Keeping a building safe is about more than just checking batteries in a smoke alarm. For many building owners in Western Australia, a new and serious challenge has emerged regarding the very doors meant to protect them. Recent safety alerts from WorkSafe WA have highlighted a major issue: some fire doors installed in recent years actually contain asbestos. This has made asbestos fire doors perth a top priority for property managers and business owners alike.
If you own or manage a commercial property, hospital, or high-rise apartment, you need to know about the current legislative changes. Understanding how to handle fire doors perth wa is no longer just a maintenance task—it is a legal requirement to ensure the health and safety of everyone inside.
What is the 2026 Asbestos Fire Door Alert?
For a long time, people thought asbestos was a problem of the past. Australia banned it completely in 2003. However, between 2021 and 2025, several batches of imported Fire Rated Boards (FRB) made their way into the Australian market. These boards were used as the internal cores for fire doors. Testing has now revealed that many of these doors contain “ghost” asbestos—traces of the dangerous mineral that weren’t supposed to be there.
Because these doors are designed to resist high heat, they use Friable FRB cores. “Friable” means the material can easily crumble into a fine powder. If a door is damaged, or if someone drills into it to install a new lock or closer, those tiny asbestos fibres can float into the air. Breathing in these fibres is very dangerous for your lungs. This is why the 2026 alert is so important for the Perth community.
Your Legal Obligations Under WHS Regulations 2022
In Western Australia, we follow the WHS Regulations 2022. These laws state that a person in control of a business or workplace must manage the risks associated with asbestos. With the new discovery of asbestos in modern doors, the government now expects building owners to perform Asbestos Register audits.
If your building was constructed or had doors replaced between 2021 and 2025, you cannot simply assume they are safe. You are legally required to identify if you have asbestos fire doors perth on your property. If you fail to do this, you could face heavy fines, and more importantly, you could be putting workers and tenants at risk.
How to Identify and Test Your Fire Doors
You cannot tell if a door has asbestos just by looking at it. The dangerous material is hidden deep inside the core. The only way to be sure is through professional testing.
NATA Accredited Testing
The first step is to have a professional take a small sample from the door core. This sample must be sent to a laboratory for NATA accredited testing. This ensures the results are accurate and meet Australian legal standards.
Reviewing Maintenance Records
Check your paperwork. If your fire doors perth wa were installed recently, look for the manufacturer’s name and the date of installation. This helps professionals narrow down which doors are most likely to be part of the affected batches.
Encapsulation vs. Disposal: What Are Your Options?
If testing comes back positive, you have two main choices. The right choice depends on the condition of the door and where it is located.
- Encapsulation: If the door is in perfect condition and is not in a high-traffic area, it might be possible to seal it. This means the asbestos is trapped inside and cannot escape. However, this is often a temporary fix, and the door must be clearly labelled.
- Disposal and Replacement: In most commercial settings, the best and safest option is total removal. Because the cores are friable, any damage to the door makes it a high risk. Removing the door and replacing it with a certified, asbestos-free version is the only way to permanently remove the liability.
The Importance of Class A Licensed Removal
Removing asbestos fire doors perth is not a job for a standard handyman. Because the internal material is friable, it requires a Class A licensed removal team.
A Class A specialist uses specific safety gear, air monitoring equipment, and heavy-duty plastic sheeting to “bubble” the area. This prevents any dust from escaping into the rest of the building. Once the fire doors perth wa are removed, they must be wrapped in double-layered plastic and disposed of at a special hazardous waste facility.
Why Fire Rated Systems is Your Trusted Partner
At Fire Rated Systems (FRS), we understand that finding out your building has asbestos can be stressful. We are a family-owned and operated company in Western Australia that specialises in the installation, maintenance, and repair of all passive fire systems.
We don’t just fix doors; we provide complete peace of mind. Our team is fully trained in modern compliance standards, ensuring that your building meets every part of the 2026 legislative updates. From the initial audit to the final installation of new, compliant fire doors, we handle every step with precision and care. We are committed to keeping Perth buildings safe, one door at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do new fire doors perth wa have asbestos?
Some imported materials used between 2021 and 2025 were contaminated with asbestos before arriving in Australia.
Is one asbestos fire door really that dangerous?
If the door is damaged or drilled into, it can release friable fibres into the air, which is a major health risk.
How do I know if my building is at risk?
If your building was built or renovated between 2021 and 2025, you should have your doors audited.
What is a Friable FRB core?
It is a Fire Rated Board core that can easily crumble into dust, making it easier for asbestos fibres to become airborne.
What does NATA accredited testing mean?
It means the laboratory is officially recognised for its high standards and accuracy in testing hazardous materials.
Can I just paint over the door to seal it?
Simple painting is not enough for friable asbestos. You need professional encapsulation or removal.
Who can legally remove these doors in Perth?
Only a Class A licensed removal company should handle friable asbestos fire doors.
Will removing the doors disrupt my business?
We work quickly and safely, often after hours, to ensure your business stays running while we secure your building.
What is an Asbestos Register?
It is a legal document every commercial building must have that lists all known or suspected asbestos on the property.
How do I get an audit started?
Contact Fire Rated Systems today for a professional consultation and door core sampling.
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