CARYSIL, the UK’s only manufacturer of sinks, taps and surfaces, has welcomed the landmark Health and Safety Executive (HSE) announcement regarding the ban on dry cutting and the introduction of stricter legal requirements for engineered stone. As the industry navigates these changes, Carysil is reaffirming its long-standing commitment to worker safety and material innovation, positioning itself at the forefront of the move towards a safer future.
Responding to the recent reports by kbbreview and Sky News which detail the HSE’s decision to avoid an outright ban in favour of rigorous safety enforcement and 1,000 planned site inspections, Carysil highlights that safety has never been an “optional extra” for the brand. While the industry at large faces a “silica crackdown,” Carysil has spent years developing a portfolio that proactively eliminates these risks.
A Legacy of Silica-Free Innovation
Carysil’s core solid surface ranges Minerva, Metis and Mariz, are all entirely silica-free. By utilising advanced compositions that do not rely on crystalline silica, Carysil ensures that fabricators and installers can work with peace of mind, knowing that the primary respiratory risks associated with traditional engineered stone are designed out of the product from the start.
The Science of Safety: Aravalli Sintered Stone
Carysil’s latest launch, Aravalli, represents a breakthrough in sintered stone technology. While traditional natural stones can contain up to 80% crystalline silica, and many engineered stones are heavily reliant on it, Aravalli is Cristobalite-free.
The safety of Aravalli lies in its sophisticated manufacturing process. Sintered stone is created by subjecting minerals to extreme pressure and high temperatures. However, Carysil utilises proprietary thermal management technology to keep temperatures precisely regulated. This prevents the silica from undergoing a phase transformation into Cristobalite which is the most hazardous and aggressive form of crystalline silica.
Carysil also continues the highest form of standards when it comes to fabrication, working with a network of fabricators that are part of the Worktop Fabricators Federation (WFF).
While Aravalli is engineered to be a low-risk material, Carysil fully supports and enforces the use of wet cutting and water-suppression techniques during the fabrication process. By combining a Cristobalite-free composition with rigorous wet-cutting protocols, Carysil ensures that installers and fabricators are protected by a “double layer” of safety that meets and exceeds the latest HSE legal requirements.
Leading the Charge
Carysil operates with a philosophy that goes beyond mere compliance. The company’s internal safety protocols and product specifications already surpass current UK guidelines.
“The safety of the craftsmen and professionals in the KBB industry is at the heart of everything we do,” says Marcus Smyth, CEO at Carysil. “While the HSE’s crackdown on dry cutting is a vital step, we believe the industry can go further. By choosing materials that are inherently safer to process, we can protect the health of every worker in the supply chain.”
Carysil believes that the survival and prosperity of the engineered stone sector depend on a collective shift in priorities. The brand is calling on retailers, designers and fabricators to unite and join them in prioritising low-and-no-silica alternatives.
“If the industry comes together to embrace these innovations, we can create a safer environment for everyone,” continues Marcus. “At Carysil, we aren’t just following the new rules; we are leading the charge. We want to prove that you don’t have to compromise on beautiful, durable design to ensure that every worker goes home healthy.”
For more information on Carysil’s silica-free ranges or the new Aravalli sintered stone collection, please visit carysil.co.uk or contact info@carysil.co.uk.
