WorkSafe Victoria Alert: Asbestos Risk in Fire-Rated Boards
WorkSafe Victoria has issued a safety alert warning that some fire-rated boards used in building and refurbishment works may contain asbestos - even where products are assumed to be asbestos-free.
Asbestos has been identified in certain imported and legacy boards, creating a serious risk to anyone cutting, drilling, sanding, or otherwise disturbing these materials during work.
⚠️ Why this matters
If asbestos-containing fire-rated boards are unknowingly disturbed, fibres can be released into the air - putting workers, supervisors, and bystanders at risk of long-term health impacts, including asbestos-related disease.
WorkSafe’s alert reinforces that:
- Assumptions are not safe - some fire-rated boards may contain asbestos
- Testing must occur before the disturbance
- Only appropriately trained persons should identify and manage asbestos risks
- Incorrect handling can lead to serious regulatory consequences
🎓 What should employers and workers do now?
If your team works in construction, refurbishment, maintenance, or demolition in Victoria, this alert is a timely reminder that asbestos awareness is not optional knowledge - it’s a critical safety competency.
To support this, Kallibr Training delivers Asbestos Awareness training in Victoria, designed for:
- Builders and trades
- Supervisors and site managers
- Maintenance staff
- Anyone who may encounter asbestos-containing materials at work
Our course covers:
✔️ How to recognise potential asbestos-containing materials
✔️ What to do if asbestos is suspected
✔️ Legal duties under Victorian safety laws
✔️ Practical, real-world site scenarios
Ensure your team has the awareness they need to work safely and stay compliant.