20 October 2020 / COVID-19

[UPDATED] Victorian COVID-19 Management Plan & Documentation (Version 8)

Dear All,

On the 16th October Version 08 of the COVID-19 Industry Guideline was released (Guideline attached including the note on changes made).

I have attached our updated Management plan and attached copies of the following appendices that have changed which will need to be reviewed and completed as required:

  • Appendix 02 – Site Compliance Checklist also known as the High Risk COVID Management Plan
  • Daily Prestart template with updated declaration. (For those using a sign in device, I have also amended this)
  • COVID Management plan – Section 6 item 10. You must include the name of the cleaning business and contact number you have nominated should there be a positive case on your project.

One change that is Industry specific that is worth highlighting can be found under section 5.1 Fit For Screening please see below:

  • Initial declaration is to be conducted by all workers (this includes any person who attends site), including current and new starters. Each worker must provide a declaration that they to the best of their knowledge:
  • have not been diagnosed with coronavirus (COVID-19) in the last 14 days, or
  • are not in a period of 14-day quarantine as directed by a health professional, or
  • have not been overseas in the last 14 days, or
  • have not been in contact with anyone who has coronavirus (COVID-19), or
  • have not been in contact with anyone who is currently being tested for coronavirus (COVID-19), or
  • do not have anyone in their household who has symptoms consistent with COVID-19
  • If a worker declares any of the above, they will not be granted access to site and will be required to produce evidence of a negative COVID-19 test within the last 5 days, prior to commencing work.

  • Once the initial declaration has been made by the worker, ongoing screening (phase 2) should be conducted for every worker prior to the start of their shift, asking to the best of their knowledge:
    • have they been overseas in the last 14 days,
    • have they been in contact with anyone who has coronavirus (COVID-19),
    • have they been in contact with anyone who is currently being tested for coronavirus (COVID-19),
    • do they have anyone in their household who has symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or works in a high-risk industry
    • have they been directed to self-isolate for a 14-day period? (in which case, they must not be permitted to work)
  • If a worker declares any of the above, they will not be granted access to site and will be required to produce evidence of a negative COVID-19 test within the last 5 days, prior to commencing work.

Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any questions or if I can be of assistance to you.

Regards,

Candece Frazzica-Kara
HSE Manager (VIC)

Mobile 0411 022 839
Email Candece.Frazzica-Kara@hutchinsonbuilders.com.au 

VIC COVID-19 Pack

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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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