4 January 2022 / COVID-19

Upcoming Changes to Industry Plan & New Mask Rules

In line with new Government definitions and requirements, the industry working group has been discussing recent changes to the status of cases, close contacts and what this means for the construction industry following the latest National Cabinet meeting.

The group is expected to be able to provide a further update with the latest specific industry guidance later today. The new guidance will replace the recent Phase 3 industry COVID Safe plan update dated 30 December 2021. In the meantime, sites should continue to implement all COVID safe measures and enhance them where practicable.

Contact the Coronavirus Team if you have any questions or need more information about the current status of COVID-19 in Queensland.

Masks Now Mandatory

On 2 January 2022, the Queensland Government reintroduced mandatory mask rules for everywhere indoors, except in homes or accommodation, and where it is unsafe, such as while doing strenuous exercise.

The industry group will also release some updated information regarding this requirement and how it relates to construction. In the meantime, it is important that Hutchies is complying with Government Directions.

The current Directions state that you must wear a mask indoors everywhere in Queensland unless it is unsafe to do so or if you are undertaking strenuous activity. This includes:

  • All indoor workplaces (including Hutchies' sites and offices)
  • Public transport and rideshare
  • Supermarkets and retail shops
  • Hospitality venues including pubs, clubs and cafes
  • Cinemas and theatres
  • Indoor stadium, sports arena or sports centre
  • Gyms and sport activities
  • Vulnerable settings like hospitals and aged care
  • Schools, childcare and other education facilities
  • Airports and on planes

You must also wear a mask outdoors if you cannot maintain 1.5 metres distance from other people unless it is unsafe to do so (including on Hutchies' sites and at offices).

Masks can be removed when seated at a desk and 1.5 metres distance can be maintained from others.

For clarity, in relation to sites, you do not need to wear a mask outdoors if you can remain 1.5 metres away from others. You also do not need to wear a mask when you are undertaking a strenuous activity or when it is unsafe to do so.

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30 October / Quality Alert

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

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10 October / Update

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.

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