Source: Radio New Zealand
The recalled sand products. Supplied
A West Auckland School has confirmed a small number of coloured sand samples tested for asbestos have come back positive.
Several coloured play sand products have been recalled after tests found a naturally occurring asbestos.
About 40 schools and early childcare centres have closed, or planned to, because of the contamination fears.
The product has been sold in both New Zealand and Australia and is subject to multiple safety recalls.
Matipo School in Te Atatu Peninsula originally told parents they did not have any of the recalled sand products, but was testing other types of sand used for art activities as a precaution.
The school set out steps including independent testing, isolating and temporarily closing affected class rooms, and ensuring there was no access to the sand until it was confirmed safe.
However, Principal Jonnie Black wrote to members of the school community to say a small number of samples tested had returned positive results.
“I want to reassure our community that there is no immediate risk, and we are following all recommended Ministry of Education and health and safety procedures,” he said.
“Affected classrooms have been temporarily relocated while we complete air-quality testing and arrange professional decontamination of those spaces.”
Students were safe, well supervised and settled in alternative learning areas, he said.
Black said they had asked the families of specific classes to seal and return any sand-based artwork, so it could be disposed of safely and appropriately.
“This step is part of the national precautionary process to ensure full compliance with safety guidelines.”
The school understood how unsettling the situation was, Black said.
“Please be assured that the safety and wellbeing of our tamariki and staff remains our highest priority.”
Meanwhile, in Nelson, Enner Glynn School principal John O’Regan told Checkpoint they had to close four classrooms due to the potentially contaminated sand. The children have been sharing classrooms or moved to another space such as the library.
“It’s certainly been disruptive,” O’Regan said.
He said the tests for three of the classrooms have come back negative, while they are still awaiting the results of the fourth classroom.
However, O’Regan said despite having negative results back, they are advised not to send children back into those spaces.
“We are still waiting to have the all clear to open those classes.”
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
