Guest Posted April 18, 2013 Posted April 18, 2013 We have just built an indoor sand pit roughly 4m X 3m, with the sand 25cm in depth. Staff are concerned that the dust from the sand may cause future health problems because it is more enclosed than outside. Does anyone have any health & safety guidance regarding indoor sand pits, risk assessments etc. I have contacted our LA H&S team, who cannot find any information specifically for indoor sandpits, and they can find no research to indicate possible silicosis Any help would be appreciated as the children absolutely love it and I'm loathed to get rid of it. Thank you Westfield
AnonyMouse_5970 Posted April 18, 2013 Posted April 18, 2013 I'd love to have an indoor sandpit! I can't imagine it causing dust / breathing difficulties etc. but I'm no expert so could be wrong! The only indoor sandpit I have seen is at the Pen Green Family Centre - I guess you could get in touch with them and ask. Sorry I can't be more helpful!
AnonyMouse_3139 Posted April 18, 2013 Posted April 18, 2013 Our sand is and always has been ins=doors, its not permanent though and not every week, but I havent heard of any health problems. Clean it regularly and it should be fine. I used to have one at home during the winter months, wasnt good for the carpet but the lads were happy 1
AnonyMouse_19762 Posted April 18, 2013 Posted April 18, 2013 Hi and a very warm welcome to the forum! :1b I wouldn't be concerned if I were you - have fun! :1b
AnonyMouse_3735 Posted April 18, 2013 Posted April 18, 2013 if lea cannot find any information not to have one then see no reason why it should cause an issue... Over 20 years I worked in many settings , had indoor sand every day and never had any issue other than one child with severe eczema it was too harsh for the poor damaged skin.. it was very severe we had to apply creams twice in a session to help with keeping her skin from breaking .. keep it clean, throw away any that is on the floor ( or we sieved it and replaced it if loads) replace sand regularly, ours never stayed long enough to need washing... if worried about inhaling sand ( but it is a bit big to inhale really) keep it damp.. no chance then.
Guest Posted April 18, 2013 Posted April 18, 2013 we have had a 4m x 4m indoor sandpit for 11 years and have never experienced any problems. It is split into 2 section, 2 thirds are kept damp which help keep dust down and the other third is dry but it always get mixed a bit whilst children are in it so enjoy it, sandpit on this scale are fab and great to be able to use all year
Guest Posted May 21, 2013 Posted May 21, 2013 Thanks for your help A member of staff is worrying about silicosis through inhalation of sand. I just don't want to deny the children of such a valuable resource!
SueFinanceManager Posted May 21, 2013 Posted May 21, 2013 Hi Ann I think there might be a world of difference between children in a sandpit and industrial sandblasting where workman are using blasting equipment for hour after hour day after day but of course I could be wrong As long as properly supervised I can't see this being a major issue. This might help; The best way to prevent silicosis is to identify work-place activities that produce repairable crystalline silica dust and then to eliminate or control the dust ("primary prevention"). Water spray is often used where dust emanates.
AnonyMouse_23722 Posted May 21, 2013 Posted May 21, 2013 Couldn't you just make sure the sand is kept damp enough to use for sandcastles? If you need to use dry for a specific activity it could be in a smaller, more controlled way. We have indoor and outdoor sand.
AnonyMouse_30128 Posted May 21, 2013 Posted May 21, 2013 if i were to answer truthfully i would tell your staff to get a life however ive had a bit of a day of it so maybe thats a bit rude....so instead i'll give you some inspiration http://tomsensori.blogspot.co.uk/search?updated-min=2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00&updated-max=2011-01-01T00:00:00-06:00&max-results=22 3
AnonyMouse_19762 Posted May 21, 2013 Posted May 21, 2013 Finleysmaid - that is just fantastic - I need a giant sponge! :1b 1
AnonyMouse_30128 Posted May 21, 2013 Posted May 21, 2013 Finleysmaid - that is just fantastic - I need a giant sponge! :1b well......don't we all!! :o 1
SueFinanceManager Posted May 23, 2013 Posted May 23, 2013 Giant sponge.....could go to an fabric place or furniture upholsters 1
AnonyMouse_8466 Posted May 23, 2013 Posted May 23, 2013 I love the sand table dividers - what a brilliant idea! And as for the giant sponge - that is inspired!
AnonyMouse_19762 Posted May 23, 2013 Posted May 23, 2013 Dunelm sells giant sponge in various sizes. Brilliant - thanks very much sn0wdr0p! :1b Note to self: visit Dunelm Mill - buy a 'giant sponge' - but leave without buying a zillion other things! 1
AnonyMouse_8466 Posted May 23, 2013 Posted May 23, 2013 Dunelm sells giant sponge in various sizes. Ooh! There's a fairly new Dunelm on the way to Ikea. I shall pop in later to investigate! Haven't done an Ikea trip for ages, and now I've got the double pleasure of Dunelm Mill to look forward to as well! 1
AnonyMouse_8466 Posted May 23, 2013 Posted May 23, 2013 Are you planning to put it in your bath Maz? Brilliant idea, Beau! Then I just need some small people to come and play with me! No sign of any grandchildren here, mind! 1
SueFinanceManager Posted May 23, 2013 Posted May 23, 2013 No but just think how comfy the bath would be with a big sponge across the bottom of it.....would make you lie there for hours with a cuppa tea and a book 1
Guest sn0wdr0p Posted May 24, 2013 Posted May 24, 2013 Oh dear, I think we are all going to be spending a fair bit of money over the weekend. Dont't forget that IKEA has some super wind up torches which have lasted rather well in our nursery and Dunelm has great wipeable table cover which you can buy by the metre and lots of little things for treasure baskets - wooden lemon squeezers and the like.
AnonyMouse_19762 Posted May 24, 2013 Posted May 24, 2013 Oh dear, I think we are all going to be spending a fair bit of money over the weekend. Dont't forget that IKEA has some super wind up torches which have lasted rather well in our nursery and Dunelm has great wipeable table cover which you can buy by the metre and lots of little things for treasure baskets - wooden lemon squeezers and the like. lalalalalalala.......not listening Sn0wdr0p :rolleyes: 1
AnonyMouse_47800 Posted June 12, 2013 Posted June 12, 2013 Truly inspirational to say the least, the children are positively engaged in this activity, I will definitely be giving this a go! A great big thanks. 1
AnonyMouse_39998 Posted June 12, 2013 Posted June 12, 2013 better invest in a few reels of duct tape! love the ideas on that site x
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