The discovery of asbestos in imported “kinetic” sand, popular in play settings, has raised alarms in kindergartens, primary and high schools, as well as early childhood centers across the state.
In response, the South Australian Department of Education announced that licensed asbestos contractors have begun the process of removing these recalled sand products from educational facilities.
“Over 300 sites have reached out to the department for further guidance or to report the presence of sand products,” the department revealed in a statement.
The department emphasized its collaboration with SafeWork SA, prioritizing the safety of both students and staff.
“We are managing the situation in accordance with national safety standards, and based on SafeWork SA’s expert advice, the risk is deemed low,” the statement continued.
As of yesterday afternoon, only 130 schools were confirmed to have the recalled sand still on their premises.
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.
