Role of designers, manufacturers, importers and suppliers

Designers, manufacturers, importers and suppliers of engineered stone all play important roles in ensuring risks to workers and other persons are eliminated or minimised.

This is because in these early phases of the product lifecycle there is greater scope to:

minimise risks through design
- for example, reduce the amount of crystalline silica in the product and therefore reduce the risk of exposure to silica dust, and
incorporate risk control measures that are compatible with the original design concept and functional requirements of the product
- for example, manufacturing a made-to-size product that can be installed with little to no need for cutting or grinding.

Providing information to downstream duty holders (like PCBUs who fabricate or install engineered stone products) is a key factor in assisting them to meet their duty to manage health and safety risks. Information should be passed on from the designer and/or manufacturer to the importer, supplier and the end user.

2.1. Duties of designers, manufacturers, importers and suppliers

Designers, manufacturers, importers and suppliers must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that the engineered stone they design and manufacture, is without risks to the health and safety of persons at the workplace or within the vicinity of the workplace.

Designers, manufacturers, importers and suppliers must carry out, or arrange the carrying out of, any calculations, analysis, testing or examination that may be necessary to meet their duties.

Designers, manufacturers, importers and suppliers must give adequate information to downstream users of:

the intended purpose of the engineered stone
the results of any calculations, analysis, testing or examination in relation to the engineered stone, including any hazardous properties
- for example, the amount of crystalline silica contained in the product, expressed as a percentage
any conditions necessary to ensure the engineered stone is without risks to health and safety when used correctly for its intended purpose
- for example, appropriate controls for fabrication, installation, maintenance or removal of the engineered stone product.

This information can be provided in the form of a label, product information sheet or a safety data sheet.

Importers and suppliers can obtain information about the engineered stone products that they are importing or supplying from the designer or manufacturer.

Designers, manufacturers, importers and suppliers do not have a duty to provide this information as a safety data sheet for solid products that contain crystalline silica, such as engineered stone. However, safety data sheets are an effective way to communicate information downstream about the risks when working with engineered stone. It is considered good practice to make them available.

If requested, designers, manufacturers, importers and suppliers must, so far as is reasonably practicable, give relevant information to users, and provide any amendments or updates to this information.

More information about safety data sheets can be found on the Safe Work Australia website.