Legacy engineered stone notification
If you intend to carry out, or direct a worker to carry out, any work that involves processing of legacy engineered stone, you must notify SafeWork NSW by completing an online notification form.
Processing, in relation to legacy engineered stone, means using a power tool or other mechanical plant (for example a crusher) to crush, cut, grind, trim, sand, abrasive polish or drill the stone.
Legacy engineered stone includes any engineered stone benchtop, panel, or slab that is already installed. Legacy stone also includes any engineered stone stocks that were not installed prior to the ban.
When you need to notify
The form must be submitted:
- before you carry out, or direct a worker to carry out, any work that involves processing of legacy engineered stone
- every 12 months from the date of your previous notification, or
- within 30 calendar days of a change to the information you provided in the previous notification. When you re-notify, you must state what has changed (for example an increase or decrease in the frequency and/or duration of the work, or a change in the type of work with legacy engineered stone).
A re-notification is not required if you cease to carry out work with legacy engineered stone.
Examples of work with legacy engineered stone where notification is required:
- a worker repairs a crack in an engineered stone benchtop installed in a kitchen. To repair the engineered stone, a worker needs to fill the crack with liquid resin and use power tools to level and re-polish the engineered stone
- a worker creates a hole in a splashback to install a new power point. The worker uses a power drill to create the hole
- a worker needs to use a power tool to remove a large, engineered stone bench top, so it can be disposed of.
If you unknowingly carry out processing work with legacy engineered stone, you must notify SafeWork NSW as soon as you become aware.
SafeWork NSW will provide you with an acknowledgment of all notifications.
You must keep a copy of each notification for five years from the date the notice was given and have the notification accessible upon request.
Information you’ll need to provide
When notifying, you’ll need to provide information about:
- the type of work being carried out (for example repair, modification, removal, or disposal)
- a description of the type of work, processing, and equipment involved
- the frequency of the work
- the duration of the processing work to be conducted by a worker (for example approximately one repair per week, and less than 30 minutes per repair).
Working interstate
If you work in states or territories outside of NSW, you will need to contact the respective workplace safety regulator for any notification requirements unique to that state or territory.
More information
- Engineered stone ban
- Engineered stone prohibition: Guidance for PCBUs – Safe Work Australia
If you need help with notifying or have questions, please call SafeWork NSW on 13 10 50.