All Tasmanian schools closed in asbestos alert expected to reopen on Monday

Tasmanian schools are set to reopen on Monday after a national recall of coloured sand products forced the closure of more than 30 facilities over asbestos concerns.

Glenorchy Primary School remained closed to students on Thursday. Some schools remain closed while the removal of coloured sand products takes place. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

All Tasmanian government schools affected by a national recall of coloured sand products are expected to reopen on Monday, Education Minister Jo Palmer said.

More than 30 state schools were fully or partially closed on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday because of the presence of children’s coloured sand products that have been found to contain naturally occurring asbestos.

The ACCC has published a recall notice over children’s sand products that may contain asbestos and were sold at various retailers including Officeworks.,, The recall was issued by supplier Educational Colours for colourful children’s sand products sold at Officeworks, Educating Kids, Modern Teaching Aids and Zart Art that may contain asbestos. Picture: ACCC

None of the samples from Tasmanian schools have tested positive for the presence of the potentially deadly substance.

“We are working towards having all schools fully reopened on Monday, pending final clearance from our expert advisers,” Ms Palmer said in a statement.

“The Department for Education, Children and Youth is working closely with specialist advisers and licensed cleaning contractors to ensure all schools meet safety standards before reopening.

“We are aiming for all sites to reopen to students on Monday; however final clearance remains a safety requirement before a school can officially reopen.”

Montagu Bay Primary School remained closed to students on Thursday. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Ms Palmer said families would be notified over the weekend if the status of their school changes.

A final list of each school’s status for Monday will be added to the Department’s website at 6pm on Sunday, she said.

Catholic Education Tasmania on Friday confirmed that nine schools, which had been affected by the sand recall, would reopen as normal on Monday.

“This is encouraging news for our communities and reflects the thorough and careful work completed over recent days to support a safe return to school routines,” CET director Gerard Gaskin said.