New workplace exposure limits
Many work processes can release airborne contaminants into the air.
This can be in the form of dusts, gases, fumes, vapours, fibres, or mists. Airborne contaminants can affect a worker’s health when they breathe in.
Persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) have a duty under work health and safety laws to eliminate or minimise the exposure to airborne contaminants.
Many airborne contaminants cannot be seen or smelled, yet they still may be present at harmful levels and cause serious health issues for workers.
Following a national review, WHS ministers have endorsed replacing the Workplace exposure standards (WES) with Workplace exposure limits (WEL) for airborne contaminants.
As part of this review, the limits for some airborne contaminants are changing. The move to WEL will take effect on 1 December 2026.
It is important to note that the PCBU’s duty to manage exposure to airborne contaminants remains unchanged.
PCBUs have always been required to control worker exposure and will continue to do so under the new WEL.