Research into modelling of occupational inhalation exposures (27 Nov)

ATM

Research into modelling of occupational inhalation exposures

Client

Safe Work Australia

Closing Date and Time

27 November 2026

Background

 Australia first adopted a national Workplace Exposure Standards (WES) list for airborne contaminants in 1995. Since the last comprehensive review in 2003, more evidence has emerged about the harmful effects of many chemicals and the exposure levels needed to protect workers. In 2016, Safe Work Australia began a review of the WES list using expert analysis of health evidence on the effects of occupational exposure to airborne contaminants. This resulted in changes to exposure limits for many hazardous chemicals. 

From 1 December 2026 Australia will transition from WES to Workplace Exposure Limits for airborne contaminants (WEL list) and implement most of the changes recommended from the WES review. 

Demonstrating regulatory compliance with WELs can be challenging, particularly given complexities in conducting air monitoring. 

Scope of Work

The Agency is seeking an external provider with the necessary experience, knowledge and skills to:

• Conduct research into the latest scientific evidence and technological advances that have led to the development of statistical models for characterising occupational inhalation exposure to airborne contaminants and how these models are used for regulatory and other purposes.
• When undertaking the research, answer the following questions:
  • How do workplace airborne contaminant exposure modelling approaches compare with current exposure measurement and monitoring approaches used to demonstrate compliance with WELs in the Australian context?
  • Are there any workplaces where airborne contaminant exposure modelling is not possible or is challenging?
  • Examine for specified substances and workplace scenarios (determined in consultation with SWA), which airborne contaminant exposure models and input data requirements produce estimates that are most consistent with measurement and monitoring outcomes used in regulatory compliance, and what are their limitations and uncertainties?
  • Can airborne contaminant exposure modelling assist workplaces to determine if their controls are effective? 
• Provide monthly project status update reports outlining, were relevant, project tasks completed, started and not started, project delays, resourcing issues, real and emerging risks and risk mitigation strategies.
• The provider must identify the circumstances in which exposure modelling may be used as a screening, supplementary or alternative approach to measurement and monitoring, and clearly describe any limitations on its use for demonstrating compliance with workplace exposure limits.

Produce a report for acceptance by the Agency. The study should be technically robust and defensible under peer review. The report should be written so that it is usable and accessible to decision-makers. 

Evaluation Criteria

Budget

To be quoted.