26 June 2020 / COVID-19

National Cabinet Meeting Update

The Prime Minister just spoke to the media following today’s National Cabinet Meeting:

Nat Cab met again today after a fortnight.
1 million cases a week around the world.
Australia remains on track with flat curve despite localised outbreaks in Victoria. Nat Cab staying firm on the 3 Step Plan.
Outbreaks will happen, and Victoria is a reminder of that - what matters is the response. Australian public should be reassured by such a strong response which is brought to the homes of the affected areas.
Smaller venues which are under 100m2 are now able to have 1 person per 2m2. Previously it was 4m2.
A roadmap is being developed for the entertainment industry to allow for better planning – 3, 6,9 and 12 month intervals.
A public health workforce resource is being organised to move around the country as outbreaks occur to help with testing and tracing.
14 day quarantine will stay at 14 days.
PM and Treasurer meeting with CEOs of all major banks to discuss broadly where everything is at, including talking about loan deferrals and approvals for HomeBuilder
Cybersecurity also a main agenda right now
Today is CMO’s last day as CMO, will move into Secretary of Department of Health role. Deputy is taking over.

CMO

Virus accelerating around the world, fortunate being an island but we will remain at risk from virus via people returning home from overseas
Hotel quarantine is not going to be perfect and can’t be absolutely sure every case is detected
What is happening in Victoria is exactly what was modelled and planned for and it is being handled by the public health response – go to area, test, isolate and quarantine
Likelihood of outbreaks remains high, and we will likely see this in other parts of the country too
Testing of those in hotel quarantine will take place during quarantine and before they leave quarantine. It is a burden but it is helping keep it contained / Australians from risk.
Collective achievement by group, great result for Australia, everyone has worked very well together with best experts and govt has taken advice which has made our response successful

Responses to questions from media

Panic buying is not necessary, outbreaks will happen and it does not mean there is a problem, Australians should have confidence in the public health response
All states to reopen in July (except WA). Possibility of states being opened fully but quarantining people from hotspots which PM is in full support of. PM said this was a much better, tailored way of handling the situation than broad state border closures.
Music events are being brought considered in stadiums so social distancing can be observed but music festivals are likely to remain off the cards for a little while longer.
Unlikely for international travel return for some time – could be late next year, but it is very uncertain as to when so no point speculating.

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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 1July 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

10 October / Update

Installation Details for Elephant's Foot & Wastech Bin Chutes

Make sure bin chute systems are installed correctly, following the tested systems and the manufacturers’ instructions.

Check the detailed drawings from Elephant’s Foot and Wastech for different wall types (plasterboard, shaft-liner, speed panel, concrete, Hebel, and masonry).

Any changes to the tested systems must be approved by your project certifier, signed off by the fire engineer in the fire engineering report (FER), and accepted by the relevant state / territory fire service.