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

Webinar

Workplace Exposure Standards – Changes are coming.

Coming soon - webinar recording - 30 October 2025

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