16 December 2021 / COVID-19

Restrictions in Queensland are Changing Tomorrow

December 17 Changes

A reminder that from tomorrow, the Queensland Government will limit access to certain public settings to only those that are fully vaccinated. This includes venues like pubs and sports venues. See the below table for more details.

For clarity, these additional Government requirements do not apply to Hutchies' construction sites or offices.

When checking into the below restricted public settings you will be required to show proof of your vaccination status. This can be done by linking your COVID-19 digital certificate to your Check In QLD app so its easy to access as you're checking in. You can also show a copy of your digital certificate or immunisation history statement.

'Fully vaccinated' refers to when a person has had two doses of an approved vaccine, and a week has passed since the second dose. Whilst booster shots are now available as an additional measure for protection, they are not currently required.

The following table provides a quick snapshot of the upcoming changes to Queensland Government rules for fully vaccinated and unvaccinated people. Those with only one dose will be considered unvaccinated for the purposes of these new rules. See below links for more info.

Plan at 80%Further info

Getting Proof of Vaccination

Unsure how to get proof of your vaccination status? Follow the below Services Australia guide for help or contact the Coronavirus Team if you get stuck.

Linking Your Vaccination Certificate

Once you have proof of your vaccination status, you can link it your COVID-19 digital certificate to the Check In QLD app for very quick access to the above settings. See the below guide for instructions on how to make it easier for you to gain access to any location that requires verification of your vaccination status.

New Exposure Sites

With the reopening of borders at the beginning of this week, Queensland has already seen a rise in case numbers with 22 new cases recorded today.

Many of these cases have been active in the community for extended periods of time across Brisbane, Townsville, the Gold Coast, Wide Bay, Goondiwindi and Ipswich.

If you have been in these areas recently, please check and continue to regularly monitor the Queensland Government website as more locations are confirmed.

If you have visited any locations during the posted times please follow the Queensland Government advice and get tested immediately.

Coronavirus Information

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30 October / Quality Alert

Prohibition on the Use of Engineered Stone

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 1July 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

10 October / Update

Installation Details for Elephant's Foot & Wastech Bin Chutes

Make sure bin chute systems are installed correctly, following the tested systems and the manufacturers’ instructions.

Check the detailed drawings from Elephant’s Foot and Wastech for different wall types (plasterboard, shaft-liner, speed panel, concrete, Hebel, and masonry).

Any changes to the tested systems must be approved by your project certifier, signed off by the fire engineer in the fire engineering report (FER), and accepted by the relevant state / territory fire service.