Diesel engine emissions: new workplace exposure limit takes effect from December 2026
Safe Work Australia has introduced a new workplace exposure limit (WEL) for diesel particulate matter (DPM) of 0.01 mg/m³, measured as respirable elemental carbon, which will apply from 1 December 2026.
The new limit reflects increased understanding of the health risks associated with diesel engine emissions, including respiratory disease and cancer, and provides a nationally consistent benchmark for assessing worker exposure.
To support implementation, Safe Work Australia has published a Guide to managing the risks of exposure to diesel engine emissions in the workplace and transition resources to help organisations understand the changes and prepare for the new workplace exposure limits.
In taking all reasonably practicable steps to provide and maintain a physical environment at the facility that is safe and without risk to health, duty holders should review how diesel engine emissions are currently managed, assess potential worker exposure, and verify that existing control measures remain effective.
Consistent with the hierarchy of control, priority should be given to eliminating or minimising emissions at the source through substitution and engineering controls, so far as is reasonably practicable.
Exposure monitoring should be undertaken where required to assess exposure and confirm control effectiveness.
Learn more:
WES/WEL transition stakeholder kit | Safe Work Australia