Compliance code: Managing exposure to crystalline silica: Engineered stone - Key changes
A guide to explain the changes between the new and old Managing exposure to crystalline silica: Engineered stone compliance code.
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.
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.