OC Spray

Question 1

OC Justification

Answer 1

Use defensive spray for:
- Protection of human life,
- A less lethal option for controlling people, where violent resistance or confrontation occurs (or is likely to occur),
- Protection against animals.

Question 2

Max and minimum range

Answer 2

Max = 3.5 metres

Min = 90cm

Question 3

Weight

Answer 3

42 grams

Question 4

Shelf life and make up

Answer 4

20% solution, water based

shelf life 5 years

Question 5

Operation considerations (outside and inside, don’s use…, target areas)

Answer 5

• Room size
• Exits from room / building
• Air conditioning (recirculated)
• Enclosed spaces (trains, busses, ferries etc)
• Wind
• Rain
• Don’t do it to drivers
• Don’t do it to people near a ledge
• Don’t use for punishment or interrogation
• Do use for control and compliance (physical not verbal)
• Target areas = eyes, nose and mouth

Question 6

Tactical movement

Answer 6

• Spray > Move > Assess

Question 7

7 steps of decontamination

Answer 7

• Control – verbal comms and physical restraint
• Instructions – “remain calm, do not rub your eyes, obey my instructions”
• Removal from spray area – reduce secondary contamination
• Reassurance – effects will wear off soon and I will help you
• Decontaminate – use water in eyes on the side (eyes down)
• Medical – ambo or hospital
• Observe – watch person until effects have worn off

Question 8

other considerations (info for custody manager)

Answer 8

• Inform custody manger they have been sprayed
• Inform time of spray
• Approx. amount of OC used and for how long
• If prisoner is asthmatic
• What restrains were used following spray
• What decontamination was used
• Record on COPS