Many current Workplace Exposure Standard (WES) are to be lowered when new Workplace Exposure limits (WEL) come into effect 30 November 2026.
For example, Diesel Particulate Matter (DPM) current WES is 0.1mg/m3 of air over an 8hr Time Weighted Average (TWA) .
Safe Work Australia has proposed to have this lowered to 0.01mg/m3 of air measured as respirable elemental carbon.
This is 10 times lower then the current WES. This new Workplace Exposure Limit (WEL) is for all workplaces including mines.
This change aligns with stricter international standards and fact that DPM is a known Group 1 carcinogen.
All PCBU’s must ensure no worker is exposed to airborne concentrations equal to or above the WEL.
Hazmat Plus has trained occupational hygienists who can monitor worker’s exposure to DPM and many other chemicals, and will provide pragmatic advice in regards to controls including PPE selection. Our reports will document if your workplace is compliant with the WEL’s and if needed, be able to determine the frequency of ongoing monitoring/testing to ensure future compliance with the WH&S Regulations.
