2 . Role of designers , manufacturers , importers and suppliers
Designers , manufacturers , importers and suppliers of engineered stone all play important roles in ensuring risks to workers and other persons are eliminated or minimised .
This is because in these early phases of the product lifecycle there is greater scope to :
− minimise risks through design o for example , reduce the amount of crystalline silica in the product and therefore reduce the risk of exposure to silica dust , and
− incorporate risk control measures that are compatible with the original design concept and functional requirements of the product o for example , manufacturing a made-to-size product that can be installed with little to no need for cutting or grinding .
Providing information to downstream duty holders ( like PCBUs who fabricate or install engineered stone products ) is a key factor in assisting them to meet their duty to manage health and safety risks . Information should be passed on from the designer and / or manufacturer to the importer , supplier and the end user .
Designers , manufacturers , importers and suppliers must ensure , so far as is reasonably practicable , that the engineered stone they design and manufacture , is without risks to the health and safety of persons at the workplace or within the vicinity of the workplace .
Designers , manufacturers , importers and suppliers must carry out , or arrange the carrying out of , any calculations , analysis , testing or examination that may be necessary to meet their duties .
Designers , manufacturers , importers and suppliers must give adequate information to downstream users of :
− −
− the intended purpose of the engineered stone the results of any calculations , analysis , testing or examination in relation to the engineered stone , including any hazardous properties o for example , the amount of crystalline silica contained in the product , expressed as a percentage any conditions necessary to ensure the engineered stone is without risks to health and safety when used correctly for its intended purpose o for example , appropriate controls for fabrication , installation , maintenance or removal of the engineered stone product .
This information can be provided in the form of a label , product information sheet or a safety data sheet .
Importers and suppliers can obtain information about the engineered stone products that they are importing or supplying from the designer or manufacturer .
Designers , manufacturers , importers and suppliers do not have a duty to provide this information as a safety data sheet for solid products that contain crystalline silica , such as
Managing the risks of respirable crystalline silica from engineered stone in the workplace - Code of Practice 17 of 57