Engineered Stone Ban (Vic)
Engineered stone ban impact on the construction industry
Work involving the manufacture, supply, processing, or installation of engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs is now banned in Victoria.
Respirable crystalline silica dust can be deadly. The ban protects workers from exposure to the dust. However, many construction materials that are not part of the ban can contain crystalline silica. It’s important that employers understand their obligations and are aware that crystalline silica dust will continue to be a workplace hazard.
The definition of engineered stone has changed in Victoria
This change is made under the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017 (OHS Regulations).
From 1 July 2024, engineered stone is defined as an artificial product that meets the criteria below. Contains 1 per cent or more crystalline silica, determined as a weight/weight (w/w) concentration. Is created by combining natural stone materials with other chemical constituents such as water, resins, or pigments. Becomes hardened. Engineered stone does not include: concrete and cement products bricks, pavers and other similar blocks ceramic wall and floor tiles sintered stone and porcelain products (including benchtops, panels or slabs) that do not contain resin roof tiles grout, mortar and render plasterboard.
Requirements to work with engineered stone
Work with engineered stone products that are not benchtops, slabs or panels is still permitted. Repairs, modification, and removal of installed engineered stone, as well as disposal, is also permitted.
You won’t need a licence for this work. However, if you are performing an engineered stone process, there are requirements under the OHS Regulations that you must follow.
An engineered stone process is a process involving engineered stone at a workplace that generates crystalline silica dust. This includes cutting, grinding or abrasive polishing of engineered stone.
From 1 July 2024, if you are performing an engineered stone process you must treat the work as HRCSW. You must also ensure power tools are not used to cut, grind, or abrasively polish engineered stone unless on-tool water suppression or dust extraction devices are in place and respiratory protection is used.
For more information, website WorkSafe Vitoria website at https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/preventing-exposure-crystalline-silica-dust
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