Compliance code: Managing exposure to crystalline silica: Engineered stone - Key changes

What is the purpose of this code?

The Managing exposure to crystalline silica: Engineered stone compliance code (code) provides practical guidance to employers on how to comply with their duty to provide and maintain, so far as is reasonably practicable, a working environment that is safe and without risks to health in relation to exposure to crystalline silica dust as a result of working with engineered stone.

What are the key changes?

The code is based on the Managing exposure to crystalline silica: Engineered stone compliance code (2020 code) and has been updated to reflect amendments under part 4.5 Crystalline Silica to the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017 that provide greater protection to Victorian employees working with engineered stone.

Some of the key updates include information on:

• Duties that apply to persons undertaking an engineered stone process
• Engineered stone control plans
• Duties that apply to engineered stone licence holders; and
• Manufacturer and supplier duties

The code has also been amended to improve the structure and order of information across and within parts, for better readability, as well as style and language updates to ensure it is consistent with WorkSafe's advisory language framework, including appropriate use of 'must', 'needs to' and 'should'.

When will the code come into effect?

The code will come into effect on 15 November 2022. The 2020 code will remain operational until 15 November 2022, when it will be removed from the WorkSafe website.