The ban only applies to engineered stone: benchtops AND panels AND slabs.
For the purposes of the WHS Regulations, engineered stone is an artificial product that:
contains 1% or more crystalline silica, determined as a weight/weight (w/w) concentration
Engineered stone does not include the following:
natural stone benchtops, panels or slabs (e.g. a granite benchtop is not prohibited)
concrete and cement products
bricks, pavers and other similar blocks
becomes hardened AND AND
is created by combining natural stone materials with other chemical constituents such as water, resins or pigments
ceramic wall and floor tiles
porcelain, where it does not contain resin
sintered stone, where it does not contain resin
roof tiles
grout, mortar and render OR
plasterboard
Engineered stone prohibition: Guidance for PCBUs swa.gov.au/esban/resources
Summary of Engineered stone prohibition: Guidance for PCBUs
What the ban includes
From 1 July 2024, persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) must not carry out, or direct or allow a worker to carry out, work that involves the manufacture, supply, processing, or installation of engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs.
What the ban does not include
The ban does not apply to sintered stone or porcelain products, provided they do not contain resin.
Engineered stone products that are not benchtops, panels and slabs are not banned. Any processing of sintered stone, porcelain products and engineered stone products that are not benchtops, panels or slabs must be controlled.
Additionally, the ban does not apply to the following products:
• concrete and cement products
• bricks, pavers and other similar blocks
• ceramic wall and floor tiles
• roof tiles
• grout, mortar and render, and
• plasterboard.
Working with previously installed engineered stone
Work involving the controlled processing of legacy engineered stone to repair, remove, make minor modification to, or dispose of is permitted but the WHS regulator must be notified prior to carrying out such work.
How to notify the WHS regulator of legacy engineered stone work
Model form for notification of permitted work with legacy engineered stone [link]. Each WHS regulator will implement its own version of this form for use by PCBUs in its jurisdiction. Please refer to the WHS regulator in your jurisdiction.
How to seek an exemption from the ban
National exemption framework – Guide for applicants for exemptions Engineered stone
Need more information on the engineered stone ban?
Safe Work Australia website
Safe Work Australia website
www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au
Engineered stone ban website www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/esban
