A New Standard for Workplace Air Quality
Australia is entering a new chapter in workplace health and safety.
From 1 December 2026, the current Workplace Exposure Standards (WES) for airborne contaminants will transition to Workplace Exposure Limits (WEL) across Australia. The change aims to provide greater clarity that exposure limits are values that should not be exceeded and aligns Australia's approach with international health and safety practices.
For manufacturers, warehouses, recycling facilities, workshops, mines, and industrial processing plants, the changes reinforce a growing focus on controlling airborne contaminants and protecting worker health.
What Are Workplace Exposure Limits (WEL)?
Workplace Exposure Limits establish the maximum concentration of airborne contaminants that workers may be exposed to during a specified period. From 1 December 2026, businesses will be required to comply with the new WEL framework, which replaces the current WES system. While many exposure limits remain unchanged, numerous contaminants have been reviewed, resulting in new limits, revised limits, updated classifications, and additional health-related notations. The transition reflects increasing scientific understanding of how airborne contaminants can impact worker health and the importance of reducing exposure wherever reasonably practicable.
Diesel Particulate Matter: The Most Significant New Requirement
One of the most important changes is the introduction of a national Workplace Exposure Limit for Diesel Particulate Matter (DPM).
Effective 1 December 2026, the new limit will be:
0.01 mg/m³ measured as respirable elemental carbon.
Diesel particulate matter consists of microscopic particles produced by diesel engine combustion. These particles are small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs and have been linked to serious health risks, including respiratory disease and cancer. Diesel engine exhaust has been classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a Group 1 carcinogen.
Industries likely to be affected include:
• Manufacturing
• Mining
• Warehousing and logistics
• Recycling and waste management
• Construction
• Vehicle maintenance facilities
• Heavy equipment operations
Particular attention should be paid to enclosed and semi-enclosed environments where diesel emissions can accumulate.
Why Air Quality Matters More Than Ever
Airborne contaminants are often invisible, but their impact on worker health can be significant.
Exposure to dust, fumes, combustion by-products, and other contaminants may contribute to:
- Respiratory irritation
- Reduced lung function
- Chronic respiratory conditions
- Long-term occupational health risks
- Reduced workplace comfort
Creating a cleaner working environment benefits both employees and business operations.
Healthier Employees
Cleaner air helps reduce worker exposure to harmful contaminants and supports long-term wellbeing.
Improved Productivity
A comfortable work environment can help employees remain focused and productive throughout the workday.
Stronger Compliance Position
Proactively managing airborne contaminants can help organisations meet regulatory obligations and prepare for future requirements.
Enhanced Workplace Reputation
Demonstrating a commitment to employee health and safety helps build trust with workers, customers, and stakeholders.
The Importance of Flexible Ventilation Infrastructure
- Fast installation and modification
- Easy expansion as operations change
- Simplified maintenance and inspection
- Reduced disruption during facility upgrades
- Support for a wide range of extraction and ventilation applications
Whether managing diesel emissions, dust, welding fumes, or other airborne contaminants, having an adaptable extraction network can help facilities respond quickly to changing operational and regulatory requirements.
