Cleaning Hygiene Today Cleaning Hygiene Magazine
Acid-based cleaners are a powerful tool for tackling tough blockages, but it is important professionals know how to buy, store and use them safely and legally, says Scarlet McAleese-Banks, Joint Managing Director of Hilton Banks
In the professional cleaning and hygiene sector, ensuring safety and compliance has always been as important as delivering results. The use of powerful cleaning agents is essential for tackling the toughest challenges—whether it’s removing scale, breaking down blockages, or maintaining hygiene standards in large-scale facilities. But as regulations evolve, so too must our approach to sourcing, handling and using these products.
The introduction of the Poisons and Explosives Precursors Act 2023 has brought significant changes to how certain chemicals, particularly those containing high concentrations of acids, can be purchased and used. For cleaning professionals, this isn’t just an administrative shift; it’s a call to strengthen practices, reinforce training and stay vigilant in upholding the standards that define our industry.
The core aim of these regulations is clear: to prevent misuse of hazardous substances, particularly those that could pose a risk to public safety. However, they are not designed to hinder professional users from accessing the tools they need. Instead, the regulations create a framework where the responsibility is shared—between suppliers, distributors, and professional users alike.
For cleaning businesses and facilities managers, understanding what’s required is essential. Purchasing acid-based products now requires providing clear, verifiable information to the supplier. This includes confirming your business details, photographic ID for the authorised purchaser, and information about your trade or profession. Suppliers are legally obliged to retain these records, and transactions must align with the nature and scale of your business. It’s not enough to simply place an order; ensuring transparency at every step is vital.
What’s equally important is recognising that compliance doesn’t stop at the point of sale. Handling these products safely is integral to maintaining the professional standards expected in our industry. Personal protective equipment (PPE) should always be worn when using high-strength cleaners—gloves, protective clothing and eye protection being the minimum. Secure storage, clear labelling, and proper staff training are also critical elements of a compliant and safe cleaning operation.
One area that often doesn’t get enough attention is the role professionals play in supporting compliance further down the supply chain. Suppliers are under increasing scrutiny to monitor for unusual purchasing patterns or suspicious behaviour. That might involve customers unwilling to provide ID, placing orders inconsistent with their line of work, or appearing uncertain about product use. Should any red flags arise, suppliers must refuse the sale and report the incident—failure to do so carries serious penalties.
Professional cleaning teams can support this process by being transparent and cooperative during transactions. The sector has a strong reputation to uphold, and showing professionalism when it comes to compliance reinforces the trust that underpins the supply chain.
It’s worth noting that not all cleaning tasks require the highest strength formulations. For professionals working on less demanding jobs—or for those who want to avoid the additional verification steps—lower-strength alternatives are available that still offer effective performance without the same level of regulatory control.
At Hilton Banks, we have always championed responsible product use, and these regulations serve as a reminder of why that commitment matters. We work closely with our merchant partners to ensure that products like our HB Trade Bullitt drain cleaner and Spirits of Salts descaler, both of which contain regulated concentrations of sulfuric and hydrochloric acid respectively, are supplied strictly in line with legal requirements. Our aim is to make sure professionals can continue to access industrial-strength solutions safely and legitimately.
For those seeking lower-strength options, alternatives are available that meet regulatory limits while still offering reliable cleaning performance. Ultimately, compliance should never be seen as an obstacle—it’s an integral part of protecting the public, the environment, and the reputation of our sector. By remaining informed, adhering to safe handling practices, and cooperating fully with suppliers, cleaning professionals can continue to meet the highest standards while keeping powerful tools firmly within reach.
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.
For more information on Hilton Banks’ range of compliant professional products, visit https://www.hiltonbanks.com/bullitt/
