Classrooms close their doors after ASBESTOS is discovered on Grade 1 students' belongings at a primary school
- Incident occurred at Essendon North Primary School, in Melbourne's north
- The hazardous dust was discovered last week, before it was eventually removed
- Children, teachers and support staff were all potentially exposed to asbestos
A school has been forced to close two classrooms after asbestos was discovered on children's belongings.
The rooms were shut down as an investigation was launched following recent maintenance work at Essendon North Primary School, in Melbourne's north.
Potentially hazardous dust was discovered last week - where pupils in Grade 1 spent the morning in class - before it was removed.
Two classrooms at Essendon North Public School (pictured) have been closed after asbestos was discovered on children's belongings inside two classrooms
Daily Mail Australia understands maintenance workers ripped up carpet at the front of the rooms, as well as the ground flooring, to repair recent damage caused by a leaking roof.
Large particles of dust then managed to travel through two open windows and two doorways into the classrooms, resting on children's belongings, books and tables.
Children, teachers and support staff were said to be in the two classrooms when the carpets were pulled up.
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The Herald Sun reported students were then let back into the dust-covered classrooms last Wednesday morning.
Concerns were quickly raised over potential asbestos exposure, with the youngsters eventually removed later that afternoon.
Despite a deep clean and a hygienist giving the classrooms the all-clear, they will remain closed until a final thorough inspection is completed over the next few days.
Asbestos has forced the closure of two classrooms at a primary school in Melbourne (stock image)
A Department of Education spokeswoman said the 'safety of students and the school community is our number one priority'.
'We understand events such as these can be concerning for the school community and an investigation is underway,' she said.
'The Department will continue to keep the school community informed as the investigation progresses.'
A further update for parents is expected this Friday.
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