WES/WEL Transition

Airborne contaminants, including dust, fumes, gases, and vapours in the air can be difficult to see but hazardous to people’s health. Many types of work, such as grinding metal, welding, applying pesticides, mixing chemicals, cutting stone or timber can produce airborne contaminants. Repeated exposure to these airborne contaminants may contribute to serious long-term illness.

What is happening?

From 1 December 2026, existing workplace exposure standards (WES) will transition to workplace exposure limits (WEL) in the ACT. The changes include updated exposure limits for a range of hazardous chemicals and airborne contaminants. For some carcinogens where no safe level of exposure can be established, businesses must eliminate or minimise exposure so far as is reasonably practicable.

For more information on the changes from WES to WEL, see Safe Work Australia’s website.

Who is affected?

The updated limits apply to all workplaces where workers may be exposed to airborne contaminants, including dust, fumes, gases, and vapours. Industries likely to be most affected include construction, manufacturing, cold storage and automotive. However, any workplace where airborne contaminants are present should review its hazards, risks and control measures.

What do workplaces need to do?

With the updated WEL taking effect, workplaces should:

review potential exposures to hazardous chemicals and other airborne contaminants to ensure risks are effectively managed and controls remain fit for purpose
conduct air and health monitoring where exposures may occur – consider engaging an occupational hygienist if specialist advice is needed
update risk assessments, safety data sheets and safe work procedures, and
consult with workers (and their health and safety representatives (HSRs), if any) on any changes affecting their work.

Safe Work Australia has released new resources to support workplaces in managing the risks associated with exposure to airborne contaminants and to help them understand the new requirements.

The guidance provides practical information for employers, workers and technical specialists on monitoring airborne contaminants, assessing workplace exposure, and implementing effective risk controls to protect workers’ health and safety.

The new resources include:

Guide for PCBUs: Air monitoring and the workplace exposure limits for airborne contaminants. Practical guidance for persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs), such as employers, on air monitoring and managing workplace exposure risks.

Technical guide: Air monitoring and the workplace exposure limits for airborne contaminants. Technical guidance for occupational hygienists and other professionals undertaking air monitoring and exposure assessments.

Guide to managing the risks of exposure to diesel engine emissions in the workplace. Practical guidance to help workplaces identify, assess and manage the risks associated with diesel engine emissions.

You should review your chemical inventory and identify any substances affected by the updated WEL. Safe Work Australia’s Hazardous Chemical Information System (HCIS) can help you find hazard classification information and workplace exposure limits.

See below links for more information on hazards substances and chemicals: