In a stunning turn of events, nearly 70 schools in Canberra will be shut on Monday due to a recall of coloured sand products linked to asbestos contamination. The recall, initially affecting just a few schools, now has broader consequences as more products have been flagged by Kmart and Target. It’s a blow for families already struggling with disruptions, but safety is the top priority.
The Recall and Growing Concern
The situation began earlier this week when the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) issued a recall for coloured sand products after traces of asbestos were found during routine testing. Initially, 16 schools and six preschools were closed, and eight others partially shut down as a precaution. But the discovery of additional contaminated products meant that more schools had to be added to the list. The ACT Education Directorate, after assessing the situation, confirmed that 69 schools would remain closed on Monday.
Education Minister Yvette Berry, in a press statement, said to ABC, “Unfortunately, the newly recalled products were used more widely than the original ones. That means we’re in a position where we have to extend the closures. It’s frustrating, but necessary.” The recall, which initially seemed like a manageable issue, snowballed into a significant headache for the region’s education system. Families and staff are being kept in the loop via emails, though it’s likely that many are feeling overwhelmed by the constant updates.
Which Schools Are Affected?
Among the schools affected are many well-known institutions such as Ainslie School, Amaroo School, and Black Mountain School. While the closures may feel like an overreaction to some, officials stress that the contamination risk, though low, cannot be taken lightly. “We’ve been doing air tests across impacted schools, and thankfully, no airborne asbestos has been detected,” Minister Berry reassured. “But when it comes to something as dangerous as asbestos, we have to act swiftly.”
The Clean-Up Process: Slow and Steady
At the heart of this complex situation is the tedious work of cleaning and clearing affected areas. Visual inspections are being conducted, with volunteers from the State Emergency Service (SES) alongside school staff walking through classrooms and storage rooms, searching for traces of coloured sand. Asbestos removalists have been hard at work over the weekend, but the process is slow. “It could take days to fully clear these spaces,” Berry explained, acknowledging the scale of the task ahead.
It’s important to note that, despite the ongoing closures, health officials have confirmed the risk to staff and students is minimal. Yet, as Minister Berry pointed out, “Our work health and safety laws require us to eliminate risk as much as reasonably practicable. If we suspect it could be asbestos, we have to treat it as asbestos.”
The Impact on Families and the Community
Despite all the measures being taken, the impact on families is undeniable. Jo Wood, the director-general of the ACT Education Directorate, said the decision to close schools was not taken lightly. “We understand the inconvenience, but the safety of our students and staff must come first,” she said. Asbestos contractors and other specialists are working around the clock, but with so many schools involved, the situation is far from resolved.
For now, the community must adapt, navigating the disruption with patience as cleaning efforts continue. Though this issue has caused significant chaos, the ongoing steps being taken to ensure safety are crucial. Whether these disruptions will persist remains uncertain, but the priority remains clear: preventing a potential health crisis.
In the coming days, parents, students, and staff will likely be looking for updates. Will the schools reopen sooner than expected? Or will more closures be needed? It’s a waiting game for all involved. One thing’s for sure—this isn’t the start to the school year anyone was expecting.
