Asbestos-contaminated sand forces closure of two Adelaide schools
More than 130 South Australian sites contain asbestos-tainted coloured sand, forcing two Catholic schools to suddenly close their doors to students.
Two schools have closed following revelations of coloured sand containing asbestos at more than 130 sites around the state.
Catholic campuses Our Lady of La Vang Special School at Flinders Park and St Patrick’s Special School in Dulwich announced they would temporary close from Monday due to the contaminated sand at their sites.
A Catholic Education spokeswoman said “a deep clean has been arranged” at the sites.
“Students, staff and families are unable to re-enter identified learning spaces until this has happened,” she said.
“In separate cases in our schools, if there is any loose sand identified, we have made appropriate arrangements to relocate students safely to other learning spaces while cleaning is undertaken.”
The spokeswoman said there is “no indication at this time of any health impacts” on students or staff relating to the coloured sand.
“We are working closely with Catholic Safety and Injury Management (CSaIM), the body responsible for safety matters in the Archdiocese of Adelaide and the Diocese of Port Pirie, to respond to the situation in accordance with applicable protocols,” she said.
“We are providing ongoing support to our schools and their communities.”
Originally published as Asbestos-contaminated sand forces closure of two Adelaide schools
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