‘2.0 Work Health and Safety Management Plan Appendix 1 (Project Risk Assessment) Version 10.2’ as part of Hutchies' Safety Management Plan has been updated on the Document Library. This update includes a section on dust to address aspects related to the management of silica and respirable dust.
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Engineered stone ban effective 1 July 2024
ALL engineered stone regardless of the silica content percentage will be banned
Alternative products must be considered and implemented on all projects.
The industry is shifting away from engineered stone due to the risks of respirable crystalline silica, which can cause silicosis and other silica-related diseases. Although the consultations are under way and there has been no official announcement by Federal or State Governments on the issue, the health and safety risks along with the uncertainty around this issue warrants a decision to ban all engineered products entering job sites nationally. The ban will take effect on 1 July 2024 and will extend to ALL engineered stone regardless of the silica content percentage.
An update to this alert will be provided before the end of the year when the Federal and State Governments are expected to issue a formal decision on the ban. In the meantime, to mitigate the impact of potential delays and variations, the best approach is to inform the clients of the pending ban and to propose and seek approval for an alternative product. Similarly, ensure all future estimates have the stone specification qualified and priced accordingly.
Product alternatives going forward include:
Compact Laminates
- Under 1% silica content
- Extremely competitive pricing
- Only comes in 12mm thickness
- Heat resistance is an issue
- Product not suitable for high end applications
Porcelain Surfaces
- Under 10% silica content
- Price dependant of product and supplier
- Large variety of colours and thicknesses (4, 8, 12, 20 and 30mm)
- Great resistance to staining, scratches, UV and heat
- Good warranty terms
Acrylic Solid Surfaces
- 0% silica content
- More expensive alternative
- Limited thickness availability
- UV stable and heat resistant but direct heat exposure not advised
- Minimising wastage through flexibility in sheet sizing
- Seamless joints
Natural Stone*
- Various silica content percentages
- Variety of products at different price points available
- Ongoing maintenance may be an issue
- Unlikely to satisfy specific warranty requirements
*Although this alert does not directly impact natural stone, some types have high silica content so risk of using these on projects should be considered carefully.
For an up-to-date list of available products and their usability, click here.
More information
If you need additional support, please contact the Quality Team:
Phone 1300 HUTCHIES
Email QualityTeam@hutchinsonbuilders.com.au