This sand product is allegedly imported from China and can be used in classroom activities, as well as other decorative and craft uses at home. We are aware that some of these products are available at a range of New Zealand stationery and hobby stores.

Asbestos contamination of this product has been confirmed in Australia via advanced testing (TEM), however at this stage the full scale of the issue is unknown – ie whether it’s an isolated or recent instance of contamination or a wider-reaching longer-term contamination event.

Until proven otherwise, workplaces where coloured sand is stored or used must assume the product contains asbestos and take appropriate precautions.

WorkSafe is contributing to the all-of-government response on this issue and is focused on supporting businesses to manage their risks and do the right thing.

Immediate actions for active use areas including educational facilities

• If the sand 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(external link). 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(external link) that the sand has been used on site, and detail the actions that have been taken so far. 

Decontamination requirements

• Contact a licensed asbestos assessor or Class A licensed asbestos removalist who can provide decontamination services and assist with personal decontamination.  Details of Class A licensed removalists are available in the Asbestos Removal Licence Holders Register(external link).
• All clothing worn during exposure must be disposed of as asbestos waste.

Assessment and monitoring

• The workplace must undergo perimeter sampling to determine the extent of cross-contamination.
• Benchmark air monitoring should be conducted by an independent licensed asbestos assessor.

Removal and clearance

• A Class A removal process is required, followed by a Class A clearance inspection. Details for these processes
• Only solid, non-porous items (e.g., metal, plastic, glass, lacquered wood) may be salvaged after decontamination.
• All other items must be disposed of as asbestos waste by a Class A licensed removalist.
• The workplace (or affected areas) cannot be reoccupied until a Class A clearance certificate is issued by an independent licensed assessor. Details of independent licensed assessors are available in the Asbestos Assessor Licence Holders Register(external link)

Unused and unopened sand containers

• Unused and unopened sand containers must be quarantined by the businesses or duty holders and safely disposed of.
• WorkSafe strongly recommends engaging a Class A licensed asbestos removalist for disposal. These professionals are trained to comply with local bylaws and the Resource Management Act. They can also manage any damage to sand tubes during handling, packaging, and labelling.

Workplace health advice

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 who may have exposed to asbestos-related health risks.

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

WorkSafe action

WorkSafe has identified three main importers/distributors of EC Sand in New Zealand. We are currently confirming their details and are working on a plan to send inspectors to assess their site and determine if they have systems in place to isolate the product and to manage asbestos concerns. We are also considering a prohibition notice to prevent any future supply of the contaminated product.

Further information

You can access a list of independent, licensed asbestos assessors and removalists on the Asbestos Removal Licence Holders Register. 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 notify us of any unsafe work, please Notify WorkSafe on our website, email HandSconcerns@worksafe.govt.nz, or call 0800 030 040.

For health concerns: Healthline 0800 611 116, info.health.nz(external link)

For public recalls: Product Safety 0508 426 678, Product Safety(external link)

For advice for Schools and Early Education Centres: contact the Ministry of Education 0800 422 599