Multiple ACT public schools are closed today (Monday 17 November) following the discovery of asbestos in a sand product widely used for classroom activities.
The ACT Education Directorate confirmed on Sunday evening that 69 public schools had stocked the Kmart and Target-branded sand product recalled on Saturday, after asbestos was detected in some samples. The Directorate began a system-wide audit early Sunday (16 November), revealing that use of the product is “widespread across ACT public schools”.
A further three schools were found to hold only small, isolated quantities that are “not impacting learning”, while 20 schools do not use this or any other craft sand product.
In line with regulatory obligations – and applying a precautionary approach – the Directorate has enacted immediate school closures in cases where clean-up, assessment and remediation are required. This follows multiple closures on Friday, after national advice from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) revealed a separate coloured sand product (Kadink Decorative Sand) also contained chrysotile asbestos.
The ACCC has since issued a formal recall of both products.
Widespread closures and altered learning arrangements
As of 6pm Sunday, the Directorate released a full list of schools that will operate as normal and those that will remain closed on Monday.
Twenty-five secondary schools and colleges – including Alfred Deakin High School, Campbell High School, Gungahlin College, Narrabundah College and Woden School – will open as usual.
However, more than 80 schools, predominantly primary schools and early childhood campuses, will close. These closures include large P–10 campuses such as Amaroo School, Harrison School, Gold Creek School and Kingsford Smith School, as well as numerous stand-alone primary sites such as Aranda, Curtin, Garran, Franklin, Kaleen, Mawson and Weetangera primary schools.
All attached preschools at closed primary schools will also shut.
The Directorate is urging principals, teachers and school boards to ensure families check their emails for site-specific instructions. Updated information will continue to be posted online, with officials advising families to force-refresh the page to ensure they see the latest version.
Health and regulatory advice
National health authorities continue to stress that the risk to human health from the recalled products remains low.
enHealth issued interim advice on Friday 14 November noting that the recall action is precautionary, based on preliminary testing, with more comprehensive analysis underway. Regulatory bodies – including WorkSafe ACT – are advising schools to cease use of all identified products and follow recall and disposal procedures.
Importantly, no clinical assessment is recommended for students, staff or community members who may have come into contact with the sand.
Education leaders are encouraged to direct their communities to the ACT Education website, the WorkSafe ACT safety alert, the ACCC recall notice and the Kmart/Target advisory for detailed guidance on product handling and asbestos management.
Advice for early childhood and non-government sectors
The Children’s Education and Care Assurance (CECA), along with the ACT’s regulator for non-government schools, has issued separate guidance to early childhood services and independent and Catholic schools. Families are urged to contact their service or school directly for local arrangements.
As ACT public schools prepare for closures, clean-ups and adjusted learning delivery, the Directorate has thanked staff, students and families for their “ongoing support” during what is expected to be a complex and evolving operational response.
