Engineered stone in a renovation: plan removal safely

Existing restriction: from 1 July 2024

WorkSafe Victoria distinguishes the ban on manufacture, supply, processing and installation of engineered-stone benchtops, panels and slabs from permitted work on legacy stone installed before 1 July 2024. Removal and disposal remain subject to control requirements. A product’s presence in an old kitchen is not evidence that unrestricted disturbance is safe.

What this means for your project

Tell the inspection team about known stone products and provide existing product records if available. Material identification and the work method belong with competent specialists. Do not use a renovation article as cutting or removal instructions. Our practical recommendation is to list benchtops and panels separately from ordinary cabinetry in the scope, so the parties can clarify handling responsibilities and exclusions before signing. Unexpected materials should trigger a review of the scope rather than an assumption that the original allowance covers them.

Questions before you commit

• What is known about the benchtop or panel material?
• Who assesses the material and determines the required controls?
• Are specialist removal, transport and disposal responsibilities recorded?

Bring these questions to your appointed project team. Exccell can discuss the demolition boundary and inspection scope; the responsible professionals must confirm the design, approvals and specialist work for your address.