Engineered Stone Licence
What is Engineered Stone?
Artificial stone has high quantities of crystalline silica, which are released when the stone is cut, ground, drilled or abrasively polished.
Without appropriate control measures in place, exposure to dust containing crystalline silica can lead to long diseases like Silicosis. Brand names for engineered stones include Quartz, Caesarstone, Dekton, Silestone and Viatera to name a few.
Engineered Stone Licence?
The Victorian OHS Regulations (e.g., Reg 319 A to Z) have been amended and businesses now need an engineered stone licence if their work involves high risk crystalline silica work e.g., cutting, grinding and/or abrasively polishing artificial stone.
You will also need a licence to buy engineered stone from a supplier or manufacturer, if you intend to undertake an engineered stone process.
The engineered stone Licence allows an organisation to undertake an engineered stone process at your workplace.
Licence Requirements
Employers are responsible for ensuring employees receive information, instruction and training before they start work at a location where an engineered stone process occurs. This needs to cover:
• The health risks associated with exposure to crystalline silica dust.
• The need for and proper use of control measures required under the crystalline silica regulations.
• How the control measures are to be implemented. This includes for the use of a power tool or mechanical plant; and for the use, fit, maintenance and storage of respiratory protective equipment.
Employers also need to provide job applicants, and current employees undertaking an engineered stone process, information on:
• The health risks associated with exposure to crystalline silica dust.
• The need for and details of control measures required under the crystalline silica regulations.
• How the control measures are to be implemented.
Timing for the New Vic Licence
The requirement to apply for an engineered stone licence came into effect on 15 November 2021. However, a yearlong transition period provides time to prepare a licence application. Therefore, if you apply before 15 November 2022, and are granted a licence, the issue date will be 15 November 2022. Your licence will be valid for 5 years from this date. Applications received after the transition period will incur a fee.
A licence is not required prior to 15 November 2022. However, employers and self-employed persons must prepare an engineered stone control plan (ESCP) in line with the OHS Regulations before undertaking any work involving an engineered stone process.
