IMPORTANT WHS UPDATE | AUSTRALIA 2026
New exposure limits are coming. Is your workplace ready?
Changes to Australia's airborne contaminant exposure limits could mean it's time to reassess how your workforce is protected.
Australia is introducing new Workplace Exposure Limits (WEL) on 1 December 2026. For businesses operating in construction, infrastructure, manufacturing, welding and other industrial environments, the changes make now a good time to review airborne contaminant exposure and respiratory protection.
Some exposure limits are changing, and certain substances are being added to the list. Businesses should assess whether existing workplace controls remain adequate and whether their current respiratory protective equipment (RPE) is suitable.
There's also an alternative worth considering for workplaces managing respiratory protection across larger teams: loose-fitting powered air purifying respirators that don't require annual fit testing.
What's changing from December 2026?
The existing Workplace Exposure Standards (WES) will transition to Workplace Exposure Limits (WEL). The revised list includes changes to permissible airborne concentrations for certain dusts, fumes, gases and vapours.
What does this mean for employers?
If your workplace generates airborne contaminants, you should review the relevant exposure limits, existing controls and worker exposure levels. Some workplaces may need additional control measures or different respiratory protection to manage the risks.
The changes do not automatically require every worker to undergo fit testing or change respirators. The appropriate controls depend on the workplace hazards, exposure levels and equipment being used.
Read the official Safe Work Australia update →
Fit testing: what are your options?
When respiratory protection is required, selecting the right equipment is only part of the process. Employers must also consider fit, training, maintenance and ongoing use.
Tight-fitting respirators require fit testing. Loose-fitting PAPRs do not.
Tight-fitting respirators require fit testing before initial use and at least annually under Australian guidance. Loose-fitting powered respirators use a different design that doesn't rely on a tight facial seal, removing the need for this testing.
Explore your respiratory protection options
All Trades supplies a range of respiratory protection systems for different applications. Here are three options to consider.
OPTION 01 | TIGHT-FITTING
Half-face respirators
Reusable half-face respirators provide respiratory protection when fitted with suitable filters for the identified hazards. They can be a practical option for many industrial applications.
Fit testing: Required before initial use and at least annually.
Example product: Sundström SR100 Half-Face Respirator.
Explore Half-Face Respirators →OPTION 02 | TIGHT-FITTING
Full-face respirators
Full-face respirators combine respiratory protection with eye and face coverage. They can be useful where additional protection is required, subject to appropriate selection.
Fit testing: Required before initial use and at least annually.
Example product: 3M 6000 Series Full-Face Respirator.
Explore Full-Face Respirators →OPTION 03 | LOOSE-FITTING POWERED PROTECTION
Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPR)
Powered air purifying respirators use a battery-powered blower to move air through suitable filters and deliver filtered air to the wearer.
When paired with an appropriate loose-fitting hood or headtop, these systems offer advantages for organisations managing respiratory protection across multiple workers.
- No annual fit testing for qualifying loose-fitting configurations.
- Can accommodate facial hair, subject to manufacturer instructions.
- Powered airflow can reduce breathing resistance.
- Potential comfort benefits during extended shifts.
- Reduced fit-testing administration for larger teams.
Example product: PIP Vanguard G4 PAPR Respirator Kit.
Explore PAPR Systems →Important: PAPRs fitted with tight-fitting facepieces still require fit testing. Equipment selection must be based on the actual workplace hazards and required protection factor.
Tight-fitting vs loose-fitting: what's the difference?
| Consideration | Tight-fitting respirator | Loose-fitting PAPR |
|---|---|---|
| Initial fit testing | Required | Not required |
| Annual fit testing | Required | Not required |
| Facial hair | Must not interfere with seal | Generally more accommodating |
| Breathing assistance | Usually wearer-powered | Powered airflow |
| Initial equipment cost | Generally lower | Generally higher |
| Ongoing requirements | Fit testing, checks and maintenance | Airflow checks, battery/filter care and maintenance |
Could switching to PAPR make sense for your business?
For businesses managing respiratory protection across multiple employees, the purchase price is only one consideration.
Recurring fit-testing appointments, coordinating workers across shifts or sites, record keeping and downtime can all add to the cost of managing tight-fitting respirators.
Loose-fitting PAPR systems generally have a higher upfront cost, but may reduce some of these ongoing administrative requirements. They can also offer practical benefits for workers who cannot achieve a suitable tight facial seal.
However, switching to PAPR isn't automatically the right solution for every workplace. The correct equipment must provide sufficient protection against the identified contaminants and exposure conditions. Other control measures must also be considered first.
Five things to review before December
- Identify airborne contaminants generated in your workplace.
- Check the relevant new Workplace Exposure Limits.
- Review exposure monitoring and existing control measures.
- Confirm whether your current RPE is suitable for the exposure risks.
- Consider whether tight-fitting or loose-fitting equipment best suits your team.
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION SOLUTIONS
Looking to move away from annual fit testing?
All Trades supplies a wide range of respiratory protection solutions, including loose-fitting powered respirators from leading manufacturers.
Our team can help you explore the available options, compare equipment and organise an onsite PAPR consultation to discuss your workplace requirements.
ENQUIRE ABOUT A PAPR CONSULTATION →Or call 1300 533 537 | sales@alltradesgroup.net.au
Further information
Safe Work Australia — Workplace Exposure Limits
SafeWork NSW — Respiratory Protective Equipment and Fit Testing
This article provides general information only. Workplace respiratory protection must be selected and used according to the applicable WHS requirements, workplace risk assessment, relevant standards and manufacturer instructions. Respiratory PPE does not replace reasonably practicable higher-order exposure controls.