Yes. Although Guardian Ventures’ Earthstone and EnduraStone collections are innovative silica-free engineered stone surfaces, independently tested to contain trace levels of less than 1% crystalline silica, they should always be processed using appropriate water suppression and safe working practices.
The reason is simple. Whenever any engineered stone surface is cut, ground or polished, airborne dust is generated. While Guardian Ventures surfaces contain dramatically lower levels of crystalline silica than many traditional engineered stone products, safe processing methods remain essential to help minimise airborne dust and protect everyone working in the fabrication and installation process.
Guardian Ventures fully supports the latest guidance issued by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which recommends that engineered stone should be processed using on-tool water suppression together with other appropriate control measures, including suitable respiratory protective equipment (RPE), effective dust and slurry management, and good workshop housekeeping.
We also recommend that as much fabrication as possible is completed off-site using accurate templating and professional fabrication methods. By reducing the need for on-site cutting and making only minor finishing adjustments during installation, businesses can create cleaner, safer and more efficient installations while helping to comply with current HSE guidance.
Choosing Guardian Ventures’ silica-free surfaces is an important step towards creating a safer working environment, but it should always form part of a wider safe working system that includes:
- On-tool water suppression whenever cutting, grinding or polishing.
- Suitable respiratory protective equipment (RPE) where required.
- Safe collection and disposal of wet slurry before it dries.
- Accurate templating and professional off-site fabrication to minimise on-site processing.
- Appropriate training, risk assessments and Health & Safety procedures in accordance with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations.
At Guardian Ventures, we believe safer materials and safer working practices go hand in hand. That’s why we’re committed to supporting our trade customers with innovative silica-free surfaces, technical expertise and practical solutions that help create a safer future for the engineered stone industry.