Welcome to BSI’s Gas Capacity Laboratory

Welcome to BSI’s Gas Capacity Laboratory

State-of-the-art testing for respiratory protective equipment

State-of-the-art testing for respiratory protective equipment
Red Overlay
Gas Capacity Testing
Red Overlay

Gas capacity testing

Our gas capacity laboratory is one of our newest facilities at our Centre of Excellence in Hemel Hempstead, developed to test products related to gas capacity.

As work environments become more dangerous, there is an growing number of health and safety regulations in place to promote a safer workspace to protect employees from injuries and long-term medical conditions. Gas products have an increasing risk that are often unknown to your everyday worker. That’s why there are a growing number of standards globally that you as a Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) manufacturer needs to conform to so  your products remain safe and reduce any potential risk to your workers. 

Our gas testing laboratory


Our gas testing laboratory is fitted with state-of-the-art fume extraction chambers and equipment, which maximize efficiency and meet the quality standards that the industry expects.

It has a control centre to monitor the testing and ensure a safe working environment. Plus we have a customer viewing area so you can come and see one of your gas product tests in action.

Together with our Respiratory Protective Equipment laboratory, we can now offer a ‘one-stop-shop’ service for gas and combined filters, as well as PAPR systems, to meet your specific needs

What gases can we test?

  • Cyclohexane, also know as hexanapthene, is used as a solvent for lacquers, paint and varnish removers and in the manufacture of fuel for camp stoves and several household products.

  • Chlorine can be used directly to disinfect water, and as a bleach,  so can be found in any household.  

  • Hydrogen sulphide is an undesirable by-product of anaerobic/anoxic processes and in the refining of sulphur-containing oils, as well as in the wood pulp production. 

  • Hydrogen cyanide, also know as formonitrile, is found in the smoke of various tobacco products, and low levels can be found in air from car exhaust. At an industrial level, it’s used for fumigation, the hardening of iron and steel, and electroplating of gold and silver.

  • Sulphur dioxide is a by-product of the cement and ores industry and is mainly used as a parent material for sulphuric acid. It’s widely used as a food preservative (for dried fruits),  as bleach for paper and as an industrial refrigerant, among other areas. 

  • Ammonia is mainly used in the area of fertilisers as a source of nitrogen. It’s widely used in the textile industry, as a catalyst for resins, in the rubber industry, present in the explosive industry, metallurgical processes, household cleaners and in the food industry as an antimicrobial agent.

We recognize that offering a wide range of gas testing is vital. In industrial areas in particular, individuals could potentially be exposed to one of these gases at a dangerous level and by offering you a total solution you can feel reassured that you have consistent and reliable testing across your product range.  

Some of the areas that require protections against gases are:

  • Oil and Petrochemical industry
  • Organic and sulphur products
  • Agriculture
  • Dust, organic products and sulphur vapours
  • Painting industry
  • Food industry
  • Control & Quality monitoring
  • Water industry
  • Sewage treatment plants
  • Waste management and sewer industry
  • Organic and sulphur compounds

Our Experts

With our extensive knowledge and range of gas testing techniques, we can provide you an independent assessment. We have years of testing experience working manufacturers across a range of industries to provide a solution that support their business needs.