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About the Ban on Engineered Stone
Who
Australian governments agreed to the national implementation of an engineered stone ban.
When
The full ban came into effect from 1 July 2024 while the new WHS Regulations for working with crystalline silica substances (CSS) containing at least 1% crystalline silica (including engineered stone) came into effect 1 September 2024.
What
The ban relates to the importation, supply and processing of engineered stone, products with greater than 1% crystalline silica content. The national ban follows calls from health experts, unions, and workers affected by silica exposure. It targets engineered stone products with high silica content and does NOT apply to work on:
- panels, slabs or benchtops made with sintered stone providing they do
not contain resin - engineered stone products that are not benchtops, panels or slabs such
as finished products including garden ornaments, sculptures, kitchen
sinks and jewellery - natural stone benchtops, panels and slabs eg granite benchtops
- other artificial products containing silica
Why
Engineered stone, often used as kitchen and bathroom benchtops, prior to the ban contained higher levels of crystalline silica.
When workers cut, grind, or polish this material, without adequate engineering controls and safety measures, respirable crystalline silica dust is released, which can be inhaled and can cause incurable lung conditions, specifically the risk of silicosis, a potentially fatal lung disease.
*CSA Porcelain products are not a banned product.
Caesarstone ICON™ Surfaces
The definition of engineered stone is:
- an artificial product that contains 1% or more crystalline silica determined as a weight/weight (ww) concentration; and
- is created by combining natural stone materials with other chemical constituents such as water, resins, or pigments; and becomes hardened
What is the difference between Caesarstone ICON™ and the recently banned engineered stone?
Both of these products are manufactured in the same way, the major difference being in the raw material. The primary raw material in engineered stone is natural stone that contains crystalline silica (such as quartz or stone aggregate), while our Caesarstone ICON™ material blend is mainly made from recycled glass.
Caesarstone ICON™ surfaces are NOT banned in Australia
Summary of Regulatory Changes
Defining ‘Processing’
Processing means, in relation to engineered stone, porcelain products or sintered stone, using a power tool or other mechanical plant to crush, cut, grind, trim, sand, abrasive polish or drill the stone or product.
Defining ‘Controlled’
Controlled means work involving processing of engineered stone, porcelain products, or sintered stone if control measures are implemented to eliminate or mitigate so far as reasonably practicable on those risks arising from the processing of stone or product AND at least one (1) of the following systems is used during processing:
- water suppression delivery system
- an effective on-tool extraction system
- an effective local exhaust ventilation system AND
- each person at risk from fabricating the stone or product wears the
respiratory equipment while work (fabrication) is carried out
PCBUs & Duty Holders are prohibited from carrying out, directing, or allowing a worker to carry out or fabricate a crystalline silica substance unless the fabrication is controlled.
However, according to the regulations (s689A-E), the regulator may exempt a type of engineered stone if the work involves a type of engineered stone that is subject to exemption (not exception).
Exemptions are done through application to the regulator including a letter notice detailing the Social Partner SWA member(s) supporting the application.
Exceptions may be only allowed:
- if approved for Genuine Research
- to sample and ID engineered stone
- to remove, repair, or make minor modifications to ‘installed’ engineered stone
- to dispose of engineered stone, installed or not AND if it is controlled
The changes in the legislation detail processes for the application of these exceptions.
Regulatory Information
- Safework Australia
- Model Work Health & Safety Act
- Changes to the regulation of work with crystalline silica substances
- Working with crystalline silica substances: Guidance for PCBUs
- Identifying and assessing the risk from silica dust in the workplace-Working with crystalline silica substances
- Completing a silica risk control plan
Regulatory Information by States
General Safety
Click here to learn more about tools, equipment and procedures for a safe working environment.
June 21, 2025
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4 min read