21 February 2019 / Weather Alert

Tropical Cyclone Oma Update

Cyclone / Storm Warnings

All staff Rockhampton to Coolangatta

The map below describes the forecast track for Tropical Cyclone Oma based on information at 05:04 hrs AEST 21 February 2019. The forecast track for TC Oma presents a significant potential hazard for project locations within this path.



Hazards

Abnormally high tides are expected along the southern Queensland coast in the next few days. Seas and swell are also expected to increase well ahead of the approach of Oma. A Severe Weather Warning and Hazardous Surf Warning are current.

What do you need to do?

Please refer to the Hutchies instructions and resources outlined in the Site Shutdown & Storm Preparation Checklist (HB-HSEQ-F-084) and the Storm Preparation video (HE02) available below.

Storm preparedness is to be commenced at the earliest opportunity to ensure that our projects are secure quickly.

Particular attention is required for:

  • Cranes and masts 

  • Sheet fencing and hoardings 

  • Formwork decks and formwork componentry 

  • Erected scaffold and scaffold componentry 

  • Installation of temporary bracing or other means of securing partially completed structures 

  • Secure all loose material that could become airborne

Available resources to help you be prepared

General advice in storms

  • Move cars under cover or away from trees. 
  • Secure loose outdoor items. 
  • Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees. 
  • Avoid using the telephone during a thunderstorm.
  • Beware of fallen trees and powerlines. 
  • For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132 500.
Weather ProceduresVideosOnline Weather ChecklistLive Radar

Storm Preparation

BOM Weather Update / TC Oma

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Other Recent Activities

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18 December / General
2024 COTY & Service Awards

Congratulations all of our Hutchies' veterans and to the winner of Constructor of the Year 2024.

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30 October / Quality Alert
Prohibition on the Use of Engineered Stone

Engineered stone ban effective 1 July 2024

ALL engineered stone regardless of the silica content percentage will be banned

Alternative products must be considered and implemented on all projects.

The industry is shifting away from engineered stone due to the risks of respirable crystalline silica, which can cause silicosis and other silica-related diseases. Although the consultations are under way and there has been no official announcement by Federal or State Governments on the issue, the health and safety risks along with the uncertainty around this issue warrants a decision to ban all engineered products entering job sites nationally. The ban will take effect on 1 July 2024 and will extend to ALL engineered stone regardless of the silica content percentage. 

An update to this alert will be provided before the end of the year when the Federal and State Governments are expected to issue a formal decision on the ban. In the meantime, to mitigate the impact of potential delays and variations, the best approach is to inform the clients of the pending ban and to propose and seek approval for an alternative product. Similarly, ensure all future estimates have the stone specification qualified and priced accordingly.

Product alternatives going forward include:

Compact Laminates

  • Under 1% silica content
  • Extremely competitive pricing
  • Only comes in 12mm thickness
  • Heat resistance is an issue
  • Product not suitable for high end applications

Porcelain Surfaces

  • Under 10% silica content
  • Price dependant of product and supplier
  • Large variety of colours and thicknesses (4, 8, 12, 20 and 30mm)
  • Great resistance to staining, scratches, UV and heat
  • Good warranty terms

Acrylic Solid Surfaces

  • 0% silica content
  • More expensive alternative
  • Limited thickness availability
  • UV stable and heat resistant but direct heat exposure not advised
  • Minimising wastage through flexibility in sheet sizing
  • Seamless joints

Natural Stone*

  • Various silica content percentages
  • Variety of products at different price points available
  • Ongoing maintenance may be an issue
  • Unlikely to satisfy specific warranty requirements

*Although this alert does not directly impact natural stone, some types have high silica content so risk of using these on projects should be considered carefully.

For an up-to-date list of available products and their usability, click here.

More information

If you need additional support, please contact the Quality Team:

Phone 1300 HUTCHIES
Email QualityTeam@hutchinsonbuilders.com.au

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