Acid attacks are a recent problem on the streets of the UK, and people need to know how to act the event of one. For the past year or so, there’s been a real spike in the number of these incidents – incidents that leave individuals with life-changing injuries. SIA have responded by publishing a set of guidelines on their website.
We advise you to view their guidelines on the SIA website, but have also included our own summary of their points below.
What SIA say
Firstly, they point to advice from the NHS and the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons – both of whom urge everyone to familiarise themselves with the “3 Rs”:
- Report the attack: dial 999
- Remove contaminated clothing carefully
- Rinse skin gently with running water
Their guidance also addresses a number of points for security operatives:
- Should an acid attack take place in a licensed premises (like a pub or bar), tap water from the bar could prove an effective way of treating the victim immediately.
- “Acid” is not necessarily the only weapon used by perpetrators. Any form of corrosive substance might be used, so it’s important to be aware of any suspicious activity with a wide range of substances. It is advisable, again, to refer to SIA’s guidelines on this matter.
- Employers and venue owners have to carry our risk assessments, taking into account the possibility of an acid attack, and planning for how best to respond to them. The Health and Safety Act 1974 and Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations, 2002, should be referred to.
Umbrella Security Services
As always, feel free to contact the Umbrella Security Services team should you have any concerns, questions, or wish to ask our advice. You can get in touch by calling us on 0121 554 2761, or by filling in our online contact form.