A Step-by-Step Guide to Checking, Testing, and Safe Disposal If Your School Uses Coloured Play Sand

The discovery of asbestos fibres in coloured sand used for sensory play has raised serious concern for schools and early education centres across New Zealand. Children breathe faster, spend more time near the ground, and are more likely to touch their faces, increasing exposure if asbestos contamination is present. This guide helps educators act calmly and appropriately to prevent any health risks that could significantly affect well-being in the long term. Even though asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral, it should never appear in play items for tamariki. 

Step 1: Identify and Check Existing Sand 

Begin by locating all play sand and coloured sand products in sensory rooms, art areas, sand trays, and storage cupboards. Look for recalled products such as EC Rainbow Sand, Green Magic Sand, Blue Magic Sand, Pink Magic Sand, and Creatistics Coloured Sand. Start documenting everything so that asbestos removal can be adequately planned if contamination is present. If you see unfamiliar suppliers or packaging, treat it as a risk. Any asbestos-contaminated material should remain in place until the next steps are followed. 

Step 2: Stop Use and Secure the Area

Once play sand and asbestos mixture becomes a possibility, stop all activities immediately. Restrict entry to that space and inform staff right away. Ensure the product is in a sealed container, then wrap it in thick plastic to prevent dust from the contaminated sand from escaping. Avoid sweeping or vacuuming, as this can release fibres into the air and increase the risk of long-term cancer and lung disease. 

Clear signs help staff avoid accidents and prevent further exposure. 

Step 3: Inform Your Leadership and Authorities

Provide full details to your leadership team, including quantity, storage locations, and how long the product may have been used. This step supports the correct management of asbestos risks and ensures that updates are passed on to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and WorkSafe if required. For Auckland-based centres, this is also the right time to seek guidance from specialists who handle asbestos removal in Auckland. 

Step 4: Professional Testing and Assessment

Do not test materials yourself. Only a licensed asbestos assessor should take samples or inspect for airborne fibres. Licensed experts carry out inspections safely and verify whether the issue is small-scale or if the spread has occurred to nearby surfaces. 

Their guidance ensures that contaminated material remains safely contained and not exposed to children or staff until removal can occur. They also assess whether ventilation or nearby objects need attention. 

Step 5: Safe Removal and Disposal

Once asbestos is confirmed, the next step is organising asbestos removal by trained contractors. They follow strict procedures for containment, careful transport, and safe disposal at approved facilities. This procedure keeps risks under control and limits the risk of anyone encountering residual fibres. 

Professionals will remove items no longer safe to clean and will reopen areas only after testing confirms complete safety again. A clearance stage ensures the environment meets a safe standard. 

Communication with Parents and Staff

Communication must be clear, factual, and reassuring. Families may worry about asbestos-related health conditions, so let them know that experts say short exposure is low risk compared to continuous handling. Provide official health resources for further advice. Honest reassurance maintains trust. 

Schools should also provide simple updates on progress so families always know what has been done and what will happen next. 

Documentation and Record Keeping

Proper records are essential. Log quantities removed, dates, product types, and areas affected. This supports asbestos management now and ensures future staff understand the steps taken. 

Storing documents securely and sharing key updates with leadership ensures continuity and protects everyone from confusion later. 

Prevention Going Forward

This situation highlights how naturally occurring asbestos in a naturally occurring mineral can slip into everyday products. To avoid repeated incidents, always purchase verified coloured sand products from trusted suppliers. Review recall lists regularly and encourage reports of unusual materials. This protects children and eliminates reliance on magic sand products sold without proper safety information. 

Regularly checking storage areas also helps ensure no older products remain hidden and forgotten. 

Final Thought

The presence of asbestos in coloured sand shows how quickly fun can turn into a concern. Taking swift action reduces the chance of exposure and prevents complicated remediation later. Schools that respond quickly and maintain strong communication protect both children and staff. 

When uncertain, stop play, isolate products and seek professional support. With responsible processes in place, educators can ensure classrooms and play spaces stay joyful, creative, and safe for every child.