Lexi Webster
Australia has banned the use, supply, and manufacture of engineered stone products, including benchtops, slabs, and panels, effective from 1 July 2024. This decision was made to protect the health and safety of workers, as dust from engineered stone contains crystalline silica, which has been linked to serious health issues such as silicosis and lung cancer. The ban applies across all Australian states and territories, with a complete ban on imports set to be implemented from 1 January 2025. While the use of engineered stone in existing installations is not prohibited, there are new regulations for the removal and disposal of these products.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ban in effect from | 1 July 2024 |
| Products banned | Engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs |
| Products not banned | Porcelain and sintered stone products, jewellery, garden ornaments, sculptures, kitchen sinks |
| Transitional arrangements | NSW and SA: 1 July 2024 to 31 December 2024 |
| QLD, VIC, ACT: No transitional period | |
| Import ban | 1 January 2025 |
| Reason for ban | Engineered stone contains crystalline silica, which when cut or drilled creates silica dust that causes silicosis among workers |
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What You'll Learn
Engineered stone is banned due to the health risks it poses to workers
Australia has implemented a ban on the use, supply, and manufacture of engineered stone. From 1 July 2024, the use, supply, and manufacture of engineered stone benchtops, panels, and slabs are prohibited across all Australian states and territories. The Australian government's decision to ban engineered stone is primarily due to the health risks it poses to workers.
Engineered stone is a popular construction material known for its durability and low maintenance. However, it has been linked to significant health risks, particularly the development of silicosis, among workers in the industry. Silicosis is a serious lung disease caused by exposure to respirable crystalline silica dust, which is created when engineered stone is cut, drilled, or ground. Workers in the engineered stone industry have been found to experience faster disease progression and higher mortality rates compared to other workers exposed to silica dust.
In response to the health risks posed by engineered stone, Safe Work Australia published the Decision Regulation Impact Statement in October 2023, recommending a ban on the use of all engineered stone products to protect the health and safety of workers. This was followed by the Australian government's unanimous decision in December 2023 to implement a national ban on engineered stone, demonstrating a strong commitment to prioritizing workers' health and well-being.
The ban on engineered stone is a significant step towards ensuring safer working conditions for those in the industry. It sends a clear message that the health and safety of workers are of paramount importance. With the ban in place, workers will no longer be exposed to the harmful effects of silica dust, reducing the incidence of silicosis and other respiratory diseases. Additionally, the ban encourages the development and use of safer, more sustainable materials in the construction industry, promoting innovation and a healthier work environment.
It is worth noting that the ban on engineered stone does not include finished engineered stone products that do not require processing or modification, such as jewellery, garden ornaments, sculptures, and kitchen sinks. Additionally, it allows for the continued work with legacy engineered stone for limited purposes, such as removal, repair, minor modifications, and disposal.
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The ban came into effect on 1 July 2024
Australia has implemented a ban on the use, supply, and manufacture of engineered stone. The ban came into effect on 1 July 2024, prohibiting the sale and installation of engineered stone products across all Australian states and territories. This includes benchtops, panels, and slabs made from engineered stone, which are commonly used in kitchen, bathroom, and laundry applications.
In the lead-up to the ban, there were transitional arrangements in place in certain states, such as New South Wales and South Australia, to facilitate a smooth transition away from engineered stone. However, other states, such as Queensland, Victoria, and the Australian Capital Territory, did not implement a transitional period.
The ban on engineered stone is a response to health concerns associated with the product. Engineered stone has been linked to silicosis and lung cancer among workers due to the release of silica dust during cutting, drilling, and grinding processes. The decision to ban engineered stone was made by Commonwealth, state, and territory workplace ministers, who agreed to set the deadline as 1 July 2024.
It is important to note that the ban does not apply to all forms of engineered stone. For example, finished engineered stone products such as jewellery, garden ornaments, sculptures, and kitchen sinks are exempt from the ban. Additionally, the ban does not apply to porcelain and sintered stone products, including benchtops, slabs, and panels made from these materials.
Furthermore, the ban does not include legacy engineered stone, which refers to any engineered stone benchtop, panel, or slab that was already installed before the ban. However, any processing or modification of legacy engineered stone must be controlled and notified to the relevant regulator, with certain high-risk assessments required.
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It includes the use, supply, and manufacture of engineered stone
Australia has banned the use, supply, and manufacture of engineered stone. From 1 July 2024, the use, supply, and manufacture of engineered stone benchtops, panels, and slabs have been prohibited across all Australian states and territories. This ban includes the use, supply, and manufacture of such products.
The ban on engineered stone in Australia is a response to the health risks associated with the product. Engineered stone contains crystalline silica, and when cut, drilled, or ground, it releases silica dust, which has been linked to serious health issues, including silicosis, lung cancer, and lung scarring. As a result, workers in the engineered stone industry have experienced high rates of sickness and mortality.
The Australian government's decision to ban the product is a result of a years-long campaign supported by doctors, trade unions, and workers. The government has also recommended annual health monitoring for those who have previously worked with engineered stone and are at risk of health issues due to exposure to silica dust.
The ban on engineered stone does not include finished products that do not need to be processed or modified, such as jewellery, garden ornaments, sculptures, and kitchen sinks. Additionally, it does not apply to porcelain and sintered stone products. The ban also allows for the continued use of legacy engineered stone for specific purposes, such as removal, repair, minor modification, and disposal.
From 1 January 2025, there will be a complete ban on the importation of engineered stone products into Australia, including benchtops, slabs, and panels. This final step in the national ban aims to provide an extra layer of deterrence at the border, as most engineered stone products are imported.
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The ban does not include finished engineered stone products
Australia has banned the use, supply, and manufacture of engineered stone products, including benchtops, panels, and slabs, as of 1 July 2024. This decision was made to protect the health and safety of workers, as dust from engineered stone has been linked to serious health issues, including silicosis and lung cancer.
However, it is important to note that the ban does not include finished engineered stone products. This means that certain products that have already been made from engineered stone and do not require further processing or modification are exempt from the ban. For example, jewellery, garden ornaments, sculptures, and kitchen sinks made from engineered stone are not prohibited.
The exemption of these finished products from the ban is practical and allows for the continued use of existing engineered stone items in specific forms. This exemption also recognises that the health risks associated with engineered stone primarily arise during the processing and installation of the product, such as cutting, drilling, or grinding, which releases silica dust into the air.
As a result, the Australian government's ban focuses on prohibiting the manufacture, supply, and installation of engineered stone products, while allowing for the continued use of certain finished products that are less likely to pose a health risk to consumers or workers. This balanced approach aims to protect public health while also minimising disruption to those who own or work with these finished engineered stone products.
It is worth noting that the ban on engineered stone does include specific transitional arrangements and exemptions for legacy engineered stone. This means that businesses and individuals can continue to work with already installed engineered stone products for limited purposes, such as removal, repair, minor modifications, or disposal. However, any processing of legacy engineered stone must be controlled, and the relevant regulators must be notified before carrying out this type of work.
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Safe alternatives to engineered stone are available
Australia has banned the use, supply, and manufacture of engineered stone products, including benchtops, slabs, and panels, from 1 July 2024. This decision was made to protect the health and safety of workers, as dust created during the installation and preparation of engineered stone products can cause long-term damage, including lung cancer and silicosis.
However, there are safe alternatives to engineered stone available for construction projects. Here are some options:
Natural Stone: Natural stone is a great alternative as it has low levels of silica, which means it poses less risk to health and safety. It can be used for various applications, including kitchen benchtops, bathrooms, and laundries, providing a visually stunning and safe option for homeowners and businesses.
Porcelain and Sintered Stone Products: The ban on engineered stone does not include porcelain and sintered stone products. These materials can be used for benchtops, slabs, and panels, offering a safe and durable option for construction projects.
Crystalline Silica-Free Surfaces: Companies like Caesarstone offer crystalline silica-free surfaces for kitchen benchtops and other applications. These surfaces are designed to meet the highest safety standards while also providing aesthetically pleasing options for customers.
Finished Engineered Stone Products: While the ban includes most engineered stone products, there are some exceptions. Finished engineered stone products that do not need to be processed or modified, such as jewellery, garden ornaments, sculptures, and kitchen sinks, are not banned.
As the trend moves towards safer and more sustainable materials, it is important to explore these alternatives and choose options that protect the health and well-being of workers and individuals. These alternatives to engineered stone provide functional, durable, and aesthetically pleasing options for various construction and renovation projects.
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Frequently asked questions
Engineered stone is an artificial product that contains at least 1% crystalline silica as a weight/weight concentration and is created by combining natural stone materials with other chemical constituents (such as water, resins, or pigments).
The Australian government banned the use, supply, and manufacture of engineered stone under new work health and safety laws. The ban came after a years-long campaign supported by doctors, trade unions, and workers and is in response to evidence that working with engineered stone produces silica dust, thereby heightening the threat of silicosis among workers.
The ban on the manufacture, supply, processing, and installation of engineered stone benchtops, panels, and slabs came into effect on 1 July 2024 across all Australian states and territories. A ban on the importation of these products will be implemented from 1 January 2025.
The ban does not apply to porcelain and sintered stone products (including benchtops, slabs, and panels). It also does not include finished engineered stone products that do not need to be processed or modified, such as jewellery, garden ornaments, sculptures, and kitchen sinks. Additionally, the ban allows for the processing of previously installed engineered stone for the limited purposes of removal, repair, minor modification, or disposal.
