Safe Work Australia Publishes Guides for Airborne Contaminants Exposure Limits

The following is an abridgement of an article originally published by Safety Solutions.

New Exposure Limit Guidance

Safe Work Australia has published three guides to assist workplaces in managing exposure risks and preparing for the 1 December 2026 transition to the updated workplace exposure limits for airborne contaminants (WEL) list.

The resources provide practical information for employers, occupational hygienists, technical specialists, and businesses where workers may be exposed to airborne contaminants, including diesel engine emissions.

Published Resources

The newly released documents include a guide for persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) on air monitoring and exposure limits. This resource explains when air monitoring is required, how to engage a competent person for the task, and how to interpret and respond to the results.

A technical guide offers advice on assessing exposure, planning and conducting air monitoring, interpreting results, and reporting findings to employers.

Additionally, a guide on managing the risks of exposure to diesel engine emissions outlines how to identify and manage risks, conduct air and health monitoring, and prepare for compliance with the new workplace exposure limit of 0.01 mg/m3 for diesel particulate matter.