Playground closes at Orange Grove Public School after asbestos discovered on site

A playground at one of the inner west’s largest primary schools has been cordoned off to students after the discovery of asbestos.

Bonded asbestos has been detected during two separate inspections at Orange Grove Public School in Lilyfield this month.

A PLAYGROUND at one of the inner west’s largest primary schools has been cordoned off to students after the discovery of asbestos.

Parents of students enrolled at Orange Grove Public School have been sent letters stating that building materials containing bonded asbestos were detected during two separate inspections at the school grounds this month.

School principal Kasey Henness said the first inspection had detected the materials at the playground near the corner of Perry and Emmerick Sts.

Ms Henness said subsequent inspections had also traced “several other pieces of the same building material” within “the bottom grass area of the playground closer to the library”.

“We believe the material is bonded asbestos that has risen to the surface of the playground during the recent heavy rain,” Ms Henness said.

“The area will remain closed while we work with the Department of Education to re-mediate the situation.”

Ms Henness said the building material “would not release asbestos fibres as it is mixed with another material”.

Regulations state bonded asbestos is typically considered “a low risk for people who are in contact with it”, as long as “appropriate safety precautions are used when the material is disturbed”.

Balmain State Greens MP Jamie Parker said he was working with the Department of Education to resolve the matter.

“It’s understandable that there are concerns about this discovery. This is also a matter of community concern considering that Orange Grove Markets are held in the school grounds weekly,” he said.

“Given that our local schools are expanding, it’s critical that any proposed construction sites are assessed and that all precautions are taken to protect the health of students.”

IN OTHER NEWS

A Department of Education spokesman said the “asbestos-containing material would be removed in strict accordance with all health and safety procedures”.

“The affected area will remain cordoned-off until the additional asbestos is removed and the site made safe again for students,” a spokesman said.

“The safety and wellbeing of students, staff and school community is always of paramount concern”