSafe have been working with impacted manufacturers and businesses regarding the detection of asbestos-containing fire-rated board (FRB) following information provided by the Australian Border Force. The FRB product was imported into Australia from China and on-sold to Western Australian (and other state/territory) manufacturers.
The FRB product has been used during the manufacture of fire doors as an internal component of steel or wood encased doors. It is understood that the FRB core is encapsulated in the door.
Information provided to WorkSafe by ABF and the import company indicate the FRB product imported between 2021 and 2025 may contain asbestos. Affected businesses are progressively being contacted about the nature of the risk, legislative duties and recommended actions.
Actions required
Businesses suspected of receiving the doors should:
- seek advice from an industry professional (competent person) to assess and identify if asbestos is present in the doors
- contact your fire door supplier for further information regarding whether components of your doors are likely to contain asbestos
- assume the door contains asbestos and comply with the requirements of the work health and safety laws.
If the doors are confirmed or assumed to contain asbestos the doors should be removed and must be placed on the workplace’s asbestos register and an asbestos management plan implemented until such time they are removed.
The fire door core is a friable product, as such the removal must be conducted by a Class A licensed asbestos removal contractor.
Further information
Australian Border Force
- Asbestos - information on prohibition of asbestos, and goods containing asbestos.
WorkSafe
- How to safely remove asbestos: Code of practice - guidance to businesses on how to manage health and safety risks associated with removing asbestos or asbestos containing materials.
- How to manage and control asbestos in the workplace: Code of practice - guidance on how to manage risks associated with asbestos, asbestos containing material and asbestos-contaminated dust or debris.
- Health and Safety Bulletin No 13 Fire doors containing friable asbestos material - information on several recent incidents that resulted in people being exposed to asbestos where workers have conducted repairs on fire doors containing friable asbestos.
- WorkSafe licence and registration search - use the Online Licence Search to verify the status of licences, registrations, permits, certificates, approvals, and other such authorisations.