Engineered stone ban – 1 July 2024

This page contains important information for South Australian businesses, workers consumers and the general public.

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A national ban on the use of engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs will come into effect on 1 July 2024 to protect Australian workers from the potentially fatal effects of respirable crystalline silica dust.

The decision was based on a recommendation by Safe Work Australia following expert advice about the rise of silicosis in engineered stone workers.

Transitional arrangements for South Australia

Transitional arrangements exist in South Australia, so contracts associated with the installation of engineered stone entered into on or before 31 December 2023 can be fulfilled, providing they are completed by 31 December 2024.

Engineered stone can be safely used once installed, so long as it remains undisturbed and no work is carried out to remove, repair or modify it as this could generate silica dust.

There is no requirement to remove engineered stone that is already installed.

Porcelain products are excluded from the ban along with finished engineered stone products such as jewellery, garden ornaments sculptures and kitchen sinks which do not require processing or modification.

Stakeholder kit:

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Amendments to national regulations

The following documents are available on the Safe Work Australia website:

Amendments will be made to South Australia’s Work Health and Safety Regulations 2012 to implement the changes.

 

From 1 July 2024, this page will contain:

  • Amendments to South Australia’s Work Health and Safety Regulations 2012 associated with the ban
  • Notification process for businesses planning to undertake minor modifications, repair and removal of engineered stone that is already installed
  • Exemption process for businesses seeking an exemption from the prohibition for engineered stone products.

More details

For workplace health and safety advice:

SafeWork SA
T: 1300 365 255
E: help.safework@sa.gov.au

Frequently asked questions

For businesses

For workers

For consumers and the general public

Health impacts

Who do I ask?

Enquiry Organisation Website Phone
Complying with new requirements SafeWork SA safework.sa.gov.au 1300 365 255
Contractual requirements between businesses Office of the Small Business Commissioner SA sasbc.sa.gov.au 1800 072 722
Consumer rights

Consumer advice due to changes from the ban

 Australian Competition and Consumer Commission

Consumer and Business Services South Australia

 accc.gov.au

cbs.sa.gov.au

 131 882
Complain about a retailer Consumer and Business Services South Australia cbs.sa.gov.au (search complaints form) 131 882
Modifying engineered stone already installed SafeWork SA safework.sa.gov.au 1300 365 255
Disposal requirements Environment Protection Authority epa.sa.gov.au (08) 8204 2004

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