Safe Work Australia - Workplace Exposure Standards & Workplace Exposure Limits - Transition Kit

This kit provides a thorough overview of the transition including links to key documents and resources for employers

In April 2024, Safe Work Australia announced that Commonwealth, state and territory work health and safety (WHS) ministers had agreed to new workplace exposure limits (WEL) for airborne contaminants.

The new workplace exposure limits come into effect on 1 December 2026.

 Employers must continue to comply with the current workplace exposure standards for airborne contaminants (WES) list until the workplace exposure limits come into effect.

As an employer, you should start preparing for the transition to the new workplace exposure limits by understanding your WHS duties, including when to undertake air and health monitoring, consult with workers, review safety data sheets, and when to engage an occupational hygienist.