\u201cWhere a potential asbestos risk is identified, services are expected to take precautionary measures, which may include restricting access to affected areas, seeking advice from licensed asbestos professionals, and taking any necessary steps to protect children and staff.<\/p>\n
\u201cServices must also keep parents and wh\u0101nau informed about any actions being taken.\u201d<\/p>\n
The education learning service has notified parents of the possible exposure and taken initial steps, an ERO spokesperson said. Photo \/ 123RF<\/p>\n
Early learning services are expected to notify ERO when significant health and safety issues affect their operation and are responsible for ensuring their premises are safe for children, staff and visitors.<\/p>\n
The potential asbestos issue was reported in the Ministry of Education\u2019s Early Learning Bulletin on September 3.<\/p>\n
The agency was following \u201cdue process\u201d and could not comment more at this stage, the spokesperson said.<\/p>\n
\u201cERO\u2019s role is to regulate and monitor compliance with licensing requirements for early learning services. <\/p>\n
\u201cERO works with services to ensure any risks to children\u2019s health, safety, and wellbeing are appropriately managed.\u201d<\/p>\n
Earlier asbestos concerns<\/p>\n
The closure comes amid wider concerns about asbestos contamination in products used by children.<\/p>\n
Children\u2019s play sand sold at retailers like Kmart and The Warehouse was recalled for asbestos contamination<\/a> earlier this year.<\/p>\n The recall prompted the closure of at least 16 schools and seven early learning services around the country.<\/p>\n While MBIE initially said it was unlikely the asbestos could become airborne during normal use, an AUT study later found fibres could be released<\/a> during play.<\/p>\n There is no known safe level of asbestos exposure, and related diseases can take decades to develop.<\/p>\n The findings raised concerns for parents whose children had played with the contaminated sand.<\/p>\n Christchurch mother Elle Chrisp told NZME she was \u201cdevastated\u201d by the results, but hoped the information would be used in a positive way.<\/p>\n \u201cThe most frustrating element personally is I had no experience or interaction with asbestos [before this] and I just wanted to learn and understand what I could,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n \u201cThe kids were so happy and entertained with play sand … it was a really easy weekend activity, you know. I got to put washing on, prep dinner and smugly thought \u2018They\u2019re not on a screen, they\u2019re playing with sand!\u2019\u201d.<\/p>\nAt least 20 brands, including Educational Colours, have recalled their play sand products since the initial asbestos detection. Photo \/ Supplied<\/p>\n