Australia bans "Engineered stone"

[Temp]

https://www.theconstructionindex.co.uk/news/view/australia-bans-engineered-stone

 

Quote

 

Australia has become the first country in the world to ban the use of engineered stone to protect workers from silica dust.

 

The prohibition on engineered stone, a popular material for bathrooms and kitchens worktops, has been agreed by ministers. Safe Work Australia has been tasked with its implementation on a state by state basis.

 

The ban follows a campaign by the Construction, Forestry & Maritime Employees Union and others

 

 

 

 

[ToughButterCup]

Just been reading about this issue in Germany. Standard cutting procedure now must include dust extraction - even on site. Firms like Festool (others too?) have been pushing site-based dust extraction.

[joe90]

48 minutes ago, ToughButterCup said:

have been pushing site-based dust extraction.

Would “wet cutting” not be better than dry cutting?

[ToughButterCup]

1 hour ago, joe90 said:

Would “wet cutting” not be better than dry cutting?

 

Hmmm, I didn't explain properly.

I'm thinking  of the  small scale sawdust, and sanding or drilling dust. I dunno why this Teutonic, Goth , Vandal approach gets to me, but it does. I mean whats wrong with facing into-wind when sawing, or opening the bloody windows and doors when sanding? 

 

I suppose it just shows that I'm an amateur.

[joe90]

4 minutes ago, ToughButterCup said:

suppose it just shows that I'm an amateur.

Or just sensible 🤷‍♂️

[Marvin]

A clear article clarifying 

 

https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/causes-and-prevention/workplace-cancer/silica-dust

 

The dust there talking about is 100 times smaller than a grain of sand.... 

 

Roughly 1 in a thousand exposed are expected to suffer ill health as a result....