Tasmanian schools spend $824,000 on asbestos sand removal
Tasmanian schools spent $824,000 responding to asbestos-contaminated play sand, with up to 15 schools fully closed and about 30 partially closed.
When the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission found asbestos in imported craft sand, Tasmanian schools moved fast. All 192 government schools and early learning centres were audited.
Up to 15 closed completely, and about 30 more went partly closed. The response cost $824,000.
More than $350,000 went to specialist contractors. Testing showed airborne risk to students and staff was low.
But health and safety laws still required accredited asbestos clearance before schools could reopen.
- $824,000
- Total cost
- 192
- Schools audited
- Up to 15
- Schools fully closed
- About 30
- Schools partially closed
Why it mattersThe emergency response reveals the cost of managing health risks in schools when a contaminated product is discovered.
AustraliaTasmanian students and families experienced significant school disruptions, and other Australian states now face the same supply chain risks unless imports are tightly monitored.
Corroborated bytheadvocate.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 4 h ago
