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What We Know So Far About the Engineered Stone Ban and Further Crystalline Silica Regulations

Content Provided By
HazardCo H&S Advisory Team
PROTRADE United Partner

Small stacks of cut stone
Small stacks of cut stone

Engineered Stone Ban Summary

 On 1st July 2024 an engineered stone ban will take effect in all states and territories. The ban prohibits the use, supply, manufacture, processing or installation of engineered stone benchtops, slabs or panels.

Further information is yet to come on:

  •  Notifying the regulator when you’re working with already installed engineered stone products.
  • A stricter exemption process for engineered stone products to be excluded from the ban if there is strong evidence they can be used safely in exceptional cases.

New Crystalline Silica Regulations

Until now, the focus has been on engineered stone, however crystalline silica can be found in many other building materials. It has just been announced from 1st September 2024 changes to the crystalline silica regulations will be made to further protect workers. Changes include:

  • Banning uncontrolled processing of crystalline silica substances and
  • Requirements to:
    • Develop a Silica Risk Control Plan for all high risk crystalline silica processes such as cutting or grinding
    • Provide additional training for workers
    • Carry out air and health monitoring for workers
    • Report to the regulator when the workplace exposure standard is exceeded

A new Code of Practice will be released in all states to reflect these changes. During its development, Safe Work Australia will provide guidance to help businesses and workers understand and comply with the new regulations.

Content Provided By
HazardCo H&S Advisory Team
PROTRADE United Partner

Article Continues

Who are PROTRADE United?

Australia and New Zealand’s #1 Business Coaching and Advisory Organisation, dedicated to the Trades and Construction Industry. With over 20 years of practical experience, we have a proven track record of helping more than 3900 business owners gain greater clarity, consistency and choice.

Are you next?

Who are PROTRADE United?

Australia and New Zealand’s #1 Business Coaching and Advisory Organisation, dedicated to the Trades and Construction Industry. With over 20 years of practical experience, we have a proven track record of helping more than 3900 business owners gain greater clarity, consistency and choice.

Are you next?

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Engineered stone FAQ

What is engineered stone?

Engineered stone is an artificial product that:

  • Contains 1 per cent or more crystalline silica, determined as a weight/weight (w/w) concentration; and
  • Is created by combining natural stone materials with other chemical constituents such as water, resins or pigments; and
  • Becomes hardened.

What’s not included under the definition of “Engineered stone”?

  • Concrete and cement products
  • Bricks, pavers, and other similar blocks
  • Ceramic wall and floor tiles
  • Sintered stone
  • Porcelain products
  • Roof tiles
  • Grout, mortar, and render, and

Is there a transitional period?

  • ACT, Queensland and Victoria – No transitional period.
  • New South Wales, South Australia and Western Australia – Transitional period until 31st December 2024.

If a contract was entered before 31st December 2023, the work is exempt from the engineered stone prohibition as long as the work is completed by 31st December 2024.

  • Tasmania and Northern Territory – Haven’t announced yet if there will be a transitional period

What about already installed engineered stone?

If you need to repair, remove, dispose of or make any minor modifications you must have control measures in place to minimise the dust and you must wear respiratory protection.

Creating a SWMS in the HazardCo App can help you with selecting the right controls for the task such as using water suppression or on-tool dust extraction, and a minimum P2 dust mask or respirator.

In Victoria you will no longer need a licence to work with engineered stone from 1st July 2024.

There is more information to come on how to deal with already installed engineered stone, for example you might need to inform your state regulator before work begins.

Are there any alternatives out there?

There are plenty of silica-free options out there to suit every budget such as timber, stainless steel, and laminate options have come a long way, such as these Contact Sheet options from Laminex.  

Resource links

https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/esban

https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/esban/faq

https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/frequently-asked-questions-engineered-stone-ban

Work Health and Safety and Workers’ Compensation Ministers’ Meeting – 10 May 2024 – Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, Australian Government (dewr.gov.au)

 Information correct as of: 22nd May 2024

Engineered stone FAQ

What is engineered stone?

Engineered stone is an artificial product that:

  • Contains 1 per cent or more crystalline silica, determined as a weight/weight (w/w) concentration; and
  • Is created by combining natural stone materials with other chemical constituents such as water, resins or pigments; and
  • Becomes hardened.

What’s not included under the definition of “Engineered stone”?

  • Concrete and cement products
  • Bricks, pavers, and other similar blocks
  • Ceramic wall and floor tiles
  • Sintered stone
  • Porcelain products
  • Roof tiles
  • Grout, mortar, and render, and

Is there a transitional period?

  • ACT, Queensland and Victoria – No transitional period.
  • New South Wales, South Australia and Western Australia – Transitional period until 31st December 2024.

If a contract was entered before 31st December 2023, the work is exempt from the engineered stone prohibition as long as the work is completed by 31st December 2024.

  • Tasmania and Northern Territory – Haven’t announced yet if there will be a transitional period

What about already installed engineered stone?

If you need to repair, remove, dispose of or make any minor modifications you must have control measures in place to minimise the dust and you must wear respiratory protection.

Creating a SWMS in the HazardCo App can help you with selecting the right controls for the task such as using water suppression or on-tool dust extraction, and a minimum P2 dust mask or respirator.

In Victoria you will no longer need a licence to work with engineered stone from 1st July 2024.

There is more information to come on how to deal with already installed engineered stone, for example you might need to inform your state regulator before work begins.

Are there any alternatives out there?

There are plenty of silica-free options out there to suit every budget such as timber, stainless steel, and laminate options have come a long way, such as these Contact Sheet options from Laminex.  

Resource links

https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/esban

https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/esban/faq

https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/frequently-asked-questions-engineered-stone-ban

Work Health and Safety and Workers’ Compensation Ministers’ Meeting – 10 May 2024 – Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, Australian Government (dewr.gov.au)

 Information correct as of: 22nd May 2024

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