Detailed Guidance, Government Advice and How JTA Can Support You

The recent coloured sand recall has become a major issue in Australia. This includes decorative sand, magnetic sand, and kinetic sand products that contain asbestos. It is the largest contamination problem for children's products since the NSW mulch incident.

These products were commonly used across early learning, schools and community programs, and many products were sold between 2020 and 2025. Several batches were issued by supplier Educational Colours, and some affected lines included Educational Colours Rainbow Sand and Kadink sand.

Testing found small traces of tremolite and chrysotile asbestos, a naturally occurring asbestos mineral. Laboratory findings to date have not detected respirable asbestos fibres in the tested samples. The sands are cohesive and slightly moist, meaning fibre release during normal  activity is unlikely. 

Read on for the full, step-by-step guidance, consistent with the actions recommended by enHealth, ACCC, ASEA and state OHS/WHS regulators. JTA can assist where independent expert advice may be required. 

Understanding the Risk

“The release of respirable fibres is unlikely unless the sand is crushed, pulverised or heavily ground, which does not occur during children’s typical play. These products are slightly damp in many cases, which suppresses fibre release. Results to date have been below analytical detection limits, so the overall risk is very low. That said, asbestos is still asbestos, and recalled batches should be treated as asbestos containing and removed appropriately.” Jackson Trotman - JTA's Technical Director

This aligns with national advice: even when the assessed risk is low, products should be managed in line with the “as low as reasonably practical” (ALARP) principle to eliminate future exposure pathways. 

Step-by-Step Guidance on What To Do Next

National recommendations from enHealth, ACCC and ASEA.

1. Stop using the sand immediately

Remove all coloured sand asbestos, asbestos in coloured sand, magnetic or kinetic sands that match the recall description.
Restrict access immediately.

2. Avoid any actions that create dust

OHS/WHS regulators consistently advise:

• Do not dry sweep
• Do not vacuum unless using asbestos-rated HEPA equipment
• Use damp wiping only
• This maintains essential health and safety protections.

3. Bag and isolate the product safely

Staff are permitted to complete this containment step, and Government guidance recommends:

• Place the sand, tray or container inside a heavy duty plastic bag
• Seal the bag and double tape it securely
• Place it inside a second heavy duty plastic bag
• Label clearly as suspected asbestos waste
• If staff are wearing disposable gloves and appropriate PPE, double bag these items and dispose of them with the sand.

4. Do not place the product in general waste

• ASEA confirms that asbestos waste must not be placed in general waste or recycling
• Only approved asbestos disposal facilities can accept this material.
• Contact the facility before arrival for safe disposal instructions.

5. Clean and decontaminate affected areas

For most small containers, damp wiping nearby surfaces is sufficient.

However, if the sand was used across multiple classrooms, sandpits, sensory rooms or carpeted areas, a licensed asbestos contractor may be required depending on your state’s regulations.

6. Seek professional advice for uncertainty or reassurance

If you are unsure whether exposure could have occur in a prohibited substance in Australia, or if you need reassurance before reopening a classroom, an occupational hygienist can provide:

• Site inspections
• Sampling
• Clearance assessments

This is especially important for schools, childcare centres and disability or sensory support programs.

How JTA Can Help

If you need independent advice, inspection or guidance on decontamination and disposal, JTA Health, Safety and Noise Specialists can support your organisation from first identification through to disposal and final clearance. 

Everything we do aligns with our model:

Detect. Protect. 

We detect hazards through expert assessment and testing, and protect people with practical, evidence based risk management guidance.

For advice, or testing contact JTA on 1300 856 282.