Imported Asbestos Fire Door Core

Issued: 12/9/2025
Last Updated: 12/9/2025

Purpose

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) have notified a number of impacted businesses regarding the detection of asbestos-containing Fire Rated Board (FRB) as a result of information provided the Australian Border Force (ABF). The product was imported into Australia from China by a Victorian company and subsequently on-sold to a Queensland manufacturer.

WHSQ have been working with the Queensland manufacturer to obtain information relating to the distribution of affected fire doors. The business has been working collaboratively with the Regulator to provide this information following decontamination activities at their warehouse to enable access to records.

It is understood that the FRB containing asbestos was utilised in the manufacture of fire doors as an internal component within the steel/wood-encased door. Fire doors made with this product are made from steel and pose an extremely low risk if in good condition and left undisturbed. This is due to the fire rated boards being encapsulated in the steel casing.

Information provided to WHSQ by the supplier of the fire doors (Firemex Pty Ltd), indicates that fire doors purchased between 2021 and 2025 may contain asbestos impacted FRB board. Affected businesses have been contacted by WHSQ providing advice about the nature of the risk, legislative duties and recommended actions.

Action required

Businesses suspected of receiving the doors have been advised to:

• seek advice from an industry professional ‘competent person’ to assess and identify if asbestos is present in the door/s, that have been supplied by Firemex Pty. Ltd, and/or
• contact your supplier for further information regarding whether the components of your door/s are likely to contain asbestos, or
• assume the door contains asbestos and comply with the requirements of Work Health and Safety laws and compliance (links below)

Prior to installation, or activities likely to disturb these fire doors, such as penetrating the product (e.g. installation of handles, hinges, signage or caballing etc.) will need to be assessed by a competent person to ensure it does not contain asbestos.