Model WHS Laws

We created the model WHS laws in 2011.

See all

WHS laws in your jurisdiction

Contact your regulator

Data and Research

We collect, analyse and publish data and information on work health and safety and workers' compensation.

See our data

See our latest
Key work health and safety statistics

explore our data

Resources and Publications

We publish a wide range of resources covering many work health and safety topics.

See all

Read our Codes of Practice

read the codes

Downloads

Download PDF - 34.26 KB

Australia is transitioning to the Workplace exposure limits for airborne contaminants (WEL list). Until 1 December 2026, you must still comply with the Workplace exposure standards for airborne contaminants (WES list). Contact your work health and safety regulator for further information.

Infographic content:

Top tips for employers to comply with workplace exposure limits:

  1. Use a risk management approach 
    You must eliminate or minimise airborne contaminants in the workplace so far as is reasonably practicable.
  2. Prioritise higher level controls 
    You can eliminate the risk of airborne contaminants by removing the processes or materials that are creating the hazardous substance in the first place.
  3. Review safety data sheets (SDS) 
    Reading, understanding and following the information and instructions in an SDS is important for using hazardous chemicals safely in the workplace.
  4. Organise regular air monitoring 
    You must conduct air monitoring if you are not certain if the concentration of a substance exceeds the limits, or if it’s necessary to find out if there is a risk to health. Air monitoring should be conducted by a competent person, such as an occupational hygienist.
  5. Ensure appropriate RPE/PPE is available if needed
    You must also provide training on using and maintaining personal and respiratory protective equipment and make sure your workers are using it correctly.

Employers must ensure that workers and others at the workplace are not exposed to levels of airborne contaminants above the workplace exposure limits.

Additional Resources:

Publication Date:

Last updated:

Publication type:

Infographic

Tags:

Airborne Contaminants
Workplace Exposure Limits for hazardous chemicals
Workplace exposure standards for chemicals

Was the document on this page helpful?
Why?
Why not?

Further Advice

SWA is not a regulator and cannot advise you about WHS issues in the workplace. If you need help please contact your state or territory work health and safety authority.