Premier Roger Cook does not expect WA schools to close over asbestos-contaminated play sand

Roger Cook says it’s unlikely any WA schools will be forced to close after traces of asbestos were found in children’s coloured sand.

At least 76 WA public schools have reported finding the sand products on their premises.

The products have been urgently recalled from sale.

On Friday, the Education Department warned all public schools to stop using coloured sand products “immediately” after the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission issued an urgent recall notice.

The ACT has closed 70 schools for cleaning and remediation after laboratory testing detected traces of asbestos.

But the Premier on Monday said the Government was “not anticipating closures” in WA.

“The chief health officer has advised us that school closures aren’t necessary,” Mr Cook said.

“We’ve taken a very close look at all our schools. I can report that around about 76 schools have got sand which is subject to this product recall.

“The chief health officer has been working with the Department of Education to advise those schools about how they can respond to any risks that they might entail.

“Our view is that they can be managed inside the school environment, and that the schools are talking to both their parent groups, but also to the Department of Education on how they can now remediate and respond to that particular product.”

Education Minister Sabine Winton did not rule out school closures down the track, but she assured families that chief health officer Andrew Robertson was confident of schools’ responses so far and was monitoring the situation closely.

“My advice from the chief health officer is that the risk is minimal and that the appropriate response and advice that we provided to schools is acceptable,” she said.

“If I hear different... that will change.”

“Obviously, I think all health officers around Australia and the ACCC are waiting those further tests that are being done, and we’ll be swift in making sure that we keep our schools informed of next steps, if there are any.”

Ms Winton said the sand products were not just used in schools.

“They are in people’s homes, potentially,” she said.

“So I would urge all West Australians to just keep themselves informed of the latest advice and take the steps that are publicly available.

“My message is that our schools are safe and, based on the latest advice from our chief health officer, the risk is minute and all schools have been provided advice and support to make sure that those schools are safe.”