Engineered Stone Vanities

Recent Developments:
On December 13, 2023, all Australian State and Territory Ministers agreed to ban the use, manufacture, and importation of engineered stone in Australia. This decision follows a report highlighting the increased risk and occurrence of silicosis among tradespeople in the stone industry, particularly when cutting the product without proper PPE or following safety guidelines. The Ministers announced that the ban on installing, selling, or importing engineered stone will take effect on July 1, 2024. The ban does not include finished engineered stone products that do not need to be processed or modified.

Understanding Silica and Silicosis:
Silica dust (crystalline silica) is found in various materials, including stone, rock, sand, gravel, and clay, with quartz being the most common form. It is also present in bricks, tiles, concrete, and some plastics. When processed, these materials release fine dust known as respirable crystalline silica or silica dust. Prolonged inhalation can lead to silicosis, a chronic lung disease caused by inhaling unsafe levels of silica dust over many years. The dust particles can scar the lungs, leading to silicosis.

Safety of Our Stone Tops:
Engineered stone is safe for use in homes, properties, and businesses. The risk of silicosis arises from cutting the stone without proper safety measures, not from the stone itself. Schots offers pre-cut stone options, including pre-drilled holes for taps and wastes. This removes the requirement for further cutting, meaning that customers can be confident purchasing a Schots vanity that they are purchasing a safe product which can be safely and legally installed. Important: no further modifications or amendments can be made to the engineered vanity tops after the 1st of July as that would be illegal.

Find out more: https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/esban/about