What Are Workplace Exposure Standards (WES) and Workplace Exposure Limits (WEL)?
Workplace Exposure Standards (WES) and Workplace Exposure Limits (WEL) are mandatory limits on the concentration of airborne contaminants that workers can be exposed to in the workplace. These limits help protect workers from harmful health effects caused by dusts, fumes, gases, vapours, mists, and other hazardous airborne substances.
Why Workplace Exposure Limits (WEL) Matter
As per Safe work Australia, Australia is currently transitioning from Workplace Exposure Standards (WES) to Workplace Exposure Limits (WEL). Until 30 November 2026, businesses must comply with the existing WES requirements. From 1 December 2026, the new WEL requirements will apply.
Exposure to hazardous airborne contaminants can cause both short and long-term health problems, including:
- Respiratory diseases
- Occupational asthma
- Lung damage
- Skin sensitisation
- Chemical poisoning
- Certain cancers
Where can I get a list of Chemicals and Workplace Exposure Limits (WEL)
Refer to the published document, Safe Work Australia’s Workplace exposure limits for airborne contaminants (November 2025) and refer to Appendix A – Download a copy of the pdf here.
How to comply with Workplace Exposure Limits
The most effective way to achieve compliance is through the hierarchy of controls.
Control measures should be implemented in the following order:
1. Elimination -Remove the hazardous substance or process entirely.
2. Substitution- Replace the hazardous substance with a safer alternative.
3. Isolation- Separate workers from the source of exposure.
4. Engineering Controls - Install systems such as, Local exhaust ventilation, Dust extraction systems, Enclosures & Fume capture equipment
5. Administative Controls -Implement procedures, training, and work practices that reduce exposure.
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- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) -Use respiratory protection and other PPE only after higher-level controls have been considered and implemented where reasonably practicable.
What If No Workplace Exposure Limit Exists?
If a substance does not have a published workplace exposure limit, businesses must still manage the associated risks.
Under WHS legislation, PCBUs must:
- Identify hazardous airborne contaminants.
- Assess the risk of worker exposure.
- Implement appropriate control measures.
- Monitor workplace conditions where necessary.
- Ensure worker health and safety is protected.
The absence of a published exposure limit does not remove an employer's legal obligations.
Workplace exposure limits are designed to reduce these risks by ensuring airborne contamination levels remain below prescribed limits.
However, compliance with a workplace exposure limit alone does not remove a business's duty of care. Under Australian Work Health and Safety (WHS) legislation, employers and PCBUs must eliminate risks where reasonably practicable or minimise them using effective control measures.
Preparing for the Transition to Workplace Exposure Limits
To prepare for the WES to WEL transition, businesses should:
✅ Review all hazardous substances used on site
✅ Identify contaminants with revised exposure limits
✅ Conduct exposure monitoring where required
✅ Review existing ventilation and engineering controls
✅ Update risk assessments and safe work procedures
✅ Seek advice from a qualified occupational hygienist if needed
Early preparation can help organisations remain compliant and better protect worker health.
Workplace Exposure Standards (WES) vs Workplace Exposure Limits (WEL): Whats Changing?
From 1 December 2026:
- Workplace Exposure Standards (WES) will become Workplace Exposure Limits (WEL).
- The change aligns Australia with international occupational hygiene practices.
- Some chemical exposure limits have been reduced.
- New substances have been added.
- Advisory notations have been updated to provide additional health risk information.
The term "limit" better reflects that these exposure levels must not be exceeded.
Businesses should review all airborne contaminants used or generated within their workplace and assess whether any changes to workplace controls will be required before the new limits take effect.
Are workplace exposure limits legally enforceable?
Yes. Employers and PCBUs must ensure workers are not exposed to airborne contaminant concentrations above applicable workplace exposure limits.
How PAPR Powered Air Purifying Respirators Help Businesses Meet New Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs) and Protect Workers.
A Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) can play an important role in helping organisations protect workers from exposure to dusts, fumes, mists and other airborne contaminants, particularly where exposure limits have been reduced under the new Workplace Exposure Limit (WEL) requirements. PAPRs are commonly used to help control exposure to respirable crystalline silica, welding fumes, metal dusts and other workplace hazards across construction, manufacturing, mining and industrial environments.
For more information read our blog about PAPR Powered Air Purifying Respirators
Can Personal Protective Equipment Be Used to Meet Workplace Exposure Limits?
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including respiratory protective equipment (RPE), is considered the lowest level of control because it does not eliminate the hazard at its source.
Where respiratory protection is required, employers should ensure:
- The selected respirator is suitable for the hazard.
- Workers are trained in correct use and maintenance.
- Equipment is properly maintained and stored.
- Fit testing is conducted where required.
PPE should be used alongside engineering and administrative controls rather than as the primary method of exposure control.
Does compliance with a workplace exposure limit mean workers are safe?
Not necessarily. Workplace exposure limits are only one part of risk management. Employers must still eliminate or minimise exposure risks so far as is reasonably practicable.
Who can help assess workplace exposure risks?
A qualified occupational hygienist can undertake exposure monitoring, assess airborne contaminants, and recommend effective control measures to achieve compliance.