Workplace Exposure Limits for Airborne Contaminants (WEL List)

From 1 December this year, most Australian jurisdictions 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. Thirty substances will have their limits removed, largely due to being classified as no‑threshold carcinogens.

Nine chemicals were initially excluded from the transition pending further review. Safe Work Australia 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 ACTU is urging WHS Ministers to immediately adopt the updated, more protective exposure limits to safeguard workers’ health.

Victoria’s Position on the New Exposure Limits

Victoria regulates hazardous substance exposure under its own OHS and Dangerous Goods laws. While it has not adopted the national model WHS laws, Victoria does reference Safe Work Australia’s exposure standards in its regulations. A separate Regulatory Impact Assessment has recommended adopting the full updated WEL list, and the Victorian Government has completed its own assessment as well.

The final decision on whether Victoria will adopt the new limits now rests with the Minister for WorkSafe.