Work Health and Safety ministers have agreed to reduce the workplace exposure limit (WEL) for benzene.
Benzene is a colourless, highly flammable liquid hydrocarbon derived primarily from petroleum and crude oil processing. It is an important industrial chemical used mainly as a raw material in the manufacture of plastics, synthetic fibres, rubber, resins, detergents, dyes and other chemicals. It is a known carcinogen associated with long-term negative health effects, including blood cancers such as acute myeloid leukaemia.
From 1 June 2027, the WEL for benzene will fall from 1 part per million (ppm) to 0.2 ppm, measured as an eight-hour time-weighted average (TWA).
In June 2026, Safe Work Australia published the Decision Regulation Impact Statement: Proposed workplace exposure limits for 9 chemicals (DRIS). WHS ministers requested further work on these nine chemicals which included benzene – see our previous SafetyNet article.
SWA said the revised benzene limit is a health-based measure that strengthens protections for Australian workers and brings Australia into closer alignment with international standards. However, the delayed commencement date intended to give employers and industry time to review workplace exposure monitoring, assess existing control measures and implement necessary improvements, represents a decision to continue to expose workers to the higher level of a known hazardous substance for longer that should be acceptable.
Until 1 June 2027, the existing exposure standard of 1 ppm will continue to apply.
The change comes as Australia's new WELs replace the existing workplace exposure standards (WES) from 1 December 2026. In Victoria, transitional arrangements until 1 December 2029 will apply to 15 substances.
The other eight chemicals subject to further consideration are being assessed by an independent expert panel, with further updates expected – those chemicals are chlorine, copper, formaldehyde, hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen sulphide, nitrogen dioxide, respirable crystalline silica, and titanium dioxide.
To prepare for the WEL changes Victorian workplaces should:
- identify airborne contaminants used or generated in their workplace
- understand which exposure limits may apply to their operations
- review hazardous chemical registers and safety data sheets (SDS)
- assess current exposure controls
- plan for any changes needed to meet future requirements.
Victorian employers should also check WorkSafe Victoria's guidance and frequently asked questions on the changes and ensure benzene exposure is being minimised so far as is reasonably practicable, rather than relying solely on compliance with the existing exposure limit.
Read more: Reduced workplace exposure limit for benzene to take effect on 1 June 2027 | Safe Work Australia