Nick's Story - Silica Case Study
Crystalline silica
Everything about crystalline silica in one place.
Engineered stone ban
What does this mean in Victoria?
From 1 July 2024, work involving manufacturing, supply, processing or installation of engineered stone benchtops, panels or slabs will be banned.
Victoria will not have a transitional period for the ban. This means that after 1 July 2024, you cannot work with engineered stone benchtops, panels or slabs, even if you entered into a contract before that date. Repairs, minor modifications, removal and disposal of engineered stone benchtops, panels or slabs (legacy stone) installed prior to the ban will be permitted. This work will be subject to existing control requirements for engineered stone.
The Victorian Government intends to strengthen the high-risk crystalline silica regulations, to apply to more crystalline silica containing products and processes. More information will be available soon.
Until 1 July 2024:
- All businesses working with engineered stone in Victoria will still require a licence.
- You still need to follow Victoria's current Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) laws in relation to exposure to silica dust or working with engineered stone.
From 1 July 2024:
- You will not need a licence to work with engineered stone.
For any questions, email [email protected]
Information in other languages: Chinese (simplified), Chinese (traditional), Italian, Vietnamese.
Engineered stone licence
Engineered stone can have very high quantities of crystalline silica, which is released when the stone is cut, ground, drilled or abrasively polished. Without appropriate control measures in place, exposure to dust containing crystalline silica can lead to diseases like silicosis.
A licence is granted to a business (either an employer or self-employed person) to work with engineered stone if they meet the necessary safety requirements.