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Science and research facilities

HSE's Science and Research Centre is the world's most comprehensive facility dedicated to health and safety research.

Why work with us

We combine scientific expertise, real-world experience and regulatory knowledge to help you:

  • safely develop innovative products and technologies
  • meet regulatory requirements and standards
  • understand and manage safety risks
  • access unique testing capabilities not available elsewhere

Our testing capabilities

We work with public and private sector organisations to research and safely test products, processes and technologies.

Our services include:

  • large-scale energetic and explosive testing in safe conditions
  • laboratory analysis across multiple disciplines
  • real-world testing of safety equipment and procedures
  • regulatory compliance testing and certification

Fire and explosion testing

Test fire resistance, combustion behaviour and explosion safety with facilities including burn halls, pool fire test areas and high-pressure combustors.

Chemical and process safety

Assess risks from hazardous materials using electrostatic testing, cryogenic release facilities and controlled atmospheric chambers.

Impact and crashworthiness

Test equipment durability with drop towers up to 25m high, impact tracks and specialist gas guns.

Energy storage and alternative fuels

Research battery safety, hydrogen systems and alternative fuel technologies in purpose-built test chambers.

Worker health and safety

Conduct biological and microbiological research in containment level 3 laboratories with controlled atmospheric conditions.

Get in touch

For more information or to make an enquiry about HSE’s research and consultancy services get in touch on GOV.UK.

Contact us

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Updated 2025-12-17