Detect workplace hazards. Protect your people.
Manufacturing is one of Australia's most diverse industries and one of the sectors expected to be most affected by the updated Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs) commencing on 1 December 2026.
From fabrication workshops and engineering businesses to plastics manufacturing, timber processing and industrial production facilities, manufacturers routinely generate airborne contaminants through everyday work activities. Welding, grinding, machining, spray painting, powder coating, forklift operations and chemical handling all have the potential to expose workers to hazardous dusts, fumes, vapours and gases.
Find out what changes are relevant to your industry.
If your business undertakes any of the following activities, the revised Workplace Exposure Limits may affect your workplace.
Welding & Fabrication
Grinding & Machining
Spray Painting
Powder Coating
Chemical Manufacturing
Plastics Manufacturing
Timber Processing
Diesel Forklifts
Warehousing & Distribution
Common Workplace Hazards: Welding fumes, manganese, chromium, nickel
Primary Workplace Exposure Considerations: Welding fume exposure, manganese, metal fumes
Recommended JTA Services: Workplace Exposure Monitoring, Occupational Hygiene Assessment
Common Workplace Hazards: Metal dust, respirable particulates
Primary Workplace Exposure Considerations: Airborne metal dust and respirable dust
Recommended JTA Services: Dust Monitoring, Occupational Hygiene Assessment
Common Workplace Hazards: Organic solvents, isocyanates, paint mists
Primary Workplace Exposure Considerations: Solvent vapours and chemical exposure
Recommended JTA Services: Workplace Exposure Monitoring, Air Monitoring
Common Workplace Hazards: Powder dusts, curing fumes
Primary Workplace Exposure Considerations: Airborne particulates and chemical exposure
Recommended JTA Services: Occupational Hygiene Assessment
Common Workplace Hazards: Hazardous chemicals and vapours
Primary Workplace Exposure Considerations: Chemical exposure limits
Recommended JTA Services: Workplace Exposure Monitoring
Common Workplace Hazards: Polymer fumes and VOCs
Primary Workplace Exposure Considerations: Thermal decomposition products
Recommended JTA Services: Air Monitoring
Common Workplace Hazards: Wood dust
Primary Workplace Exposure Considerations: Hardwood and softwood dust
Recommended JTA Services: Dust Monitoring
Common Workplace Hazards: Diesel exhaust emissions
Primary Workplace Exposure Considerations: Diesel particulate matter
Recommended JTA Services: Workplace Exposure Monitoring
Common Workplace Hazards: Diesel exhaust emissions
Primary Workplace Exposure Considerations: Diesel particulate matter
Recommended JTA Services: Workplace Exposure Monitoring
Common Workplace Hazards: Welding fumes, solvents and degreasers
Primary Workplace Exposure Considerations: Multiple airborne contaminants
Recommended JTA Services: Occupational Hygiene Assessment
Common Workplace Hazards: Hazardous noise
Primary Workplace Exposure Considerations: Worker hearing protection
Recommended JTA Services: Occupational Noise Assessment & Audiometric Testing
Consultant Video Library
Manufacturing Knowledge Centre
Detect workplace hazards. Protect your people.
Identify workplace hazards through Occupational Hygiene Assessments, workplace inspections and hazard identification.
Measure worker exposure using Workplace Exposure Monitoring and compare results against Australia's Workplace Exposure Limits.
Recommend practical engineering controls, administrative controls, improved work practices and respiratory protective equipment.
Support ongoing compliance through repeat monitoring, health surveillance and continuous improvement.
Join JTA's Occupational Hygienists for a practical breakfast seminar covering:
Not necessarily.
However, if workers may be exposed to hazardous airborne contaminants, Workplace Exposure Monitoring provides valuable information about worker exposure and whether existing controls continue protecting employees.
Workplace Exposure Monitoring measures the concentration of airborne contaminants within a worker's breathing zone while normal work activities are being performed.
Monitoring results are compared against Australia's Workplace Exposure Limits to determine whether workers are adequately protected.
Monitoring frequency depends on workplace hazards, production processes, previous monitoring results and any changes to workplace activities.
Periodic monitoring is often recommended as part of an ongoing Occupational Hygiene program.
JTA provides: