RECALL OF EC RAINBOW COLOURED SAND DUE TO POTENTIAL ASBESTOS CONTAMINATION
Product Safety Notice
Certain coloured sand products supplied by Educational Colours Pty Ltd are subject to a voluntary recall.
More information can be found at the links below:
- MBIE Website: https://www.mbie.govt.nz/about/news/recall-of-ec-rainbow-sand-and-creatistics-coloured-sand-1-3kg-due-to-potential-asbestos-contamination
- Product Safety NZ recall information: https://www.productsafety.govt.nz/recalls/educational-colours-rainbow-sand-and-creatistics-coloured-sand-various-colours
- WordSafe guidance: https://www.worksafe.govt.nz/about-us/news-and-media/asbestos-in-coloured-sand/
What has happened
Independent laboratory testing of the 1.3 kg Rainbow Sand and Coloured Sand products has detected traces of naturally occurring tremolite asbestos in some samples. Experts advise that the safety risk associated with these products is negligible, however the recall has been initiated as a precaution.
Products affected - EC Rainbow Sand (1.3 kg)
- ECRS1BL – Blue Rainbow Sand
- ECRS1BLK – Black Rainbow Sand
- ECRS1CB – Brown Rainbow Sand
- ECRS1DGR – Dark Green Rainbow Sand
- ECRS1OR – Orange Rainbow Sand
- ECRS1PK – Pink Rainbow Sand
- ECRS1PUR – Purple Rainbow Sand
- ECRS1RD – Red Rainbow Sand
- ECRS1YL – Yellow Rainbow Sand
What you should do
- Stop using the product immediately.
- Ensure the sand is stored in a sealed container. If you need advice on how to safely contain the product, please contact a licensed professional.
- Do not dispose of the product in general waste. WorkSafe strongly recommends engaging a Class A licensed asbestos removalist for safe disposal. You can find licensed removalists here: https://services.worksafe.govt.nz/asbestos-removalist-public-register/
- Do not return the products to Creative Classrooms.
For further information
- HealthLine: 0800 611 116
- WorkSafe: 0800 030 040
- Product Safety NZ: 0508 426 6748
- Ministry of Education: 0800 323 323
Ministry of Education Support for Schools
The New Zealand Ministry of Education has confirmed a one-off support scheme to assist state and state-integrated schools with certain costs incurred as a result of asbestos-contaminated coloured sand.
This support may help cover costs associated with:
- Safe disposal of affected coloured sand
- Cleaning or decontamination where required
- Licensed asbestos assessment and remediation work in specific circumstances
The scheme is administered directly by the Ministry of Education and includes eligibility criteria and documentation requirements.
More information:
Ministry of Education – Support for Schools Affected by Coloured Sand
Creative Classrooms recommends that schools follow all Ministry of Education and WorkSafe guidance when managing, disposing of, or remediating any affected products.
