The ban will apply to engineered stone benchtops, slabs and panels. The ban will commence in most jurisdictions on 1 July 2024, however you should check what specific arrangements are in place for your state or territory by contacting the work health and safety regulator in your jurisdiction.
This decision was based on a recommendation made by Safe Work Australia in response to the rise of silicosis diagnoses in engineered stone workers. You can read the Decision Regulation Impact Statement on the Safe Work Australia website.
Exposure to silica dust (respirable crystalline silica) generated when processing engineered stone can increase the risk of silicosis in workers. Banning the use of engineered stone will protect Australian workers from this deadly disease.
If you’re a consumer, engineered stone is safe once installed so long as it remains undisturbed (i.e. no work is being carried out to remove, repair or modify it). There is no need to remove engineered stone from homes or workplaces. It is important not to undertake DIY work with engineered stone benchtops though, because cutting, grinding, trimming, drilling, sanding or polishing could generate silica dust which can be harmful when inhaled. Contact a qualified tradesperson instead.
Removal, repair, minor modification and disposal of engineered stone products installed prior to the ban will be permitted after the prohibition commences, subject to appropriate safety controls being applied. Check with your relevant work health and safety regulator, or Safe Work Australia, for more details on this.
If you work with engineered stone products, including in stonemasonry, construction, fabrication and manufacturing roles, this ban will protect you from working with a dangerous product. You may still choose to carry out work on previously installed engineered stone, however you must continue to apply appropriate safety controls to ensure work is undertaken safely.
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