{{ propApi.closeIcon }}
Our industry
Our industry $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Housing industry insights Economics Data & forecasts Tailored research and analysis Advocacy & policy Advocacy Policy priorities Position statements Submissions News and inspiration Industry news Member alerts Media releases HOUSING Online
Business support
Business support $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Become an apprentice host Hire an apprentice Why host a HIA apprentice? Apprentice partner program Builder & manufacturer program Industry insurance Construction legal expenses insurance Construction works insurance Home warranty insurance Tradies & tool insurance Planning & safety solutions Building & planning services How can safety solutions help you? Independent site inspections Solutions for your business Contracts Online HIA Tradepass HIA SafeScan Advertise jobs Trusted support & guidance Contracts & compliance support Professional services Industrial relations Member savings Toyota vehicles The Good Guys Commercial Fuel savings See all
Resources & advice
Resources & advice $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Building it right Building codes Australian standards Getting it right on site See all Building materials & products Concrete, bricks & walls Getting products approved Use the right products for the job See all Managing your business Dealing with contracts Handling disputes Managing your employees See all Managing your safety Falls from heights Safety rules Working with silica See all Building your business Growing your business Maintaining your business See all Other subjects COVID-19 Getting approval to build Sustainable homes See all
Careers & learning
Careers & learning $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
A rewarding career Become an apprentice Apprenticeships on offer Frequently asked questions Study with us Find a course to suit you Qualification courses Learning on demand A job in the industry Get your builder's licence Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Find jobs
HIA community
HIA community $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Join HIA Sign me up How do I become a member? What's in it for me? Mates rates Get involved Become an award judge Join a committee Partner with us Our initiatives HIA Building Women GreenSmart Kitchen, bathroom and design hub Get to know us Our members Our people Our partners Support for you Charitable Foundation Mental health program
Awards & events
Awards & events $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Awards Awards program People & Business Awards GreenSmart Australian Housing Awards Awards winners Regional Award winners Australian Housing Award winners 2023 Australian Home of the Year Enter online Industry events Events in the next month Economic outlook National Conference Events calendar
HIA products
HIA products $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Shop @ HIA Digital Australian Standards Contracts Online Shipping & delivery Purchasing T&Cs See all Products Purchase NCC 2022 Building codes & standards Economic reports Hard copy contracts Guides & manuals
About Contact Newsroom
$vuetify.icons.faTimes
$vuetify.icons.faMapMarker Set my location Use the field below to update your location
Address
Change location
{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.text}} {{region}} Change location
{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change location

$vuetify.icons.faPhone1300 650 620

Prohibition on uncontrolled processing of engineered stone

Safe Work Australia has published the Model Work Health and Safety Regulations (Engineered Stone) Amendment 2023. The model WHS amendment includes a prohibition on the uncontrolled processing of engineered stone. The amendment provides clarity to PCBUs and Australian WHS regulators on how engineered stone is defined. The amendments will only apply when adopted into the WHS laws of a state or territory.

What is the model prohibition?

The model prohibition provides that PCBUs must not process, or direct or allow a worker to process, engineered stone unless the processing of the stone is controlled.

This means that the use of power tools or other mechanical plant to cut, grind, trim, sand, abrasive polish or drill the engineered stone must be controlled by prescribed methods.

What are the prescribed control methods?

Under the model prohibition, processing of engineered stone is controlled if at least one of the following systems is used and each worker who is processing engineered stone is also provided with respiratory protective equipment:

  • a water delivery system that supplies a continuous feed of water over the stone being processed to suppress the generation of dust
  • an on-tool extraction system
  • a local exhaust ventilation system.

What is engineered stone?

This model WHS amendment defines engineered stone as an artificial product that contains crystalline silica; and

  • is created by combining natural stone materials with other chemical constituents such as water, resins or pigments; and 
  • undergoes a process to become hardened.

But does not include:

  • concrete and cement products
  • bricks, pavers and other similar blocks
  • ceramic and porcelain wall and floor tiles
  • roof tiles
  • grout, mortar and render
  • plasterboard.

The model WHS regulations define engineered stone and prohibit the use of power tools or other mechanical plant to process engineered stone unless the work is controlled by prescribed methods.

For information on the WHS laws in your state or territory, please refer to:

To find out more, contact HIA's Contracts and Compliance team

Email us

Share with your network:
More articles on:
{{ tag.label }} {{ tag.label }} $vuetify.icons.faTimes
Find the latest expert advice, guides and much more!

Managing your safety topics


 

Can’t find what you need, check out other resources that might be closer to the mark.

HIA SafeScan enquiry 


 

Find out more about using HIA SafeScan on your worksite for fast and efficient compliance.

Tell me more