TIMELINE THE BAN
Now (until 1 July 2024)
Until the ban on engineered stone comes into effect, workers and businesses can continue to work with engineered stone in a controlled way.
Under the model WHS Regulations, if you are cutting, grinding, trimming, sanding, abrasive polishing or drilling engineered stone using power tools or other mechanical plant, you must use one of the following:
a water suppression (wet cutting) system
an on-tool dust extraction system, or
local exhaust ventilation system.
All workers who process engineered stone must also be provided with and wear respiratory protective equipment.
From 1 July 2024
The ban on the manufacture, supply, processing and installation of engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs comes into effect.
A ban on manufacture, supply, processing and installation of engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs will be implemented in jurisdictions from 1 July 2024.
Details of the ban may be specific to your jurisdiction. Use the links below to find out how the ban is being implemented, including any transitional arrangements, in your state or territory.
The ban will not apply to the removal, repair, minor modification or disposal of engineered stone benchtops panels and slabs installed prior to the ban (legacy engineered stone).
Permitted work with legacy engineered stone must be controlled and PCBUs must notify the relevant WHS regulator prior to undertaking work with legacy engineered stone.
From 1 September 2024
Changes to the regulation of crystalline silica substances come into effect and will apply to engineered stone.
This includes:
a continuing requirement for any permitted processing of engineered stone to be controlled
a requirement to undertake a risk assessment, and
additional duties for PCBUs undertaking permitted work with engineered stone that is assessed as high risk.
What’s happening in your jurisdiction?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A list of FAQs can be found HERE on a range of crystalline silica and engineered stone topics.
For More Information
Spiros Dassakis
Chief Policy Officer
Email: spiros@spasa.com.au