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A chemical spill puts people, property and the environment at risk, and the duty to deal with it falls on the business. Ideal Response contains, neutralises and removes chemical spills across the UK, 24 hours a day, following COSHH, the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Environmental Permitting Regulations 2016.
Coverage: UK-wide, including London, Kent and the South East
| Cost factor | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Substance | Its hazards decide equipment and disposal |
| Quantity and spread | How far it has travelled |
| Location | Laboratory, warehouse, vehicle or outdoors |
| Disposal | Hazardous waste consignment |


The substance is corrosive, flammable, toxic or an irritant, such as an acid, solvent, fuel or industrial cleaner.
There is a strong chemical smell or visible vapour.
It has reached concrete, timber or soil, where it can linger for years.
More than about 5 litres, or it has reached drains, machinery or electrics.
The spill happened somewhere covered by COSHH or environmental permits.
A chemical spill is any uncontrolled release of a hazardous substance that could harm people, property or the environment. It is regulated under COSHH, the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Environmental Permitting Regulations 2016. It includes:
When a highly toxic chemical was spilled in a Kent hospital laboratory, the team worked in hazmat suits and respirators to contain and remove it safely.
Employers and site operators should:
Call the team any time.
| Types of chemical | Examples | Main hazard |
|---|---|---|
| Acids | Sulphuric, hydrochloric, battery acid | Corrosive burns and fumes |
| Alkalis | Caustic soda, bleach, cleaning chemicals | Corrosive burns |
| Solvents | Thinners, acetone, fuels | Flammable vapour |
| Oxidisers | Peroxides, nitrates | React with other materials and fuel fires |
| Toxic substances | Pesticides, lab reagents | Poisoning by contact or inhalation |
| Situation | Typical time on site |
|---|---|
| Small contained spill | Same day |
| Laboratory or workplace | 1 day |
| Spill into drains or soil | Several days |
Standards we work to: COSHH, Environmental Protection Act 1990, Environmental Permitting Regulations 2016, ISAS
We contain, clean up and dispose of contamination lawfully. We do not carry out ground remediation design, structural repairs or drain repairs, and we cannot promise every stain will disappear: results depend on the surface and how long the contamination has been there.
Chemical spill clean-up is priced by the substance, quantity and location.
For an emergency, call us. Otherwise send a few details and photos, and the team will get back to you.
Available 24/7
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