WorkSafe Tasmania is aware that certain decorative and coloured sand products, commonly used for arts and crafts and sensory play, have been found to contain asbestos fibres.
This fact sheet contains some frequently asked questions to help answer your queries. Available as a PDF version
What products have been recalled?
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) issued a national recall for:
- Kadink Sand
- Educational Colours – Rainbow Sand
- Creatistics – Coloured Sand
- Active Sandtub – 14 piece Sand Castle Building Set, Blue/Green/Pink Magic Sand
- Kidsplay Crafts – Various coloured sand and sand art party packs
- MIKI Sand Art Set – Sax International Pty Ltd
- Montessori Sand Tray Writing Activity Set
- Coloured Sand for Unity Ceremony - 200 gram bags
The recall was issued because some batches may contain naturally occurring asbestos.
What types of asbestos have been found in these products to date?
The types of asbestos being flagged are tremolite and chrysotile.
- Chrysotile is often called white asbestos
- Tremolite is another naturally occurring type that can sometimes be present in rock and soil
Finding these types in sand does not automatically mean there is a health risk, the level of risk depends on the quantity and whether the fibres are small enough to become airborne and breathed in.
What is the level of risk?
Testing so far has not found ‘respirable’ or airborne asbestos fibres in the sand samples.
This means the risk has been as assessed as low, but precautionary actions are still required to ensure safety.
Businesses need to undertake a risk assessment and seek advice from an accredited licensed asbestos assessor.
Why have some schools closed due to the product recalls and not others?
Different states and territories have their own safety rules and laws, so responses can vary based on local requirements and advice from their WorkSafe or education authorities.
In Tasmania, schools and education providers are following advice from WorkSafe Tasmania. This advice requires the schools and education providers to engage specialists licensed asbestos assessors to undertake a risk assessment at the workplace.
- Some schools have decided to close as a precaution based on the advice of their licenced asbestos assessors or specialist. Closing the school, or certain areas within the school enables the sand to be safely removed without any ongoing risk of exposure.
- Some schools have remained open based on the advice of their licenced asbestos assessors or specialist. There are a range of factors that inform such a decision (Eg: quantity of products used, recency of use, and cleaning arrangements) that are specific to individual school or impacted areas. The risk assessment undertaken by the qualified asbestos assessor will confirm that it is safe for students and staff to remain on site.
What do schools and childcare providers need to do in response to the product recalls?
If a school or childcare service finds any of the recalled sand products:
- Stop using the sand immediately and block access to the area so it cannot be disturbed.
- Notify the education authority so the situation can be properly assessed.
- If the sand is still contained (for example, sealed in its original packaging or stored securely), it should be kept sealed, placed in strong bags, and double-bagged.
- It must not be disposed of in normal rubbish bins.
- Seek advice from the education authority or a qualified asbestos assessor about safe collection and disposal.
- If sand needs to be removed from sandpits or play areas, the work will be carried out by trained and licensed asbestos removalists.
- Once the sand has been removed and the area has been checked, it can be reopened for normal use.
What can parents and caregivers do if they are concerned their children may be exposed to the recalled sand products at school or childcare?
If you’re a parent or caregiver and have learned that asbestos-contaminated sand may have been used at your child’s school or childcare service, the most important thing to know is that there are clear steps you can take, and schools/childcare providers should have established procedures to manage the situation safely.
Look for updates from your child’s school, childcare service, or your local education authority. They are responsible for quarantining any affected areas and organising professional assessment and clean-up.
If you have questions, ask the school or childcare directly what measures they’ve put in place. They should be able to tell you whether the affected sand has been identified, isolated, removed, or assessed by licensed professionals.
If you don’t believe the school or childcare is managing the situation correctly, telephone WorkSafe Tasmania’s Helpline on 1300 366 322.