Australia · Australia: national policy; local WHS/OHS implementationFuture

WES list scheduled to become WEL list on 1 December 2026

Australia's revised workplace exposure limit list is scheduled for the December 1, 2026 transition, with current workplace exposure standards continuing through November 30. Legal application depends on the adopting jurisdiction and relevant sector legislation.

Scope to keep in mind

National publication does not establish identical local commencement or coverage. Check the governing jurisdiction and any specialist mining regime.

Legal status: future national transition local adoption required
Source check: Sep 17, 2026
Topic: Exposure limit framework
Technical review: Jiaxi · 2026-09-23

What changed

Previous requirement

Current WES list incorporated through applicable local law.

New requirement or current position

Revised WEL list from the harmonised transition date, subject to the relevant jurisdiction and sector legislation.

Who it affects

All sectors with airborne contaminants

Dates and milestones

Commencement and compliance dates can differ. Read the conditions beside each date, including any stay or local adoption requirement.

Announcement or publication: Apr 23, 2024
Recorded effective date: Dec 1, 2026

Nov 30, 2026

Current WES users

Last day before harmonised WEL transition.

Dec 1, 2026

Jurisdictions adopting WEL

Confirm local legal instrument and sector exemptions.

What this could mean for your IH program

Version limit libraries by sample date, jurisdiction and sector. Do not replace current thresholds early.

Confirm applicability with a qualified practitioner before changing your program.

Questions and qualifications

Each local adoption instrument and mining exception has not been exhaustively mapped.

Source evidence

Workplace exposure limits for airborne contaminants
Safe Work Australia · Publication 23 April 2024; updated 17 November 2025; transition notice
WEL implementation is scheduled for 1 December 2026; WES continues before that date. Local WHS and mining law must be checked.
Workplace exposure standards and limits
WorkSafe Victoria · WES and WEL list sections
Victorian regulator describes the national December transition and says WES remains applicable beforehand.

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