Guidance
Responding to acid attacks
Security staff can be the first to respond to acid attacks or incidents where someone has been exposed to a hazardous substance. Make sure you know what to do.
Follow the latest guidance
NaCTSO (The National Counter Terrorism Office) has published guidance to help people respond safely to incidents involving hazardous substances, including acid attacks. The ‘REMOVE’ advice is relevant for any potential hazardous substance incident.
Make sure you have the right equipment
You may want to consider this list of items that the London Metropolitan Police Service provides to its officers:
- 1 x high density recycled plastic box with seal - to store your equipment safely
- 2 x chemical resistant gloves - basic latex gloves will give just 20 to 30 seconds of protection against a corrosive substance, so it is better to use thicker, purpose-built gloves such as the ones used in laboratories
- 2 x anti-fog, chemical-resistant goggles - again, like the ones used in laboratories
- 1 x 5 litre water bottle - this is the minimum amount to be used on a victim (there is no maximum) and is enough for 10 minutes of constant dousing with water
- 2 x bottle shower caps to control the rate of water pouring from a bottle - these turn a bottle of water into a shower
- 2 x good quality scissors capable of cutting through clothing - you can find these in larger first aids kits (they are sometimes known as ‘tough cut’ scissors, ‘tuff cut’ scissors or ‘paramedic shears’)
- 4 x face shields recommended by the Health and Safety Executive - these can be purchased from most chemical suppliers
The police, fire brigade and ambulance service will bring their own, more specialised equipment when they respond to an acid attack.
Updates to this page
Published 27 November 2020Last updated 26 January 2023 + show all updates
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Updated the link to the 'REMOVE' guidance.
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First published.