Twenty public schools across the ACT have been forced to close – some entirely, others in part – after coloured craft sand used in classrooms was found to contain traces of chrysotile asbestos.
The issue centres on decorative sand commonly used for sensory play and art projects. Laboratory testing this week detected asbestos in several products, prompting a national recall of Kadink Sand, Educational Colours Rainbow Sand and Creatistics Coloured Sand. ACT authorities confirmed that one of these products had been used in multiple Canberra schools, triggering an urgent response overnight.
Although officials say the health risk is considered low, the presence of any asbestos has led to immediate closures while testing and clean-up work begins. Early assessments show no airborne fibres at affected sites, but WorkSafe ACT has directed that remediation proceed without delay.
Parents were notified late last night and again this morning via email and text as the situation evolved.
The ACT Education Department made the decision to shut schools last night after a late meeting with the ACT Work Safety Commissioner and the Education Directorate, which is using its website to update families.
Whole school closures:
- Black Mountain School
- Campbell Primary School
- Charles Weston School
- Charnwood-Dunlop Primary School
- Evatt Primary School
- Florey Primary School
- Latham Primary School
- Lyons Early Childhood School
- Malkara School
- Namadgi School
- Chapman Primary School
- Cranleigh School
- Miles Franklin Primary School
- Fraser Primary School
- Wanniassa Hills Primary School
Partial school closures impacting multiple cohorts:
- Charles Conder Primary School — Preschool and Small Group Program
- North Ainslie Primary School — Preschool and Year 1
- Torrens Primary School — Preschool, Kindergarten and Year 1
- Wanniassa School — Preschool to year 6
- Yarralumla Primary School — Montessori, Kindergarten, Year 1, Small Group Program
Preschool closures only:
- Curtin Primary School — Preschool
- Kingsford Smith School — Preschool including Koori Preschool
- Narrabundah Early Childhood School — Preschool
ACT Education Minister Yvette Berry said Kadink Decorative Sand was used in some Canberra schools for sensory play and arts and craft.
“WorkSafe ACT have advised the risk of exposure to traces of chrysotile is low, however the safety of students, staff and families is our highest priority,” ABC News quoted Berry as saying.
“This is a low risk and I heard that firsthand from the WorkSafe Commissioner last night. However, it is a type of asbestos fibre or dust and so we need to take it seriously and remediate it appropriately.”
Berry said testing had already started on the affected sites.
“So far, the testing is not showing that there are any airborne fibres or any issues like that.”