Blog

Asbestos play sand UK | Vital health and safety advice for schools and nurseries

This guide is written for employers and those responsbile for health and safety within an organisation. If you're an employee looking for advice on your own situation, your employer's health and safety team or the HSE (hse.gov.uk) are the right starting points.

A concerning safety issue has emerged for schools, nurseries, and childcare providers across the UK after asbestos play sand was discovered at several education settings in the North East of England.

The discovery has led to temporary school closures, specialist cleaning operations, and urgent government guidance, while also raising important questions around school health and safety responsibilities and risk management. As investigations continue, this specialist guide explains how to act to keep your school or nursery safe.

Why concerns have arisen over asbestos in play sand

North Tyneside Council confirmed that traces of chrysotile asbestos were identified in play sand used at a council-run nursery in Whitley Bay. The nursery was temporarily closed while specialist contractors carried out cleaning and remediation work. Additional testing was also undertaken at nearby schools.

The issue appears linked to imported sand products that have since been recalled across the UK due to concerns around asbestos contamination.

Government agencies, including the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS), have advised organisations to stop using affected products immediately and avoid disturbing contaminated sand until it has been professionally assessed and cleaned.

While public health advice currently indicates the overall health risk is low, the incident has understandably caused concern among parents, staff, and education providers.

What is chrysotile asbestos?

Chrysotile, often referred to as white asbestos, was historically the most widely used form of asbestos in the UK.

Before asbestos use was heavily restricted and eventually banned, chrysotile was commonly found in insulation, pipes, floor tiles, fireproofing products, and other building materials.

Although softer and more flexible than blue or brown asbestos, chrysotile still presents a significant health risk if fibres become airborne and are inhaled.

According to guidance from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) generally pose very little risk when left undisturbed. However, once fibres are released into the air, exposure can contribute to serious illnesses, including:

• Mesothelioma

• Lung cancer

• Asbestosis

• Pleural thickening

The challenge with contaminated play sand is that the material is designed to be handled, moved, and disturbed during play, increasing the potential for fibres to become airborne.

Why contamination is so concerning for schools and nurseries

Education and childcare settings have a heightened duty of care because they are responsible for protecting children, employees, contractors, and visitors.

Young children are naturally more likely to come into direct contact with sand through digging, handling, and close-proximity play. In nursery and early years environments, sand is often used as part of sensory and educational activities.

Even where the overall risk level is considered low, the presence of asbestos in materials intended for children is likely to trigger significant concern among parents, employees, regulators, and governing bodies.

There are also wider operational implications for employers, including:

• Temporary site closures

• Disruption to education and childcare provision

• Emergency cleaning and remediation costs

• Increased staff anxiety

• Reputational damage

• Regulatory scrutiny

• Potential liability concerns

For many organisations, incidents such as this reinforce the importance of robust supplier checks, product monitoring, and clear health and safety procedures.

Managing asbestos risks: Employers’ legal responsibilities

Under UK health and safety law, you have a legal duty to protect employees and anyone else who may be affected by their activities. This includes identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing appropriate control measures.

For schools, nurseries, and childcare providers, responsibilities may arise under:

• The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974

• The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012

• The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

• Occupiers’ liability legislation

Although asbestos is more commonly associated with older buildings and construction materials, you must still respond appropriately if contamination is identified in other products or environments.

Failure to respond appropriately could expose your organisation to legal, financial, and reputational risks. With assistance from an expert UK Health & Safety Consultant, you can address the issue and ensure safety across your grounds.

What to do if asbestos in children’s play sand is suspected

If you suspect that play sand or another material may contain asbestos, it’s important to stay calm while taking swift and appropriate action:

• Stop using the product immediately

• Restrict access to affected areas

• Avoid disturbing the material unnecessarily

• Seek advice from qualified asbestos specialists

• Follow guidance from local authorities, the HSE, and public health bodies

• Keep employees, parents, and stakeholders informed

• Maintain clear records of actions taken

Do not attempt to clean, remove, or dispose of suspected asbestos yourself unless properly trained and authorised.

Communication is also critical. Poor communication can quickly escalate concern and undermine trust, even where the actual risk level is considered low.

A measured and transparent approach should include:

• Explaining what is known

• Outlining what action is being taken

• Confirming advice received from experts

• Providing reassurance where appropriate

• Updating stakeholders as investigations progress

You should also review procurement records and supplier information to determine whether similar products have been used elsewhere across your organisation.

Could asbestos-contaminated sand affect other schools or organisations?

Potentially, yes. The government has confirmed that some sand products sold in the UK are being recalled due to possible asbestos contamination.

As a result, schools, nurseries, local authorities, and other organisations using imported play sand may wish to review procurement records and supplier information to determine whether affected products have been purchased.

This issue also serves as a broader reminder that supply chain risks can extend beyond traditional construction or industrial settings. Even products intended for children’s environments – which are generally assumed to be safe – should be subject to appropriate due diligence when being sourced.

Managing health and safety incidents in schools and nurseries

Health and safety incidents involving children can be highly emotive and often attract significant media attention. For employers, how the situation is managed can be just as important as the incident itself.

Having clear procedures for risk assessment, emergency response, contractor management, and stakeholder communication can help organisations respond quickly and proportionately.

Training is equally important. Employees should understand:

• How to report potential hazards

• Who to escalate concerns to

• What steps should be taken if contamination is suspected

• How to manage conversations with parents or visitors

Employers should also ensure health and safety policies are regularly reviewed and updated in line with emerging risks and government guidance.