Benzene reduced WEL to take effect on 1 June 2027
WHS ministers have agreed to reduce the workplace exposure limit (WEL) for benzene to 0.2 ppm (0.7 mg/m3) as an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA), which will take effect from 1 June 2027. Until then, the current workplace exposure standard for benzene of 1 ppm (3.2 mg/m3) as an 8-hour TWA will continue to apply.
“This timeframe recognises that benzene is a known human carcinogen with the potential for serious health outcomes for workers exposed to it, while providing industry and employers with time to review monitoring and compliance arrangements, and implement any necessary control measures,” Safe Work Australia (SWA) said.
With workplace exposure associated with serious long-term health effects, including blood cancers such as acute myeloid leukaemia, benzene is a known human carcinogen. “The reduced WEL is a health-based measure that strengthens protections for Australian workers and aligns with international standards,” SWA said.
The reduction follows the June 2026 SWA-published Decision Regulation Impact Statement: Proposed workplace exposure limits for 9 chemicals (DRIS), with WHS ministers requesting further work on these nine chemicals, which included benzene.
“WHS ministers have reconsidered the reduced WEL for benzene following further work and a recommendation by Safe Work Australia Members, and agreed to adopt it, with transition time to allow industry to prepare for the change,” SWA said. “The other eight chemicals in the DRIS are currently the subject of further work by an independent expert panel.”
Australia’s transition to the rest of the chemicals on the WEL list will still take effect on 1 December 2026. SWA advises checking with your WHS regulator about the implementation of the WEL in your state or territory.
More information and resources to support the transition to the new workplace exposure limits can be found here, via SWA’s airborne contaminants hub.
Lead dust exposure during power station decommissioning results in $60K fine
Respiratory protection to prevent inhalation of lead dust, such as full-face respirators, was not...
Safe Work Australia publishes three airborne contaminants guides
The guides are to help workplaces manage exposure and prepare for the 1 December 2026 transition...
$90K fine after grout gun left apprentice with 5% vision
The young adult apprentice was not provided with adequate personal protective equipment and...
