THE UPDATE ON SILICA

To reassure

past, present, and future clients, we would like to provide some important information about Stone Bench Tops and Silica levels. We want to emphasize that all installed stone bench tops are entirely safe when it comes to silica exposure and pose no risk to you or your family. The potential risk of silica exposure occurs during the manufacture process when the stone is being cut, ground, drilled, or shaped before installation. The danger can be mitigated by ensuring that safe work practices and equipment are utilized. Silicosis is a severe lung disease that has unfortunately affected many Australians over the years. We are confident that our stonemasons are committed to looking after their employees and follow the required safe work practices for the fabrication of our stone bench tops, which have been in place for over six years to prevent Silicosis. We are pleased to hear that the industry is continuously taking steps to prevent further health impacts for all stonemasons, and we can confirm that the stone industry is thriving and here to stay. Although there have been reports in the media stating plans to completely ban engineered/man-made stone in February 2023, this is unlikely to happen unless all other products containing Crystalline Silica, such as tiles, bricks, glass, ceramics, porcelain, and concrete, are also banned. However, there may be a tightening of rules regarding the importation of engineered stone with certain levels of Silica. Nonetheless, most brands are already below these levels or are in the process of redeveloping their range well ahead of time. If you are interested, we are happy to discuss and provide samples of brands and new ranges already on the market that contain lower levels of Silica. We will keep our clients fully informed of any updates or discontinued colors/ranges. At present, there are no changes to the availability or safety levels of any engineered/man-made stone products that we sell. Feel free to call us any time if you have any concerns or questions.