The ACT has taken the extraordinary step of closing 15 public schools today, with several others to be partially closed due to potential asbestos contamination.
The risk relates to the use of a decorative coloured sand, which has been found this week to contain traces of chrysotile — a type of naturally occurring asbestos.
Earlier this week, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) issued a recall notice for Kadink Sand, Educational Colours Rainbow Sand and Creatistics Coloured Sand after laboratory testing detected asbestos.
ACT Education Minister Yvette Berry said Kadink Decorative Sand was used in some Canberra schools for sensory play and arts and craft.
“WorkSafe ACT have advised the risk of exposure to traces of chrysotile is low, however the safety of students, staff and families is our highest priority,” Ms Berry said.Testing already underway
Ms Berry said the decision to shut schools was only made last night after a late meeting with the ACT Work Safety Commissioner and the Education Directorate.
“This is a low risk and I heard that firsthand from the WorkSafe Commissioner last night,” she said.
“However, it is a type of asbestos fibre or dust and so we need to take it seriously and remediate it appropriately.”
The ACCC issued a recall notice for three brands of coloured sand earlier this week after laboratory testing detected asbestos. (Pixabay: HolgersFotografie)
She said testing had already started on the affected sites.
“So far, the testing is not showing that there are any airborne fibres or any issues like that,” she said.
ACT Education Minister Yvette Berry says the decision to close schools was made late last night. (ABC News: Matt Roberts)
The closures affect the following schools:
Whole school closures:Black Mountain SchoolCampbell Primary SchoolCharles Weston SchoolCharnwood-Dunlop Primary SchoolEvatt Primary SchoolFlorey Primary SchoolLatham Primary SchoolLyons Early Childhood SchoolMalkara SchoolNamadgi SchoolChapman Primary SchoolCranleigh SchoolMiles Franklin Primary SchoolFraser Primary SchoolWanniassa Hills Primary SchoolPartial school closures impacting multiple cohorts:Charles Conder Primary School — Preschool and Small Group ProgramNorth Ainslie Primary School — Preschool and Year 1Torrens Primary School — Preschool, Kindergarten and Year 1Wanniassa School — Preschool to year 6Yarralumla Primary School — Montessori, Kindergarten, Year 1, Small Group ProgramPreschool closures only:Curtin Primary School — PreschoolKingsford Smith School — Preschool including Koori PreschoolNarrabundah Early Childhood School — Preschool
Ms Berry said parents would be advised of the closures via email and text messages.
She also pointed parents to the ACT’s education website, which is constantly being updated on the issue.
An email sent by schools to parents this morning said confirmation about learning arrangements for Monday would be made on Sunday afternoon.
An impromptu closure sign on the gate of Chapman Primary School this morning. (ABC News: Kate Midena)
Brisbane school remains open
In Brisbane, parents have been alerted to the use of the decorative sand as part of an after-school program run by Indooroopilly Outside School Hours Care (IOSHC).
A safety notice sent out to parents said IOSHC management had been notified of craft products being recalled due to traces of tremolite. But the notice said that IOSHC remained open.
“We would love to assure families that all remaining products and craft containing this product, has been removed from the service,” the notice said.Â
Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) said, based on current information, as a precaution, any materials or areas impacted should be isolated, and people should “avoid sweeping, shovelling, vacuuming or disturbing any sand”.
Recall on coloured sand due to asbestos concerns
ACCC deputy chair Catriona Lowe says the recall notice was issued “in an abundance of caution”. (ABC News: Madeleine Morris)
ACCC deputy chair Catriona Lowe said consumers should also check whether the recalled products were in their homes.
“This is a precautionary measure, but we do want people to be careful,” she said.
“What has been found is naturally occurring asbestos, in what’s called fibre bundles.
“Asbestos is a problem when it’s inhaled and that means microscopic fibres.
“There isn’t an indication that that is what we’re dealing with here, however it is an evolving situation and in an abundance of caution, the recall has been issued.”
Advice for parents who have product in homes
People who may have any of the sand products in their homes, including any arts or crafts made with the product, are being urged not to disturb or use it, to prevent dust or fibres from becoming airborne.
When disposing of the product, wear disposable gloves, protective eyewear and a P2-rated face mask that fits your face snugly.
In the ACT, the sand must be double-wrapped in thick plastic bags, sealed with tape and identified as asbestos waste. It cannot be disposed of in general waste.
Information regarding disposal facilities in your state or territory can be found on the Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency website.
More to come.