The change, in one paragraph From 1 December 2026, Safe Work Australia replaces the Workplace Exposure Standards list with the Workplace Exposure Limits list. Until that date, employers must still comply with the WES list (WorkSafe Victoria, page reviewed 20 October 2026, captured 5 November 2026). From 1 December 2026, worker exposure must not exceed...
There is a date circled on the calendar for every business that works with airborne contaminants. That date is 1 December 2026. From that point, the Workplace Exposure Limits for airborne contaminants replace the current Workplace Exposure Standards across Australia. For some businesses, this will feel like a name change. For others, it means real...
Bisphenol-A (BPA) has a new WEL of 2 mg/m³ (8-hour TWA). WES applies until 30 November 2026, then WEL applies when implemented. Exposure profile BPA may occur in resin, polycarbonate and epoxy manufacture, powder handling, bag emptying, blending, charging, milling, maintenance, labs and clean-down. Skin contact and sensitisation remain separate from airborne comparison. SEG and...
Respirable barium sulfate is a new WEL listing at 1.35 mg/m³ (8-hour TWA). Inhalable barium sulfate is separate; do not collapse fractions. WES applies until 30 November 2026, then WEL applies once implemented. Check your WHS regulator. Why PCBUs should act now Powder handling, bag cutting, hopper charging, milling, screening, fillers, plastics compounding, pack-out, damaged...
Benzoyl chloride has a new 8-hour WEL of 2.8 mg/m³ (0.5 ppm). WES governs until 30 November 2026; WEL applies from 1 December once implemented. Check the WHS regulator. Where it appears Reactive acyl chloride may occur in fine chemical, pharmaceutical, dye and specialty production, toll synthesis, laboratories, drum/IBC transfer, filter changes, maintenance and waste....
If your business works with chemicals, dust, fumes, vapours, or gases, December 2026 is a compliance date you need on your radar right now. A significant change to how airborne contaminant exposure is regulated in Australian workplaces is coming. And while six months may feel like plenty of time, the organisations that move through this...
Australia is making landmark changes to the chemical safety regulations in the workplace. From 1 December 2026, Workplace Exposure Standards (WES) will be replaced by Workplace Exposure Limits (WEL). These limits establish the maximum amount of a chemical that a worker can safely exposed to during the course of their work. The limits only apply...
Dust can be found almost everywhere, be it an industrial or occupational environment. However, it is crucial for one’s health to understand the difference between respirable dust and inhalable dust. There are two kinds of airborne dust particles differentiated by particle size, origin, and the health hazards they represent. The main aim of this article is to...
Where the atmosphere is contaminated with air pollutants, respirator selection becomes critical for ensuring safety. Selection of the appropriate full-face respirator is a challenge for individuals who sport facial hair, especially beards and mustaches. The following article will walk you through the complexities of choosing the right respirator that offers you effective respiratory protection while...
Respiratory protection remains one of the prime necessities across many industries, most particularly where workers are exposed to airborne hazards. In a lineup of different types of respiratory protective devices, negative and positive pressure respirators are considered quite important regarding worker safety. The following article will explain the definitions, principles of operation, types, and uses...
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