If you are a homeowner, you should know the materials that are legal and safe to use in your construction. Some things are not approved by the government considering various issues like safety and eco-friendliness.
One of the such materials that you may think to use in the construction but is banned from use in Australia is engineered stone. Any kind of engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs are banned from the manufacture, supply, processing and installation in Australia.
Each state and territory has made sufficient changes concerning the health and safety of workers and hence implemented the ban. All these changes are made to protect workers, families and the community.
The ban is applied from Jan 1, 2025, and the Australian Government will not entertain the importation of stone benchtops, slabs and panels.
What is engineered stone?
Engineered stone is one of the common materials that is used in construction. Almost every construction business makes use of these materials and you also might have an element that is made of engineered stone.
Unlike natural stone, engineered stone is an artificial product that is used in construction. It’s also called composite stone, manufactured stone or artificial stone. It’s affordable when compared to the natural and hence the most-sought option in buildings that are constructed on budget.
Why is it banned?
When the engineered stone is used in the construction, it is either cut or drilled which leads to the release of silica dust. When it is inhaled by people, it causes a disease called silicosis.
It’s the reason why the usage of engineered stone is banned from construction.
What is silicosis?
Silicosis is one of the deadly lung diseases that causes severe breathing problems. Caused by inhaling silica dust, can have a great adverse impact on that person’s health. People who are exposed to silica dust are usually the people who work with engineered stone and have a greater risk of contracting the disease. Slow and continuous inhalation of silica dust will make the person’s lungs weaker as they start suffering from silicosis.
No cure is available to treat the persons affected with silicosis, it’s the reason why a strict ban has been placed in Australia.
Silicosis can affect any person who closely works with engineered stone. Stone workers, business owners and the people who work on-site during construction have a higher risk. All the family members of the workers are affected financially as the disease has no cure. Hence, the government took the initiative and banned the usage of engineered stone in construction.
Why the ban took place
Banning the usage of engineered stone will keep a large number of workers and their families safe from deadly and avoidable diseases. It is especially beneficial to young people who have a larger life ahead of them. The ban is from the recommendation from Safe Work Australia and every government of Australian states and territories which it took place.
Once the ban is in place, it will significantly reduce the number of people affected by silicosis disease and make sure the work environment is safe for the workers.
What does this ban mean?
Once the ban took place, businesses were no longer allowed to manufacture, supply, process or install new engineered stone benchtops. Usage will be discontinued and homeowners no longer will be able to choose the engineered stone as the preferred benchtop material for construction.
While the ban is there, minor work can still be done with the existing engineered stone products. You have to ensure that it’s not causing the drastic release of dust into the air while you are working with the engineered stone.
If you have an element that is made from engineered stone installed in your home, it is safe to dust and no dust is released into the air. If you have to renovate or demolish it, it’s not recommended to use by yourself but hire a professional to do it. They know how to do the work in the safest way possible.
If you want, you can try alternative materials to engineered stone like travertine pavers and natural stone.
It’s essential to remember that the ban is in place when you are choosing materials for your home or business.
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