There is a lot of media about the discovery of asbestos in some imported materials of coloured sands.
Please see information at https://www.accc.gov.au/media-release/customers-warned-of-recalled-children%E2%80%99s-sand-due-to-asbestos-risks and the images below which were obtained from their website.
Currently, instructions in the public forum do not address the cleanup and disposal for private consumers, however there is advice and guidance for businesses here at https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/safety-alerts/safety-alerts/asbestos-in-coloured-sand-recall
So here is what we would recommend in the interim, whilst we await further instructions from the government:
1. Under NO circumstance are domestic vacuum cleaners to be used. Please do not use tools or cleaning items that may liberate dust/fibres like brooms or the domestic vacuum cleaners as they may liberate airborne inhalable fibres. (If you have used a domestic vacuum cleaner or used brooms, please isolate the room, including air conditioning and await instructions from the government). If there is significant material on porous materials (eg carpets soft furnishings) please seek further advice from an Occupational Hygienist or Licensed Asbestos Assessor, which EnviroScience may assist you with please reach out 1300 372 436 or via email info@enviroscience.com.au
2. To clean up areas where the material has been used, the following is recommended until further advice from the government is obtained:
– Obtain two plastic bags; large clip lock sandwich bags are ideal for each product
– Obtain some wet wipes or wet rags which will all be disposed of
– Wear a P2 mask and gloves and wet wipe the area thoroughly
– Place the products and the wet wipes, into the first bag and then seal with the second bag.
– Finally, place your gloves and the P2 respirator into another double sealed bag arrangement
– Place everything into a larger bag ready for disposal at an approved waste receival station. You can find locations here: https://www.asbestossafety.gov.au/who-contact/search-disposal-facilities
– Please let them know at the gate what the material is, so that it is disposed of correctly at the tip.
