The Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE) said today that people need to stop using the products immediately.
“We are taking immediate precautionary action, while we establish the extent and risk of the potentially contaminated product,” Ian Caplin, MBIE’s product safety spokesperson said.
“We urge anyone who has bought these products, either for personal use or potential use in a school or other setting to act immediately. Stop using the sand, contain it, secure it in a safe place and arrange for safe disposal through licensed professionals, a list of these is available on the Worksafe website.”
Asbestos contamination has been found in similar products in Australia.
MBIE said while testing of New Zealand product is ongoing, as a precautionary measure, the company Educational Colours has issued a recall notice.
“Asbestos is a serious health hazard and we are working with Health New Zealand/Te Whatu Ora, the Ministry of Education and WorkSafe to provide guidance for consumers and educational facilities which may have bought these products.”
The sand was sold at Paper Plus, Hobby Land, NZ School Shop, Office Products Depot, Discount Office, Acquire, and Qizzle, Modern Teaching Aids, Creative Classrooms Ltd and ACME Supplies.
MBIE said it may have also been sold online.
What to do if you have the sand
• Stop using it immediately
• Place the sand in a sealed container and store it securely away from people.
• Do not dispose of it in general waste. WorkSafe strongly recommends engaging a Class A licensed asbestos removalist for safe disposal. A list of licensed removalists can be found on the WorkSafe website.
• Once secure, it encourages people to reach out to the supplier to organise a refund under the Consumer Guarantees Act.
Government advice for education facilities:
If the product is in a sealed container move it to a secure location away from people.
If the sand is currently being used in your facility, please instruct everyone to leave the area, block it off and make sure it is not accessible.
Do not vacuum or sweep floors where there is sand, or attempt to clean it up.
Contact a licensed asbestos assessor or removalist for immediate advice and support on your specific situation. Details of Class A licensed removalists are available in the Asbestos Removal Licence Holders Register.
Do not return to the affected area until the extent of contamination is established, and after the area is remediated by an expert.
If individuals are currently using the sand, they should put it down and relocate to a sand-free, well-ventilated area.
If an educational facility has identified that the sand has been used at their facility, they should notify Ministry of Education that the sand has been used on site, and detail the actions that have been taken so far.
Decontamination
Contact a licensed asbestos assessor or Class A licensed asbestos removalist who can provide decontamination services and assist with personal decontamination.
All clothing worn during exposure must be disposed of as asbestos waste as part of personal decontamination.
