Daily London
Asbestos has been detected in some imported colourful “kinetic” sand used for play in state kindergartens, primary schools, high schools and early childhood centres.
The SA Department of Education said licenced asbestos contractors have now started removing recalled sand products from the venues.
“At this time, more than 300 sites have contacted the department either to seek further advice, or to report sand products,” the department said in a statement.
“The department is working closely with SafeWork SA, with the safety of students and staff the highest priority.
“The risk is low and is being managed in line with national standards and expert advice from SafeWork SA.”
Yesterday afternoon, only 130 schools were reported to have recalled sand on-site.
Across the country, 74 schools have so far been closed for assessment and cleaning.
This includes 72 public schools in the ACT, one independent school in Queensland, another independent school in Tasmania.
A further six Tasmanian schools were shut today over asbestos fears.
No schools were listed as closed in NSW or Victoria.
A range of the brightly coloured children’s sand products have been recalled due to asbestos fears.
Products have so far been recalled from Woolworths, Officeworks, Kmart and Target.
The products were recalled because they may contain tremolite asbestos, a naturally occurring asbestos, according to WorkSafe SA.
Customers have been told to stop using the products immediately and safely dispose of them.
“Wear disposable gloves and a mask and either return in the original tub or place the sand in a heavy-duty plastic bag and double tape it securely and keep it out of reach of children,” the recall notice said.
There has been a ban and import prohibition for asbestos in Australia since 2003.
