2026 Workplace Exposure Limits: Preparing for the shift from WES to WEL
—From 1 December 2026, Australia will adopt Workplace Exposure Limits for airborne contaminants, replacing the current Workplace Exposure Standards. This represents a significant shift in how organisations manage workplace safety and compliance. While the changes may seem complex, their intent is clear: to provide more structured, measurable guidance for protecting worker health.
At Dräger, we’re here to make this transition simpler and more transparent - helping you understand what’s changing, what it means for your operations and how to take practical steps toward compliance with confidence.
Last updated: 30 June 2026
What could this mean for your workplace?
—With Safe Work Australia changes, from 1 December 2026:
- Some airborne contaminant exposure limits are reduced significantly.
- Some airborne contaminants will be added to the regulated exposure list.
- Advisory notations will be expanded and modernised.
- Shift to ALARP (As low as reasonably possible), especially for non-threshold genotoxic carcinogens (NTGCs), the focus will shift toward eliminating or minimising exposure where possible.
Quick guide: Preparing for the WEL transition
Learn what the WES to WEL transition may mean for your workplace, including key areas to review before 1 December 2026.
WEL webinars
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Looking for practical guidance on how to prepare for the upcoming Workplace Exposure Limits?
Our WEL webinars bring together Dräger specialists and industry experts to explore key considerations for exposure monitoring, gas detection, respiratory protection and worker exposure management.
Assess your risks
—Preparing for WEL starts with understanding where your organisation stands today. As exposure requirements change, businesses may need to reassess the airborne contaminants present in their workplace, the effectiveness of current controls, and the systems used to monitor, document and manage exposure risks.
A structured self risk assessment can help identify potential gaps in exposure monitoring, gas detection, ventilation, respiratory protection, worker training, maintenance records and reporting. Addressing these areas early can support better planning, reduce compliance risk and help protect workers as the 2026 transition approaches.
Not sure where to start?
Speak with a Dräger safety specialist to discuss your workplace risk assessment and help you identify practical next steps.
Strengthen your controls
—With risks identified, focus shifts to implementing the right controls. Dräger supports you in evaluating the most effective solutions for your workplace environment – balancing immediate compliance needs with scalable systems for reporting, data visibility and future readiness.
With the right plan in place, you can confidently prioritise actions, align stakeholders and implement solutions that deliver both compliance assurance and operational value.
Dräger: Your WEL transition partner
Keeping your operations efficient and improving safety is our shared priority. As a leader in safety technology, Dräger can work alongside you to simplify this transition, helping assess where you stand today, identify gaps and implement effective solutions that align with the new WEL framewok.
Dedicated local support
Dräger’s technical experts and service technicians support your WEL transition with solution selection, training, maintenance, service and ongoing equipment readiness.
Tailored solutions
Our specialists leverage real-world experience to match Dräger’s respiratory protection and gas detection solutions to your workplace hazards, processes and WEL compliance needs.
Proven industry partner
Backed by over 125 years of safety experience, Dräger delivers gas detection, respiratory protection and digital solutions to help organisations confidently prepare for the WEL transition.
Lower Limits. Tailored Solutions.
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PAC 8000
Portable, single gas detector
X-am 5800
Portable, multi gas detector
PointGard 3100
Toxic gases and oxygen detector
Ongoing reporting & compliance
—Demonstrating compliance under WEL will be just as critical as achieving it. Requiring not only the right equipment, but the expertise and processes to support consistent performance over time.
Dräger partners with you through:
- Technical expertise for project planning & implementation
- User training
- Equipment service and calibration
Connect to the future of safety
To future-proof your approach, platforms like Dräger Gas Detection Connect enable real-time, cloud-based visibility and streamlined reporting – helping you maintain confidence in your compliance position today and into the future.
Are you best set up for ongoing monitoring?
Need help understanding the WEL changes?
Dräger VOICE: Your hazmat-based safety product finder
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Need help choosing your gas detection or respiratory protection solution?
Dräger VOICE is an essential tool for the safe handling of hazmats. One click and you’ll receive relevant information and specific recommendations of safety equipment for more than 1,500 hazardous substances.
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—Understanding WEL
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