Staying compliant and safe

ACID-BASED cleaners are a vital part of many cleaning professionals’ toolkits, providing the strength needed to tackle tough blockages, limescale build-ups and industrial-scale cleaning tasks. But with their power comes a significant level of responsibility. The handling, sale, and use of certain high-concentration chemicals are now subject to stringent controls in the UK, and it’s essential that cleaning professionals understand their obligations under the law.

The Poisons and Explosives Precursors Act 2023 has placed clear legal requirements on anyone involved in the supply or use of regulated chemicals. For those working in the cleaning and facilities management sectors, this means being fully aware of which products are affected, what documentation is needed when purchasing, and how to ensure safe and compliant use once they are in the workplace.

The regulations are designed to prevent misuse of potentially hazardous substances, particularly in light of their possible use in illegal activities. However, for legitimate professional users, complying with the law is straightforward—as long as the right steps are followed.

Purchasing regulated chemicals

First and foremost, if you are purchasing regulated chemicals for use in your business, you must be able to provide verified information to the supplier. This includes your trade or business name and address, photographic identification (such as a driving licence, passport or recognised trade ID), confirmation of the profession or business type, and, where applicable, a VAT registration number. It is also important that the quantities purchased make sense in relation to your business needs. Suppliers have a duty to record this information and retain those records securely for a minimum of 18 months.

It is worth emphasising that these products cannot be sold to individual consumers without a valid Explosives Precursors and Poisons (EPP) licence. For cleaning professionals, this is rarely an issue, but ensuring clarity around your professional status is key. Regular customers may find that they only need to reconfirm their details periodically, provided their purchasing patterns remain consistent and there are no significant changes.

In addition to meeting the regulatory requirements during purchase, the safe handling and storage of acid-based products is crucial. These are powerful chemicals that demand respect. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) should always be worn—gloves, eye protection, and suitable clothing are the minimum. Storage should also follow strict safety guidelines, ensuring that products are kept securely and out of reach of unauthorised personnel.

It’s also important to be mindful of the role professional users play in supporting compliance across the supply chain. Suppliers are obligated to remain vigilant for any suspicious behaviour or unusual purchasing activity. This might include reluctance to provide ID, unfamiliarity with how to use the product, or purchasing volumes that don’t align with the stated business. If any concerns arise, the supplier must refuse the sale and report the incident to the relevant authorities. From a professional customer’s perspective, being cooperative and transparent during transactions not only makes the process smoother but reinforces the professional standards of the cleaning industry.

Lower-strength alternatives

For businesses or individuals who do not require high-concentration chemicals, or who prefer to avoid the additional regulatory steps, there are often lower-strength alternatives available which can provide effective results without the same level of control. These options can be well-suited to less demanding tasks, while ensuring compliance remains straightforward.

At Hilton Banks, we work closely with our distribution partners and customers to ensure these requirements are clearly understood. We have always championed responsible product use, and the current regulatory framework reinforces the importance of maintaining the highest standards of safety and compliance. For professionals who need industrial-strength solutions, our HB Trade range includes products like Bullitt and Spirits of Salt, which are formulated to deliver the performance cleaning professionals rely on—but are only available under the correct verification processes. For those needing alternatives, lower-strength versions are available that offer cleaning power without the additional restrictions.

Ultimately, compliance isn’t about creating barriers—it’s about safeguarding the industry and the public while ensuring that cleaning professionals can continue to do their job effectively. By staying informed and following the correct procedures, the cleaning sector can continue to access the solutions it needs while operating safely and within the law.

For further guidance on regulated chemicals and safe purchasing, visit the UK government’s resource on supplying explosives precursors and poisons at www.gov.uk.

Scarlet McAleese-Banks is joint managing director of Hilton Banks.

For more information on Hilton Banks’ range of compliant professional products, visit https://www.hiltonbanks.com/bullitt/