On 1 December 2026, Safe Work Australia officially replaces Workplace Exposure Standards (WES) with a strict new framework: Workplace Exposure Limits (WEL).
The Federal Government has backed SWA in its move to introduce this shift to stronger compliance. SWA says these values are legally binding caps that must never be exceeded, as opposed to the previous use of benchmarks. For industry, it means preparation is required to ensure workshop compliance ahead of the summer transition.
What is Changing?
The updated framework introduces significant revisions to airborne contaminant limits:
- Lowered Limits: Exposure thresholds for more than 100 common workplace chemicals and dusts will become significantly stricter.
- Raised Limits: Thresholds for more than 12 specific substances have been adjusted upward.
- New Additions: 31 new chemicals have been added to the regulated list, while 6 have been removed.
SWA says Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBUs) have a legal duty to eliminate or minimise risks to worker health. They recommend businesses take three actions:
- Audit your inventory: Match your workshop chemical inventory against the comprehensive Safe Work Australia WEL List.
- Review the adjustments: Check the specific changes affecting your substances using the Safe Work Australia Comparison Guide.
- Test controls & monitor: Evaluate existing extraction systems and where necessary engage an occupational hygienist to conduct personal exposure monitoring.
SWA advises businesses must continue to comply with the existing WES framework up until 30 November 2026. They have provided transition resources, tools, and regulatory updates visit the central Safe Work Australia Airborne Contaminants Hub.
BIA members wanting to direct industry feedback to the Federal Government on this matter, are welcome to contact BIA Advocacy.
