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This Decision Regulation Impact Statement (Decision RIS) analyses the benefits and costs of moving to lower workplace exposure levels for 9 chemicals. 

The 9 chemicals are benzene, chlorine, copper, formaldehyde, hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen sulphide, nitrogen dioxide, respirable crystalline silica and titanium dioxide.

The Decision RIS was prepared at the request of Work Health and Safety (WHS) ministers. The Office of Impact Analysis assessed the Decision RIS as compliant with the Regulatory Impact Analysis Guide for Ministers’ Meetings and National Standard Setting Bodies (June 2023).

The majority of WHS ministers have responded to the Decision RIS. A majority in support of new workplace exposure levels for the 9 chemicals has not been reached and a majority of ministers have requested further work. There will be no changes to the exposure limits for the 9 chemicals from 1 December 2026.

The workplace exposure levels for the 9 chemicals in the Decision RIS will remain the same as their current workplace exposure standards (WES) levels when Australia transitions to the workplace exposure limits for airborne contaminants (WEL) list on 1 December 2026.


Supporting information

Publication Date:

Last updated:

Publication type:

Regulatory impact statement

Tags:

Classifying chemicals
Hazardous Chemical Information System (HCIS)
Hazardous chemicals
Workplace exposure standards for chemicals

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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.