Engineered Stone

From 1 July 2024 Victoria any work related to the manufacturing, supply, processing, or installation of engineered stone benchtops, panels, or slabs is banned.

What is engineered stone

Engineered stone is classified as an artificial product meeting the following criteria:

  • Contains one percent or more crystalline silica, determined as a weight/weight (w/w) concentration,
  • Formed by mixing natural stone materials with other chemical constituents like water, resins, or pigments,
  • Solidifies or becomes hardened after formation.

The following artificial products are not classified as engineered stone: 

  • concrete and cement products
  • bricks, pavers and other similar blocks
  • porcelain that doesn't contain resin
  • sintered stone that doesn’t contain resin
  • ceramic wall and floor tiles
  • roof tiles
  • grout, mortar and render
  • plasterboard

Any attempt by companies to rename engineered stone as a different product in order to circumvent the ban will face rigorous compliance and enforcement measures.

Regulations

As of  1 July 2024 manufacturing, supply, processing or installation of engineered stone benchtops, panels or slabs is banned.

The ban was implemented due to a significant increase in cases of silicosis and silica-related diseases among Australian workers in recent years. A notable proportion of these diagnoses involve engineered stone workers, who are exposed to crystalline silica dust during the processing and oinstallation of products like benchtops, panels, or slabs.

The ban specifically applies to working with engineered stone benchtops, slabs, or panels. This means that activities involving other engineered stone products such as jewellery, garden ornaments, sculptures, and kitchen sinks will still be allowed.

Victoria's current occupational health and safety (OHS) laws pertaining to exposure to crystalline silica dust along with associated employer responsibilities, will remain unchanged.

Exceptions

Repairs, minor modifications, and the removal of already installed engineered stone, as well as the disposal of engineered stone (legacy stone) benchtops, panels, or slabs, will remain permissible. No licence is required for these activities however, all work undertaken is classified as 'High Risk Crystalline Silica Work' (HRCSW) under the OHS Regulations, you can find more information about HRCSW duties here.

Under HRCSW (High Risk Crystalline Silica Work) ru;es, you must:

  1. Prepare a crystalline silica hazard control statement (hazard control statement) before commencing work.
  2. Ensure that the work is carried out in accordance with the hazard control statement.
  3. Provide employees and job applicants with detailed information, instruction, and training regarding exposure to crystalline silica dust and the associated control measures.

For example this would include ensuring that power tools are not used for cutting, grinding, or abrasive polishing of engineered stone unless equipped with on-tool water suppression or dust extraction devices, and ensure respiratory protection is worn. Additionally, it may be necessary to conduct atmospheric monitoring and health monitoring to assess exposure to crystalline silica dust.

When handling legacy engineered stone, employers are obligated to consult with their employees and independent contractors, to the extent that it is reasonably practicable. This consultation specifically pertains to matters concerning health and safety that directly impact or are likely to directly impact them. For instance, this includes identifying or assessing hazards related to crystalline silica exposure, as well as deciding on measures to control associated risks.

If employees are represented by a health and safety representative (HSR), the consultation must include the HSR, whether or not direct involvement of the employees is also sought. This ensures comprehensive consideration of safety concerns and measures among all relevant parties.

More info:

 

Last amended July 2024