A nationwide ban on the use, supply and manufacture of engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs containing more than 1% silica commences today, 1 July 2024.

Key Points:

• Ban Implementation: A nationwide ban on the use, supply, and manufacture of engineered stone containing more than 1% silica starts on 1 July 2024.
• Affected Parties: The ban affects any PCBU involved in the manufacture, supply, processing, or installation of engineered stone benchtops, panels, and slabs.
• Regulation Amendments:
  • Removal of Part 4.10 related to worker protection in manufactured stone cutting.
  • New provisions under the Model Work Health and Safety Regulations (Engineered Stone) Amendment 2024.
  • Inclusion of penalty notice amounts for new provisions.

What is Engineered Stone?

• Definition: Artificial product containing at least 1% crystalline silica, made by combining natural stone materials with other chemicals.
• Ban Scope: Applies to benchtops, panels, and slabs used in kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor surfaces.

Exclusions from the Ban:

• Materials Not Included: Concrete, cement products, bricks, porcelain (if no resin), ceramic tiles, grout, plasterboard, and natural stone products like granite.
• Transition Period: Existing contracts before 31 December 2023 with installation by 31 December 2024 are exempt.

Legacy Engineered Stone:

• Notification Requirement: SafeWork NSW must be notified for any work involving removal, repair, modification, or disposal of already installed engineered stone.
• Controlled Processing: Use of power tools for any processing of legacy engineered stone must be controlled and reported.

Members with questions are encouraged to contact the Master Builders Safety department at safety@mbansw.asn.au or phone 02 8586 3555.