GovWire

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.

Go to the REMOVE guidance

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.