Australia's New Workplace Exposure Limits: What Employers Need to Know.

Industrial operations often release airborne contaminants, including dust, gases, fumes, vapours, and mists, presenting significant health and safety concerns. Starting December 1, 2026, Australia will enforce updated mandatory Workplace Exposure Limits (WEL) for airborne contaminants, reflecting global standards. This change, evolving from the previous Workplace Exposure Standards (WES), comes after a comprehensive review and stakeholder feedback. It mandates businesses to adhere to these new benchmarks, integrated into WHS regulations nationwide, to ensure a safer work environment. This transition underscores Australia's commitment to international health and safety excellence, requiring businesses to maintain current practices until the new regulations take effect.?

Upcoming changes to workplace exposure limits are on the horizon. ?

Safe Work Australia (SWA) is creating guidance and materials to support the new Workplace Exposure Limits, ensuring PCBUs can comply. Following feedback, WHS ministers have tasked SWA with further analysing the impact of adjusting exposure limits for nine chemicals: Benzene, Chlorine, Copper (fumes, dusts, mists), Formaldehyde, Hydrogen cyanide, Hydrogen sulphide, Nitrogen dioxide, Respirable crystalline silica, and Titanium dioxide. This analysis is underway; until its completion and a final decision by WHS ministers, current WES will remain unchanged. This careful approach guarantees changes are informed by comprehensive research and consider health and industry impacts. ?

Recommended actions for compliance.?

For PCBUs, the countdown to the new Workplace Exposure Limits (WEL) ending on November 30, 2026, signals a critical preparation phase. ?

• Begin with a thorough examination of the WEL list to pinpoint airborne pollutants in your environment and note the updated thresholds that come into effect on December 1, 2026.?

• It’s imperative to ensure that employee exposure to airborne particles does not surpass the WEL. Should there be any doubts about your workspace's compliance, it's wise to undertake air quality assessments to gauge exposure with precision.?

• Strategically deploy control measures to prevent exposure levels from exceeding the WEL. Where feasible, strive to eradicate airborne pollutants completely. In scenarios where removal is not a viable option, reduce exposure risks by adhering to the established hierarchy of control measures. Consistently evaluate and affirm the efficacy of your strategies to guarantee they're meeting their objectives.?

Embracing a proactive stance in the early detection, evaluation, and management of air quality hazards empowers PCBUs to cultivate a workplace environment that is not only safe but fully compliant in anticipation of the forthcoming WEL rollout.?

Key ventilation solutions for managing airborne hazards.?

Fanquip's extensive range of products is designed to address airborne contaminants and ensure the delivery of fresh air in work environments. Our experience has led us to pinpoint the fan types most frequently utilised by our clientele across a variety of sectors.?

Roof and wall exhaust fans.

Fanquip offers industry-specific, robust ventilation solutions with a variety of roof and wall fans as well as relief vents that rejuvenate indoor air with fresh outdoor air. These systems effectively control indoor climate, improve air quality, and prevent moisture imbalance, thus mitigating mould and chemical buildup risks. Their easy-to-install, quiet industrial roof and wall fans are preferred for their versatility in various facilities, adept at removing moisture, odours, and airborne particles, thereby enhancing indoor air quality by removing pollutants and humidity.?

Fume extractors.

The Mobile Fume Extractor , a standout in our fume extractor lineup, efficiently captures airborne particles such as welding and soldering fumes directly at their source. Designed for flexibility, it features a maneuverable arm and wheels for easy positioning, coupled with a two-stage filtration system (pre-filter and HEPA filter) for comprehensive air purification.?

Axial and centrifugal fans.

Also known as industrial blowers, these fans are vital for efficiently moving air across long distances in facilities. Axial fans , perfect for linear airflow, are essential for ventilation in settings such as factories and mines. Centrifugal fans , generating higher velocities with a 90-degree air discharge, excel in applications involving gas and material handling, including air conveyor systems and cooling processes.?

Comply with updated exposure limits.?

Fanquip is committed to ensuring a pristine and secure work environment. Our range of exhaust fans and specialised fume extractors are designed to meet a variety of industrial requirements, aiding you in complying with the latest exposure standards. For a personalised quote, reach out at [email protected] or dial 1300 224 308.?