Following expert advice about the rise of silicosis in engineered stone workers, a national ban on engineered stone was introduced on July 1, 2024.
The ban prohibits the manufacture, supply, processing and installation of engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs.
Existing products
Engineered stone can be safely used once installed, as long as it remains undisturbed.
There's no requirement to uninstall existing engineered stone products.
Excluded products
The ban excludes a number of artificial products including:
- concrete and cement products
- bricks, pavers and similar blocks
- ceramic wall and floor tiles
- grout, mortar and render
- plasterboard
- sintered stone
- roof tiles
- porcelain products.
The ban also excludes the following finished engineered stone products that don’t need processing or modification, including:
- jewellery
- garden ornaments
- kitchen sinks
- sculptures.
Minor repairs and modifications
Under the new regulations you can still make minor modifications and repairs, or remove engineered stone already installed. You can also dispose of engineered stone, whether or not it was installed.
If minor repairs and modifications involve processing (e.g. cutting, grinding, drilling), then before you begin you must notify SafeWork SA. If you don't notify, you can be fined or changed with an offence.
Exemptions
As a business, you can apply to SafeWork SA to have a specific type of engineered stone exempted from the ban, if you have compelling evidence that it can be worked with safely.
Compliance
SafeWork SA actively monitors compliance through auditing and inspections.
Businesses are encouraged to understand and abide by the new laws and if required, seek assistance from SafeWork SA.
Contact SafeWork SA
Online: SafeWork SA
Phone: 1300 365 255
Email: help.safework@sa.gov.au
Related Information
Engineered Stone Ban - SafeWork SA
