| Victorian regulations for new Workplace exposure limits |
| What you need to know before the changes commence on 1 December 2026
The Victorian Government has made amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017 and Dangerous Goods (Storage and Handling) Regulations 2022 to implement updated Workplace exposure limits (WEL) for airborne contaminants in Victoria. The WEL list, which replaces the Workplace exposure standards (WES) for airborne contaminants list, is developed, maintained and published by Safe Work Australia (SWA). It sets limits for exposure to airborne contaminants in the workplace, including dusts, fumes, gases, vapours and mists. These limits help protect workers from the health effects associated with exposure to these substances. While limits for most substances remain unchanged, some have been introduced, removed, increased or reduced. Victoria’s updated regulations commence on 1 December 2026 to coincide with the commencement of the new WEL list. Click below for information on the Victorian transition arrangements for 15 substances in the WEL list and diesel particulate matter, the status of the nine chemicals still under national consideration, and Non-Threshold Genotoxic Carcinogens (NTGCs). |
| Webinar: New Workplace exposure limits: Understanding your obligations | |
| Date: Monday 26 October 2026 Time: 12:00 pm – 12:45 pmJoin WorkSafe’s Health & Safety Month webinar to learn more about incoming changes to WEL commencing from 1 December 2026.The webinar will guide you through the changes, explain compliance obligations and provide practical advice to help you prepare with confidence. |