Safe Work Australia Delays Proposed Changes to Chlorine Workplace Exposure Limits
The proposed reduction to workplace exposure limits for chlorine has been put on hold after a majority of Australia's Work Health and Safety (WHS) Ministers requested further work before any changes are introduced.
Following consideration of Safe Work Australia's Decision Regulation Impact Statement (DRIS), Ministers did not reach agreement to adopt the proposed lower chlorine exposure limits. As a result, the current workplace exposure standard for chlorine will remain unchanged when Australia transitions to the new Workplace Exposure Limits (WEL) framework on 1 December 2026.
LIWA Raises Industry Concerns
In response to the proposed changes, the Leisure Institute of Western Australia (LIWA) Aquatics wrote to the Western Australian Minister for Industrial Relations outlining the significant implications the proposal would have for public aquatic facilities across the State.
Representing more than 130 public aquatic facilities, LIWA expressed concerns that the proposed chlorine exposure limits had not adequately considered the practical realities of operating public swimming pools. Key concerns included:
Limited consultation with the aquatic industry despite the significant operational impacts.
Insufficient evidence to demonstrate that the proposed exposure limit would deliver measurable health benefits over the current standard.
Significant compliance costs, with upgrades to ventilation, gas detection and air monitoring estimated at $100,000–$500,000 per facility—potentially exceeding $65 million across Western Australia's public aquatic centres.
Practical challenges in accurately monitoring chlorine at the proposed limit within real-world aquatic environments.
An unrealistic implementation timeframe, given the infrastructure upgrades, equipment procurement and workforce training required.
Potential conflict between workplace exposure requirements and existing public health regulations that require minimum chlorine levels to maintain safe pool water.
A Positive Outcome for the Aquatic Industry
The decision by WHS Ministers provides certainty for aquatic facility operators, with the current chlorine workplace exposure standard remaining in place beyond 1 December 2026 while further research and consultation are undertaken.
LIWA welcomes the decision to undertake additional work and remains committed to working collaboratively with government and Safe Work Australia to ensure any future changes are evidence-based, practical and achieve the right balance between protecting workers and maintaining safe, healthy aquatic facilities for the community.
