The Secretary for the DECYP has admitted under Greens’ questioning in Estimates that it was a mistake not to advise Principals to ensure staff wear PPE when removing coloured sand containing asbestos from State school premises.
On Friday morning, schools were sent an email advising that the ACCC has recalled coloured sand products due to the possibility they contained asbestos. The email advised schools in numbered steps to stop using the product, place the sand in a double-taped plastic bag and keep it out of reach of children, and dispose of it at an asbestos waste facility.
Recall advertisements for the two products from the ACCC were attached to the email, one of which recommended to wear disposable gloves and a mask before handling the product. This precaution is standard when handling anything with the potential to contain asbestos, however, it was not repeated in the management steps recommended in the email to schools by DECYP.
Under questioning from the Greens in Estimates on why this precautionary measure wasn’t taken, the Minister said she would’ve preferred the advice be given, and the Secretary of DECYP admitted it was a mistake that it was not.
The Liberal Government’s response to this incident was underwhelming and incomplete on Friday – staff should have been notified of all precautionary steps recommended to be taken in removing the coloured sand, potentially containing asbestos.
The risks of asbestos are well-known. Whilst it’s reassuring the ACCC has advised the risk of inhaling airborne fibres is low, staff still should have been given the full information they needed to stay safe.
Going forward, the Minister and DECYP must ensure they communicate fully with school staff and parents about the risks of the coloured sand product, and the precautions that are being taken in disposing of it.
