Workplace exposure standards
Some work processes result in the release of dusts, gases, fumes, vapours or mists into the air. These are generally known as airborne contaminants which can be a risk to health and safety. Workplace exposure standards are limits for airborne contaminants that workers can be exposed to.
Australia will adopt workplace exposure limits for airborne containments from 1 December 2026.
Until this time, persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) must continue to comply with current workplace exposure standards.
Workplace exposure standards (WES)
PCBUs must ensure no person in the workplace is exposed to an airborne contaminant at a concentration above the exposure standard.
Find the list of exposure standards at the Safe Work Australia website and how to notify SafeWork NSW if the WES for respirable crystalline silica is exceeded.
Workplace exposure limits (WEL)
Australia is transitioning to workplace exposure limits for airborne contaminants.
From 1 December 2026, workplace exposure limits will replace workplace exposure standards. This change will make clear there are limits which should not be exceeded and ensure Australia is aligned to terms being used internationally. This national change was agreed to in April 2024 by work health and safety (WHS) ministers across Australia.
Visit Safe Work Australia’s website for information about WEL. You can alsosubscribe for information about exposure standards for airborne contaminants.
Definitions
Health monitoring
Health monitoring is a process to check a worker’s health when exposed to certain hazardous chemicals in the workplace. Find information about how and when you must provide health monitoring.
If hazardous substances such as dust, fumes, mist, gas and vapours are in the air they are called airborne contaminants and may be harmful. The amount of a certain substance in the air is called airborne concentrations.
Carcinogens (non-threshold carcingenetics)
Carcinogens are substances or exposures that can lead to cancer. Find information about how to manage the risk of carcinogens in your workplace at SafeWork NSW.
More Information
Videos
Be informed – Learn about Workplace Exposure Standards and the changes to Workplace Exposure Limits that are coming, by viewing these SafeWork NSW videos.
Webinar
View the recording of our Workplace Exposure Standards Webinar 30 October 2025.
Your questions answered
Why are the workplace exposure standards changing to workplace exposure limits?
Workplace exposure standards (WES) were first adopted in 1995, with the last comprehensive review occurring in 2003. In 2024, as the result of a comprehensive review of the scientific justification for the WES, WHS ministers agreed to changes to the WES list.
In addition, in 2018 WHS ministers agreed to rename the WES to the Workplace Exposure Limits (WEL) to communicate that the values are limits not to be exceeded and to align Australia with language used internationally.
Will there be a transition period?
WHS Ministers agreed to the revised WELs which were published by Safe Work Australia in April 2024. As of 1 December 2026 the Workplace Exposure Limits will replace the existing workplace exposure standards.
When should I start making changes at my workplace?
How do I know if my workplace meets the new requirements?
If you are unsure whether a worker exposures’ exceed the new WEL, personal exposure monitoring for the relevant chemical must be undertaken.
An occupational hygienist can provide advice on whether air monitoring is likely to be required.
Do I have to comply with current WES in the meantime?
Yes, you must comply with the current WES until 1 December 2026.
How are non-threshold limit genotoxic carcinogens going to be regulated as a part of these WEL changes?
The current guidelines within the Workplace Exposure Limits documentation recommend managing Non-Threshold Genotoxic Carcinogens (NTGC) with the principle of "as low as is reasonably practicable" (ALARP). This means all reasonable measures should be taken to prevent exposure in line with the hierarchy of controls.
Air Monitoring
Who should conduct air monitoring?
Air monitoring should be conducted by a person with relevant qualifications and experience, such as an occupational hygienist.
Where and when do we need to test for the exposure limits during works? Is it sufficient to have 'typical scenario testing’ rather than to continually test?
Exposure is very rarely a constant which may mean personal exposure monitoring is needed over several days or repeated at different times of the year.
It's very unlikely that a single 'like for like' sample would be sufficient. However, if sufficient data or samples were collected on workers conducting a particular task or process, it may be acceptable to extrapolate that exposure assessment to workers at another site conducting the same task or process rather than continually test.
Am I able to exceed a time‑weighted average (TWA) for 3 x 8-hour days if the other 2 x 8-hour days comply with the WES?
No. The daily 8 hr TWA WE cannot be exceeded.
Health Monitoring
Who conducts health monitoring?
Health monitoring should be done by a registered medical practitioner (Doctor) with relevant experience and is organised and paid for by the PCBU.
How do I find someone who does health monitoring?
Peak professional organisations for Occupational Physicians are the Australian and New Zealand Society of Occupational Medicine (ANZSOM) and the Australasian Faculty of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (AFOEM) within the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP).
A general practitioner may also be able to provide a referral to a medical practitioner with relevant experience outside of these organisations.
Information Flyer
A summary of information on Workplace exposure standards and changes that are coming.