Czech-based quartz specialist Technistone has resolved to stop supplying materials to fabricators that “dry cut” their stone slabs, in the wake of ongoing controversy about the safety of engineered stone.
The company – which is a subsidiary of Wilsonart – said that its new policy re-affirms its commitment to the safety of its workers, and the wider industry as a whole.
There has been much controversy in recent months about the topic of engineered stone, as its improper use has been said to have caused cases of the silicosis amongst fabricators.
Despite countries such as Australia banning the product outright, companies and organisations still stress that it is safe and responsible to use so long as safe protocols are observed.
Following the Australian government’s decision, Caesarstone released a business update stating its belief that “the products are safe to fabricate under safe working practices”. Similarly, the UK’s Worktop Fabricators Federation (WFF) outlined its stance that there is no need for a total ban on quartz surfaces, and that rigorous safety and best practice regulations are the best way to handle any risks they pose.
Similarly, Technistone has said that going forwards, it will not supply its materials to those who don’t cut engineered stone slabs using underwater cutting techniques. It added that this decision is in line with its commitment to safety standards within the industry.
Along with the announcement, Technistone also emphasised that crystalline silica – the material that has been linked to causing silicosis – is present in many types of natural stone, and that risks only arise, “where the clear, well-publicised rules for working safely with such materials are not respected”.
The company also explained its decision by saying that the safety of its workers is incredibly important, and as such, it works to educate both its employees and partners about how to work with engineered stone materials safely. This includes: “cutting and polishing materials under water, installing ventilating and vacuuming systems, testing and filtering the air, and of course, conscientiously using quality personal protection equipment.”
In addition, Technistone said it is working to develop new technologies to reduce the content of crystalline silica content in its products.
Last month, Andy Phillips, director and co-founder of the WFF spoke to kbbreview offering advice to retailers concerned about the ongoing situation, stating that it is incredibly unlikely that the UK will see a similar blanket ban on engineered stone as Australia.