An audit has been undertaken of all Tasmanian Government schools following the ACCC's recall of several coloured sand products that have been found to contain naturally occurring asbestos.
The advice from the Federal Department of Health is that the health risk is low and that respirable asbestos fibres have not been detected, however we are taking a proactive approach.
The audit included all Government schools, libraries and Child and Family Learning Centre sites to determine the use of the sand throughout these sites.
An accredited asbestos assessor has been engaged to assist in identifying the risks and any controls that may be necessary to mitigate and prevent any future risk.
All schools and CFLCs have been provided with the appropriate advice around what to do if they find sand, including isolating areas if the sand has been used.
An incident management team is working with our schools and CFLCs.
Schools and CFLCs will continue to communicate with parents as we progress.
The situation is being closely monitored, with each school and CFLC undergoing a risk assessment.
DECYP is liaising with the childcare sector in Tasmania to ensure that it has up-to-date information and support.
Our priority is the safety and well-being of students and staff.
We will continue to monitor this situation carefully and work closely with all schools, CFLCs and Work Safe Tasmania.
