Batches of coloured sand imported and sold in New Zealand have been found to contain asbestos. WorkSafe is contributing to the all-of-government response on this issue and is focused on supporting businesses and workers to manage their risks and do the right thing.

Information for:

• workplaces is on this page
• households can be found at Asbestos in sand | Health New Zealand(external link)
• schools and educational facilities can be found at Asbestos in coloured sand | Ministry of Education(external link)

Until further notice, coloured sand recalled by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s Product Safety must be managed as friable asbestos containing material.

Product Safety(external link)

Workplaces where these coloured sand products are stored or used must take appropriate precautions.

WorkSafe has identified key importers and distributors of the coloured sand products and is conducting on-site visits to assess their systems for isolating the product and managing asbestos risks. We are also reviewing identifying additional businesses, such as retailers, for follow-up assessments.

What to do if you have sand in your workplace

Based on testing results to date, we are managing the presumed asbestos as being friable. This means a Class A removal process is required, followed by a Class A clearance inspection.

If the sand is in a sealed container, move it to a secure location away from people.

If the sand has been opened and is being used in your workplace:

• Instruct everyone to leave the area and relocate to a sand-free, well-ventilated area.
• Make sure the sand is not accessible.
• Do not attempt to clean it up.
• Contact a licensed asbestos assessor or removalist for immediate advice and support on your specific situation – Asbestos licence holder registers
• Do not return to the affected area until the extent of contamination is understood, and after the area has appropriate clearance.

Note, if an educational facility has identified that they have used the sand, they should notify the Ministry of Education on 0800 323 323 and advise them of the action taken.

Information pack for workplaces on coloured sand

This pack gives workplaces information on decontamination requirements, assessment and monitoring, removal and clearance, and disposing unused and unopened sand containers, and frequently asked questions.

How to monitor worker health

Organisations and workers concerned about potential asbestos exposure should consult an occupational medicine physician or equivalent specialist. They are best equipped to assess, educate, and support workers.

For further guidance, we recommend the following resources:

• Occupational Medicine Experts | Healthpages(external link)
• Find an occupational health and wellbeing professional | Australian and New Zealand Society of Occupational Medicine(external link)
• Exposure monitoring and health monitoring – guidance for businesses

Further information

You can access a list of independent, licensed asbestos assessors and removalists on the Asbestos licence holder registers. They can provide decontamination services and assist with personal decontamination.

If you have further questions relating to this issue, please contact technicall@worksafe.govt.nz.

To engage independent, licensed asbestos assessors and removalists:

• Asbestos licence holder registers

To let us know about an unsafe or unhealthy work situation that could lead to a death or serious injury or illness:

• Raise a health or safety concern, or
• call 0800 030 040

For public health concerns and advice:

• call Healthline on 0800 611 116, or
• visit Asbestos in sand(external link)

For information about the product recalls:

• call Product Safety on 0508 426 678, or
• visit Product Safety(external link)

For advice for schools and early education centres, contact the Ministry of Education:

• call 0800 323 323, or
• visit Asbestos in coloured sand(external link)