Technical guide: Air monitoring and the workplace exposure limits for airborne contaminants

This document is technical guidance for people undertaking air monitoring and assessing compliance with the workplace exposure limits (WEL), including occupational hygienists and other experts.

It provides practical, audience-specific best practice guidance for assessing exposure to airborne contaminants and conducting air monitoring. 

It is intended to drive consistency and quality in the conduct of air monitoring, the interpretation of results, and delivery of reports and advice to employers by providing a process for assessment and decision-making criteria for occupational hygienists.

From 1 December 2026, this guide and the Guide for PCBUs: Air monitoring and the workplace exposure limits for airborne contaminants replace the Guidance on the interpretation of Workplace exposure standards for airborne contaminants.

Supporting information

• Model Code of Practice: Managing risks of hazardous chemicals in the workplace
• Airborne contaminants hub
• Workplace exposure limits for airborne contaminants