Purpose of this Guidance
This document provides updated, practical guidance for all first responders attending incidents involving concrete mixer lorries (cement lorries) on public highways where there has been a spill of wet concrete or alkaline wash water.
It reflects the Health and Safety Executive’s May 2026 position that such spills constitute dangerous occurrences and must be treated with appropriate seriousness.
Key Hazards of Concrete Spills
Responders must understand that wet concrete and concrete wash water are not low-risk substances:
High pH (typically 12–14): Highly alkaline and corrosive. It can cause severe chemical burns to the skin and eyes, and respiratory irritation if dust/aerosol is inhaled.
Potential Chromium VI content: Known sensitiser and carcinogen.
Sets hard quickly: it becomes difficult to remove and can cause long-term damage to the road surface.
Slippery when wet: Significant hazard to motorcyclists, cyclists, and pedestrians.
Environmental pollutant: Can cause serious harm if it enters drains, watercourses, or groundwater.
3. Initial Response Priorities (All Agencies)
3.1 Safety First
Establish a cordon and manage traffic to protect responders and the public.
Wear appropriate PPE — at a minimum, chemical-resistant gloves, eye protection, and high-visibility clothing. Consider full chemical protective clothing if significant exposure risk.
Do not walk through the spill unnecessarily.
Consider evacuation of nearby properties if large volumes have entered drains or if a significant aerosol risk exists.
3.2 Contain the Spill
Prevent spread into drains, gullies, or watercourses using absorbent materials, sand, spill kits, or any available containment method.
Do NOT wash the spill into drains with water — this spreads the hazard and may constitute an environmental offence.
If the vehicle is still leaking, request that the driver stop the flow if it is safe to do so (e.g., close the chute or rotate the drum to an upright position, if possible).
3.3 Preserve Life and Health
Assess for any casualties with chemical burns or exposure.
Irrigate affected skin/eyes with copious amounts of water for at least 15–20 minutes.
Request Ambulance / Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) if significant exposure has occurred.
4. Scene Management and Investigation
4.1 Police (Lead Agency for Highway Incidents)
Key Actions:
Treat as a potential Road Traffic Act s.40A offence (load causing danger) and Construction and Use Regulation 100 breach.
Identify and interview the driver. Obtain full details of the haulier/operator.
Consider issuing a prohibition notice for the vehicle if it is unsafe to continue (e.g., an ongoing leak or damaged equipment).
Secure the scene for evidence preservation (photographs of spill, vehicle, chute position, road markings, drains).
Take witness statements from any members of the public who observed the incident.
Notify the HSE Incident Contact Centre if the spill meets RIDDOR dangerous occurrence criteria (most uncontrolled highway spills now will).
Liaise with National Highways / Local Authority for road closure and clean-up coordination.
4.2 Fire and Rescue Service
Key Actions:
Provide specialist advice on the containment of alkaline substances.
Assist with deploying absorbent materials if there is a significant environmental risk.
Support the decontamination of any exposed persons.
Consider HazMat advice if large volumes have entered drainage systems.
4.3 Ambulance Service
Key Actions:
Treat any chemical burns or exposure as a priority.
Irrigate affected areas with water for 15–20 minutes.
Request HART support for significant exposure or if PPE is required for treatment.
4.4 National Highways / Local Authority Traffic Officers
Key Actions:
Coordinate road closure and diversion as required.
Arrange specialist clean-up contractors where normal road sweeping is insufficient.
Liaise with the Environment Agency if there is a risk of pollution to watercourses or groundwater.
Recover clean-up costs from the operator/haulier where possible.
5. RIDDOR Reporting and Multi-Agency Coordination
Most uncontrolled concrete spills on public highways now meet the criteria for a RIDDOR dangerous occurrence. The operator has a legal duty to report to the HSE.
First responders should:
Record the incident clearly as involving wet concrete / alkaline wash water.
Note whether the spill entered drains or watercourses.
Pass details to the HSE via the Incident Contact Centre where appropriate.
Share information between Police, HSE, DVSA, and Environment Agency to enable joined-up enforcement.
6. Evidence Preservation (Critical for Enforcement)
Good evidence significantly increases the likelihood of successful enforcement action against non-compliant operators:
Photographs of the spill extent, vehicle registration, chute position, and any ongoing leak.
Photographs of road markings, drains/gullies affected, and the surrounding environment.
Driver details and operator/haulier information.
Witness contact details and statements.
Record of any admissions or explanations given by the driver.
7. Recommended Training for First Responders
All frontline responders (Police, Fire, Traffic Officers) should receive awareness training covering:
Hazards of high-pH concrete and wash water (chemical burns, environmental harm).
Correct containment techniques (what not to do).
RIDDOR implications and reporting thresholds.
Evidence preservation requirements.
Multi-agency roles and information sharing.
8. Summary – Key Principles for All First Responders
Protect people first — responders and the public.
Contain, do not spread — especially into drains.
Preserve evidence — photographs and statements are critical.
Report appropriately — RIDDOR thresholds have changed.
Coordinate — share information across agencies for effective enforcement.
This guidance is intended to be adopted and adapted by individual police forces, National Highways, Fire and Rescue services, and local authorities.
The British Concrete Transport Association (BCTA) welcomes feedback and collaboration on refining this document.
Prepared by Mark Cowan for the British Concrete Transport Association (BCTA) May 2026