Workplace Exposure Limits for Airborne Contaminants (WEL List)

From 1 December this year, Australia will adopt the updated Workplace Exposure Limits (WEL) for airborne contaminants. These changes adjust exposure limits for hundreds of substances, including reductions for 177 chemicals and the introduction of limits for 31 substances. 30 substances will have their limits removed, due to being classified as ‘no‑threshold’ carcinogens.

Nine chemicals were initially excluded from the transition pending further review. Safe Work Australia (SWA) has now re‑assessed these chemicals, responding to concerns raised by some employer groups, and confirmed that their current exposure limits do not adequately protect workers.

The chemicals include several known or suspected carcinogens: benzene, formaldehyde, respirable crystalline silica, chlorine, copper, hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen sulphide, nitrogen dioxide, and titanium dioxide.

Given the widespread use of these chemicals across industries such as healthcare, water treatment, mining, construction, manufacturing, and energy, the Australian Council of Trade Unions is urging WHS Ministers to immediately adopt the updated, more protective exposure limits to protect worker health.

Victoria’s Position on the New Exposure Limits

Whilst Victoria has not adopted the national model WHS laws, many SWA publications do not apply. However, Victoria does reference Safe Work Australia’s website in the OHS regulations for hazardous substances exposure limits, and therefore the new WEL apply to Victorian workplaces.