Compliance code for Managing exposure to crystalline silica: Engineered stone

Practical guidance on how to comply with your duties and obligations under Victoria’s occupational health and safety legislation in relation to exposure to crystalline silica dust, as a result of working with engineered stone.

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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.

Frequently asked questions

For any questions, email [email protected]

Information in other languages: Chinese (simplified), Chinese (traditional), Italian, Vietnamese.

Published: 24 Oct 2022

File type: PDF

File size: 6.93 MB

Length: 68 pages

Reading level: Medium

What it contains

The code builds on the 2020 code, but has been updated to include:;

Specific controls that must be used by employers and self-employed persons when undertaking a process involving engineered stone at a workplace that generates crystalline silica dust, including cutting, grinding or abrasive polishing of engineered stone.
Duties on manufacturers and suppliers to provide information to persons to whom crystalline silica substances are supplied.
Who is required to obtain an engineered stone licence.
Duties applying to engineered stone licence holders, and
Duties on suppliers.

The code also contains revised information regarding risk controls where necessary.

While the guidance provided in the code is not mandatory, a duty holder who complies with the code will – to the extent it deals with their duties or obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (OHS Act) and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017 – be considered to have complied with those duties or obligations.

Compliance code for Managing exposure to crystalline silica: Engineered stone

What it contains

Related information

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

Compliance code: Managing exposure to crystalline silica - Engineered stone – Response to public comment

Employee representation: Guide to Part 7 of the OHS Act 2004

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Compliance code for Managing exposure to crystalline silica: Engineered stone

What it contains

Related information

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

Compliance code: Managing exposure to crystalline silica - Engineered stone – Response to public comment

Employee representation: Guide to Part 7 of the OHS Act 2004

WorkSafe Victoria