Premier Roger Cook does not expect WA schools to close over asbestos

Roger Cook says it’s unlikely any WA schools will be forced to close after traces of asbestos were found in children’s coloured sand.

At least 76 WA public schools have reported finding the sand products on their premises.

The products have have been urgently recalled from sale.

On Friday, the Education Department warned all public schools to stop using coloured sand products “immediately” after the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission issued an urgent recall notice.

The ACT has closed 70 schools for cleaning and remediation after laboratory testing detected traces of asbestos.

But the Premier on Monday said the Government was “not anticipating closures” in WA.

“The chief health officer has advised us that school closures aren’t necessary,” Mr Cook said.

“We’ve taken a ver