Workplace Exposure Limits changing from 1 December 2026
From 1 December 2026, Australia’s Workplace Exposure Standards (WES) will transition to Workplace Exposure Limits (WEL).
Until 1 December 2026, the existing Workplace Exposure Standards continue to apply.
The revised WEL list includes changes to exposure limits for some airborne contaminants, new listings and updated advisory notations.
What this means for duty holders
NOPSEMA considers the revised Workplace Exposure Limits to represent the continuation of the Workplace Exposure Standards referenced in Regulation 3.5 of the OPGGS Safety Regulations 2024.
NOPSEMA will apply the revised WELs in its assessment, inspection and compliance activities from 1 December 2026.
What duty holders should do
Duty holders should:
- review the revised WEL list
- identify airborne contaminants used or generated in their operations and review any changes relevant to those contaminants
- assess whether revised limits affect existing risk assessments, exposure monitoring and controls
- verify that existing control measures remain effective.
Airborne contaminants relevant to offshore operations
Depending on the activities undertaken, relevant airborne contaminants may include, but are not limited to:
- hydrocarbons, including benzene
- diesel engine emissions
- welding fumes and welding-related metals
- contaminants associated with drilling, construction, maintenance and decommissioning activities.
More information
Duty holders should refer to Safe Work Australia’s revised Changes to Workplace Exposure Limits document and supporting information to identify changes relevant to their operations.