Asbestos Disposal Protocol for Schools and Early Learning Centres: Meeting SafeWork Requirements

Following the November 2025 national recall of coloured sand products containing asbestos, educational facilities across Australia face an immediate need to implement proper disposal procedures. With more than 250 schools and childcare centres affected nationwide, facility managers require clear guidance on meeting regulatory requirements whilst ensuring the safety of students, staff, and the wider community.

This guide provides comprehensive information on SafeWork regulations, proper disposal methods, and documentation requirements for educational institutions handling recalled asbestos-contaminated play sand products.

Understanding the Current Situation

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) issued voluntary recall notices in November 2025 for several children's coloured sand products sold between 2020 and 2025. Testing identified tremolite asbestos in products including:

• Kadink Sand (1.3kg)

• Educational Colours Rainbow Sand (1.3kg)

• Creatistics Coloured Sand (1kg)

• Kmart 14-piece Sandcastle Building Set

• Kmart Magic Sand sets (Blue, Green, Pink)

These products were sold through major retailers including Kmart, Target, Officeworks, Woolworths, and numerous educational supply stores across Australia and New Zealand.

Health Risk Assessment

According to enHealth interim advice and SafeWork authorities across Australia, the current health risk from these products is assessed as very low. However, regulatory authorities emphasise that no level of asbestos exposure is considered completely safe, making proper disposal procedures essential.

Facility Manager Responsibilities Under SafeWork Regulations

Educational facilities are classified as workplaces under the Work Health and Safety Act 2012, which means persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) have specific legal obligations when asbestos is identified on premises.

Initial Assessment and Documentation

Facility managers must first determine whether affected products are present within their institution. This involves:

Conducting a thorough inventory check across all classrooms, storage areas, and early learning environments where craft or sensory materials are kept. Check against the ACCC recall list and product batch numbers where available.

Creating an immediate incident record documenting the date of discovery, product details, quantity present, storage location, and any potential exposure that may have occurred prior to discovery.

Isolating the affected area by restricting access to spaces where contaminated sand was stored or used. This includes turning off air conditioning systems and ceiling fans in potentially affected areas, and closing windows and doors to prevent air movement.

Notifying relevant authorities according to state and territory requirements. In NSW, this includes reporting through the NQA ITS.

Risk Assessment Requirements

SafeWork authorities across all states and territories require facility managers to conduct a risk assessment before undertaking any removal activities. This assessment must consider:

• The quantity of material present and whether it exceeds thresholds requiring licensed asbestos removalists (typically more than 10 square metres of non-friable asbestos).

• The location of the material and potential for disturbance during normal operations.

• The competency of staff who may be involved in removal activities, and whether personal protective equipment and proper containment materials are available.

• The presence of vulnerable populations, including young children, staff with respiratory conditions, and pregnant employees.

Documentation Requirements and Record Keeping

Comprehensive documentation is essential for demonstrating compliance with SafeWork regulations and protecting the educational institution in the event of future enquiries or claims.

Essential Records to Maintain

Facility managers should compile and retain the following documentation:

Initial discovery and assessment records including dates, locations, product details, batch numbers where available, estimated quantities, and the names of staff involved in discovery and initial response.

Photographic evidence of products in their original place before removal, showing product packaging, storage locations, and the condition of materials. Photographs of bagged waste showing proper labelling and sealing are also valuable.

Risk assessment documentation prepared by facility managers or licensed asbestos assessors, detailing the assessment methodology, findings, and recommendations for removal approach.

Removal work plans describing the procedure to be followed, PPE requirements, containment measures, and disposal arrangements.

Essential Records to Maintain when Using Licensed Removers

If using licensed asbestos professionals, maintain copies of:

• Asbestos assessor reports and recommendations

• Licensed removalist credentials verification

• Removal work notifications submitted to regulatory authorities

• Air monitoring results if conducted

• Clearance certificates confirming safe completion of work

• Invoices and work completion documentation

Disposal records including:

• Waste transport documentation or manifests where required

• Disposal facility receipts confirming acceptance of waste

• Dates and quantities disposed of

• Names of staff or contractors involved in transport

Staff exposure assessment records if there is evidence that staff or children may have been exposed to asbestos fibres prior to identification of contaminated products. This includes dates of potential exposure, individuals involved, and medical monitoring arrangements if recommended.

Communication records including copies of notifications sent to regulatory authorities, parent communications, staff briefings, and responses from SafeWork or EPA authorities.

Retention Period for Records

SafeWork authorities generally require asbestos-related workplace records to be retained for at least 30 years due to the long latency period of asbestos-related diseases. 

Store records in multiple locations or formats to ensure they remain accessible over extended timeframes. Digital copies with backup storage are recommended in addition to physical file copies.

Approved Disposal Methods for Educational Facilities

SafeWork SA and the ACCC provide specific guidance on safe disposal procedures for recalled coloured sand products. Educational facilities have two primary pathways for disposal, depending on circumstances and risk assessment outcomes.

Self-Managed Disposal for Small Quantities

For small quantities of recalled sand products where facility managers feel confident proceeding, the following procedure meets current regulatory requirements.

Personal Protective Equipment 

During all handling activities personal protective equipment must be worn. This includes disposable gloves, P2-rated respiratory masks , and protective eyewear. Ensure PPE is properly fitted before commencing work.

Use GHS-Compliant Asbestos Disposal Bags 

Ensure the bags are manufactured from 200 micron heavy-duty low-density polyethylene with welded seams and features clear warning labels stating "DANGER ASBESTOS DUST. Do not inhale dust. May cause lung cancer. Do not open or puncture bag." in red text, complying with recently introduced Globally Harmonised System (GHS) regulations.

Fill Bags to No More than Half Capacity 

For proper sealing and to prevent bag rupture during handling fill the bags to no more than half their capacity. Recalled sand products should be placed gently into the first bag to minimise dust generation.

Implement the Double-Bagging Protocol 

As mandated by SafeWork authorities,place the first sealed bag inside a second asbestos disposal bag of equal or greater specification. This provides redundancy in case of puncture or tear during transport.

Seal Bags Securely

Seal the disposal bags using heavy-duty packaging tape. Ensure all openings are completely sealed and that warning labels remain visible on the exterior bag.

Label the Exterior Clearly

Clearly label the disposal bags with additional warnings if required by your local council or disposal facility. Some jurisdictions require specific labelling beyond the pre-printed bag warnings.

Store in a Secure Location

Store away from general work areas and completely inaccessible to children, pending transport to an approved disposal facility.

Proper Disposal Facilities and Transport Requirements

Asbestos waste must be transported to and disposed of at licensed facilities. General waste bins, kerbside collection, and standard recycling services cannot accept asbestos materials.

Finding Approved Disposal Facilities

Contact your local Environment Protection Authority or council to identify approved asbestos disposal facilities in your area. The Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency website maintains links to disposal information for each state and territory:

Transport Considerations

If transporting asbestos waste to disposal facilities, facility managers must ensure:

• Materials are properly contained in sealed, labelled asbestos bags that meet regulatory specifications.

• Transport vehicles are appropriate for the load and waste is secured to prevent movement or damage during transit.

• Drivers understand they are transporting asbestos waste and have received appropriate instruction.

• Waste is delivered directly to the approved facility without unnecessary stops or delays.

• Some states and territories require waste transport certificates or manifests for asbestos materials. Verify current requirements with your local EPA.

Bulk Ordering Considerations for Educational Institutions

Schools and childcare centres managing multiple affected classrooms or facilities should consider bulk purchasing of GHS-compliant asbestos disposal bags to ensure consistent safety standards across all removal activities.

Selecting Appropriate Bag Sizes

Surepak offers a range of asbestos bag sizes suitable for different disposal scenarios within educational settings:

Small bags (600mm x 900mm, 200 micron) are appropriate for individual classroom quantities of recalled sand products, particularly the 1kg and 1.3kg packages commonly found in educational supplies. These bags provide adequate capacity when following the half-fill protocol required for safe handling.

Medium bags (700mm x 1100mm, 200 micron) suit situations where multiple small packages need disposal from a single location, or where sand has been decanted into classroom storage containers. Available in both individual bags and convenient roll formats.

Medium XL bags (900mm x 1200mm, 200 micron, roll format) offer increased capacity for larger accumulations whilst remaining manageable for staff undertaking disposal activities.

Large bags (1000mm x 1500mm, 200 micron) are designed for commercial-scale removal and may be appropriate for facilities with extensive contamination requiring licensed asbestos removalist services.

All Surepak asbestos bags feature 200 micron heavy-duty low-density polyethylene construction with welded seams, meeting Australian standards for asbestos waste containment. The clear construction allows contents to be verified during disposal facility acceptance procedures, whilst prominent red warning labels ensure compliance with GHS regulations and protect all handlers throughout the disposal chain.

Coordinating Bulk Orders for Multi-Site Operators

Education departments, childcare centre chains, and council-managed facilities operating multiple sites should coordinate bulk orders to ensure:

• Consistent safety standards across all facilities within the organisation.

• Adequate supply for initial disposal activities plus reserve stock for any subsequently discovered products.

• Cost efficiency through volume purchasing arrangements.

• Simplified procurement processes during what may be a time-sensitive response.

With distribution centres in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth, Surepak provides fast delivery across Australia to support educational facilities managing time-sensitive disposal requirements. Our team understands the unique needs of institutional clients and can provide guidance on appropriate bag sizes and quantities for your specific situation.

Contact Surepak for Bulk Pricing and Expert Guidance

Educational institutions, childcare centre operators, and local councils managing multiple affected facilities can contact Surepak directly for bulk pricing on GHS-compliant asbestos disposal bags. Our experienced team can assist with:

• Selecting appropriate bag sizes for your disposal requirements

• Calculating quantities needed for single or multiple site operations

• Arranging delivery timeframes to support your disposal schedule

• Providing technical specifications for procurement and compliance documentation

• Offering ongoing supply arrangements for facilities requiring reserve stock

Storage and Handling Protocols

Once recalled sand products have been properly bagged for disposal, educational facilities must maintain appropriate storage protocols until transport to disposal facilities can be arranged.

Secure Storage Requirements

Establish a designated asbestos waste storage area that is clearly marked with appropriate signage. This area must be:

• Completely inaccessible to children through physical barriers, locked storage, or location in staff-only areas.

• Clearly labelled as containing asbestos waste with appropriate warning signage visible to all staff and contractors who may access the area.

• Protected from weather and physical damage if outdoor storage is necessary. Asbestos bags should be placed within secondary containment such as rigid bins or containers to prevent puncture from sharp objects or damage from weather exposure.

• Separated from general waste and recycling to prevent accidental disposal through incorrect waste streams.

• Located away from air intakes, high-traffic areas, and occupied spaces to minimise risk in the unlikely event of bag damage.

Handling Precautions During Storage Period

Minimise handling of bagged asbestos waste once initial packaging is complete. If bags must be moved:

• Wear appropriate PPE including gloves and respiratory protection.

• Inspect bags before handling to ensure seals remain intact and no damage has occurred.

• Handle gently to avoid puncture or tear of containment bags.

• Never stack asbestos bags more than two high to prevent weight-induced damage to lower bags.

• Report any damage to bags immediately and re-bag affected materials following double-bag protocols.

Staff Communication and Training

All staff at the facility should be informed about:

• The presence and location of stored asbestos waste.

• Restricted access protocols for the storage area.

• Who to contact if they observe damage to storage containers or bags.

• The prohibition on moving or handling asbestos waste without appropriate authorisation and PPE.

Consider displaying clear signage at staff areas and including information in daily briefings to ensure all casual staff, relief teachers, and contractors are aware of the situation.

Licensed Asbestos Removalist Requirements (When Needed VS Self-Disposal)

Educational facilities must engage licensed asbestos assessors or removalists in the following circumstances:

• If the quantity of material exceeds regulatory thresholds for self-removal.

• If sand has been spilled across large floor areas, embedded in carpet, or distributed throughout ventilation systems.

• If facility managers or staff are uncomfortable undertaking removal themselves or lack appropriate training.

• If there is uncertainty about the extent of contamination or potential exposure pathways.

When engaging licensed professionals, facility managers should:

Contact a licensed asbestos assessor who will conduct a formal risk assessment, recommend appropriate remediation strategies, and determine the required class of asbestos removalist licence needed for the work.

Obtain clearance certificates from the licensed assessor confirming that removal has been completed satisfactorily and the area is safe for reoccupation.

Maintain all documentation including assessment reports, removal work plans, air monitoring results (if conducted), and clearance certificates for workplace health and safety records.

Why Choose Surepak?

Surepak is committed to supporting Australian educational facilities through this challenging situation by providing the proper disposal materials needed to protect children, staff, and the wider community whilst meeting all regulatory requirements. Contact us on 1800 787 725 or email sales@surepak.com.au for further guidance on asbestos disposal.