The use of asbestos passive fire protection
For many years asbestos was the gold standard in passive fire protection. Builders used it extensively in construction. However, exposure to it can lead to severe and possibly fatal lung diseases. Medical science has been aware of the potentially fatal consequences of exposure to asbestos for over a century. The health hazards associated with asbestos exposure include asbestosis and lung cancer.
Despite this, the use of asbestos in construction continued in Australia until the 1970s and 1980s.
Here is a quick technical update in respect to the use of asbestos in passive fire protection:
Asbestos was included in the manufacture of fire doors prior to 1982. While intact within a structure, it is usually of no harm, asbestos can become hazardous when disturbed or damaged. The particles can then be inhaled by workers with inappropriate PPE (personal protection equipment).
Fire doors vs emergency exit doors
Here is a brief overview of fire doors and their importance in building safety:
Fire doors‘ use is to act as a barrier to fires spreading throughout a building.
On the other hand, there are emergency exit doors. These are usually strategically located outward opening doors with a crash bar on them. They usually have a series of exit signs leading to them. Their use is to enable people to evacuate from an emergency such as a fire. Don’t confuse these with fire doors.
Recently, one of our fire protection technicians and Redmen’s General Manager Brett Gordon had a discussion about identifying asbestos doors. They resolved that fire protection technicians should observe the following protocol:
- Check the door tag for an installation date.
- If the door tag does not have the installation date on it please check the top of the door. Asbestos doors generally did not have a top rail installed and you can clearly see the 3 layers of asbestos as shown in the photo taken by our technician onsite.
- We can secure the appropriate asbestos removal professionals to make your work and living space safe.
Take asbestos safety seriously and diligently. That applies to everyone.
It is not merely a matter of compliance and certification so that you don’t break the rules. Exposure to asbestos can result in catastrophic and disastrous results to the health of those who suffer the exposure. Everyone must take every precaution and preparation possible. An overview of regulations regarding asbestos in buildings shows the importance of compliance for building owners to avoid legal repercussions. As well as their moral duty to protect people on site.
Any change to the fire door containing asbestos will necessitate its replacement
We tell our customers and our staff to please do not conduct any works were you penetrate the core of this door.
If a new closer or lock set is required in asbestos doors that means that you have to remove the door permanently. Asbestos professionals will do this, and then our fire protection techs will install a new door. We must emphasize the importance of hiring certified professionals for any work involving asbestos.
Emergency exit doors or fire exits provide a safe and quick means of escape when needed most. Fire exits help to ensure a building meets relevant regulations while keeping its occupants as safe as possible. The Building Code of Australia says:
A fire-resistant material must separate it.
The fire door must be separate from the rest of the building. It must be composed of fire-resistant material, with at least a one-hour fire-resistance rating. In the past asbestos passive fire protection was sufficient. Even when the rest of the structure is compromised due to the fire, the door must be able to stand for a while longer to let occupants get out alive and safe. The door in the picture shows asbestos passive fire protection using 3 layers.
What if there is no work to be done on an asbestos fire door?
The recommended actions for building owners include sealing and removal of the doors. They may not pose a hazard right now, but the presence of the asbestos is a potential threat in the future.
Invest in fire protection. Protect your business and your people.
Redmen Fire Protection Management helps business owners in Newcastle, Sydney, the NSW Central Coast, and the Hunter Valley protect what matters to them – their people and their property. We offer consulting services to help you with the technical requirements of the Building Code of Australia when it comes to fire safety. We also handle the design, installation, service, and maintenance of fire protection systems.
Let’s recap the importance of addressing safety concerns with asbestos passive fire protection.
Building owners, you may need someone to assess their fire doors and ensure safety. Reach out for further information or professional inspections. We can help you reach the right people to remove asbestos passive fire protection such as in an old fire door.
Call us today on 1300 733 636 or email , and let us help you protect your business and your people.
Listen to our podcast on asbestos passive fire protection doors.
