NSCA Foundation

Victoria bans uncontrolled dry cutting of engineered stone


Monday, 26 August, 2019

Victoria bans uncontrolled dry cutting of engineered stone

Victoria’s ban on uncontrolled dry cutting of engineered stone has come into effect this month in a bid to better protect workers from silica dust exposure. According to WorkSafe Victoria, the state’s occupational health and safety (OHS) regulations now require workers to use water suppression or dust extraction devices, as well as respiratory protection equipment, when cutting, grinding or abrasive polishing engineered stone with power tools. Local exhaust ventilation must be used if it is not reasonably practicable to use water suppression or dust extraction.

Engineered stone can contain up to 95% crystalline silica, which, if inhaled, could cause silicosis, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, lung cancer, kidney damage and scleroderma, WorkSafe Victoria warned. People working with engineered stone products, such as stonemasons, face a high risk of exposure if the dust is not controlled. However, WorkSafe Victoria believes the new regulations will dramatically cut workers’ exposure to crystalline silica and subsequently, reduce their likelihood of developing associated diseases.

Employers, self-employed workers and those who are managing or in control of a workplace involved with engineered stone must make sure the required measures are in place and equipment is supplied. Plans for the ban were announced by the Victorian Government earlier this year as part of a larger scheme to prevent silicosis, which included a free health screening for the state’s 1400 stonemasons, a new compliance code for businesses working with silica and an awareness campaign to highlight the risks of working with engineered stone.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/jurewicz

NSCA Foundation is a member based, non-profit organisation working together with members to improve workplace health and safety throughout Australia. For more information and membership details click here
Related News

Food delivery deaths spark NSW investigative taskforce

On 24 November, the NSW Government established a taskforce to investigate the gig economy,...

Further $310K in fines follow Melbourne construction site collapse

An engineering company and its director face further fines for health and safety failings over...

Workplaces urged to stay safe in lead-up to Christmas

As Victoria recovers from its second wave and more people return to work, employers are reminded...


  • All content Copyright © 2024 Westwick-Farrow Pty Ltd