All that Stonemasons should know about the Engineered Stone Ban in Australia

All that Stonemasons should know about the Engineered Stone Ban in Australia  

Introduction: A New Leaf in the Industry  

What is Engineered Stone and Why was it Banned?  

Engineered stone, a popular kitchen benchtops and bathroom vanities product, is a man-made product which may contain up to 90 per cent crystalline silica, combined with resin and pigments. What is the worry? Polishing, grinding, or cutting this material causes fine silica dust to be released into the air. This dust, when inhaled over a long period, may lead to silicosis, a serious and irreversible lung disease, which may be fatal. A dramatic increase in the number of cases of silicosis, particularly in young stonemasons in their 20s and 30s, raised concerns about health. Safe Work Australia came up with a firm suggestion of a complete ban. 

Important Dates to Note 

- 13 December 2023: Safe Work Australia advises a national prohibition.  

- 1 July 2024: Ban comes into force in the majority of Australia. 

- 1 January 2025: Enforcement may be delayed in some states (such as Tasmania). After 2024: Transitional provisions: Contracts signed before the deadline.  

What is Prohibited and What is Not Banned Materials:  

- More than 1 percent crystalline silica engineered stone. 

- Even the so-called low silica products (such as 40% quartz) are covered. 

Not banned: 

- Natural stone (e.g. granite, marble - it still contains silica, but is not a composite) 

- Sintered stone (an artificial surface consisting of minerals containing less than 1 percent silica)  

- Porcelain, ceramic or zero silica stone products  

- Recycled glass benchtops (provided silica <1%) 

What of the Jobs That Are There?  

An exemption period can be granted to projects that had signed contracts prior to the ban date. Nevertheless, there will be stringent safety regulations, and the majority of fabricators are being recommended to cease using engineered stone as soon as possible because:  

- Liability and insurance risks  

- Equipment rehabilitation is required  

- Safety and legality concerns of the client  

What This Entails to Stonemasons  

1. You will Have to Change to New Materials It is time to switch to zero silica stone, sintered stone or porcelain substitutes, in case you have not done it yet. These alternatives are just as (or even more) durable and beautiful, and none of those health risks. 

2. Your Clients Will Have More Questions The silica problem is becoming more well known by builders, designers, and homeowners. Being a stonemason, you will be required to clarify the dangers, provide alternatives and advise clients.  

3. You May Have to Improve Your Equipment Certain materials such as sintered stone need other tools or environments of fabrication. However, when they are mastered, they provide cleaner finishes and durable machinery.  

The Way to Remain Compliant and Competitive  

1. Certified <1% silica materials  

2. Train your staff with new materials  

3. Improve your dust control extraction systems  

4. Refresh your site and quotations  

5. Collaborate with reliable suppliers  

What happens when you do not comply?  

The non-adherence to the ban may lead to:  

- Fines of heavy amounts WHS law prosecution  

- Revocation of contractor licenses Insurance claims that are void  

- Reputational loss and lost customers 

Final Thoughts:  

The Future is Safer, Smarter The ban on engineered stone is a new era in the Australian stone industry. Although it comes with its own challenges, it also creates opportunities to innovate, safer working environments, and more valuable services. This is your chance as a stonemason to:  

- Save yourself and your team  

- Be ahead of the rules Provide the clients with superior, safer options Establish your company as a market responsible leader The future of stone is silica free, and it begins today.