The use, supply and manufacture of engineered stone slabs, panels and benchtops of engineered stone is now banned in Western Australia. Under the transition period, work of this nature carried out between 1 July 2024 and 31 December 2024 will be exempt from the prohibition, provided the work falls under a contract entered into on or before 31 December 2023.
PCBUs need to notify WorkSafe before removing, repairing, carrying out minor modification or disposing of engineered stone.
Dry cutting, trimming, drilling, sanding, grinding or polishing engineered stone without effective controls generates very high levels of silica dust. This respirable crystalline silica produced when inhaled will expose workers and others to levels of silica dust that would be expected to exceed the workplace exposure standard and is a serious health risk.
A person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) must not direct or allow workers to undertake uncontrolled dry cutting or processing of engineered stone. The following methods can be used to reduce the risks of silica dust:
- a water suppression (wet cutting) system
- an on-tool dust extraction system, or
- local exhaust ventilation system.
All workers who process engineered stone must also be provided with and wear respiratory protective equipment.
Further guidance on how to effectively manage risks associated with working with engineered stone and, subsequently, minimise the incidence of respirable crystalline silica-related diseases, such as silicosis is available in the Managing the risks of respirable crystalline silica from engineered stone in the workplace: Code of practice.
Note: This code of practice remains available for work that is permitted under transitional arrangements until 31 December 2024.
What is an engineered stone?
Engineered stone is defined as an artificial product that:
- contains at least 1% crystalline silica as a weight/weight concentration
- is created by combining natural stone materials with other chemical constituents such as water, resins, or pigments
- undergoes a process to become hardened.
Disposal of engineered stone
The prohibition will allow for the disposal of installed and uninstalled engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs. Disposal of engineered stone must be in line with the existing jurisdictional waste management requirements. Any processing required will be controlled.
Products excluded
The following products are currently excluded from the ban:
- porcelain products
- sintered stone
- concrete and cement products
- bricks, pavers and other similar blocks
- ceramic wall and floor tiles
- roof tiles
- grout, mortar and render
- plasterboard
- finished engineered stone products that don't require processing/modifications.
Implementation of the ban
- From 1 July 2024, the ban on the manufacture, supply, processing and installation of engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs is in effect.
- From 1 September 2024 the stronger regulation of all crystalline silica substances comes into effect.
Western Australian laws have been updated to adopt the change. Visit Safe Work Australia's website for the amendments to the model WHS Regulations that give effect to the ban.
Working with legacy engineered stone
Legacy engineered stone includes any engineered stone benchtop, panel or slab installed prior to 1 July 2024. It also includes engineered stone stocks not yet installed.
PCBUs must submit the notification form for permitted work with legacy engineered stone:
- before any processing work of legacy engineered stone starts
- every 12 months from the date of the previous notification if the PCBU intends to continue to work with legacy engineered stone
- whenever there is a change to information provided in the previous notification.
Resources and further information
WorkSafe
- Stone benchtop fabrication and installation: Checklist
- Safety alet 11/2018: Stone benchtop workers at risk of silicosis
Safe Work Australia
- Crystalline silica and silicosis: Engineered stone ban
- Guidance to help PCBUs understand their work health and safety obligations relating to the engineered stone ban.
Information for consumers
- Stone ban prompts advice for consumers
- Engineered stone: Frequently asked questions