OC SPRAY

Question 1

What Act gives Police the statutory authority to carry OC Spray?

Answer 1

Section 3 Arms Act 1983

Police have the power to carry restricted weapons within police duties.

Question 2

What are the three requirements police officers must meet to carry spray?

Answer 2

1. Hold current first aid cert
2. Hold a current PITT defensive tactics cert
3. Hold a position authorized by the district manager as being one to which OC Spray can be issued

Question 3

When must you NOT carry OC Spray?

Answer 3

1. On a commercial aircraft
2. During demonstrations unless a District Commander specifically authorises it
3. If the employees first aid cert has expired

Question 4

What is the effective during range of the Sabre Red OC Spray?

Answer 4

1-3.5m

Question 5

What pre- operational checks must be done to your OC Spray?

Answer 5

Check the canister visually to ensure that :
Nozzle us not obstructed
Canister is not damaged
Contents is verified ( quantity/ live/ stream v gel)
Expiry date

Question 6

How many seconds of total spray time is there in a OC Spray canister?

Answer 6

Approximately 8 seconds

Question 7

Describe 4 physical effects of OC Spray

Answer 7

1. A burning sensation on exposed skin
2. Breathing made more difficult
3. Eyes burning and involuntary closing tightly
4. Reducing muscle co- ordination
5. Freely secreting mucous membranes
6. Rapidly dilating blood vessels
7. Gagging or gasping for breath
8. No response

Question 8

Describe 3 psychology effects of OC Spray

Answer 8

1. Confusion or disorientation
2. Intense panic
3. Distraction - loss of focus of the brain

Question 9

How long does it take a person to react to OC Spray

Answer 9

3-6 seconds

Question 10

How long does the average person react to OC Spray

Answer 10

10min - 45 minutes

Question 11

List 5 factors that may affect an individuals reaction time.

Answer 11

The target area
The dose
Their pain threshold
Their level of intoxication
Their purpose goal
Environmental factors 
The canisters integrity
Barriers ( glasses/ hair/ hats / clothing)

Question 12

Describe 7 factors you should consider before deploying OC Spray

Answer 12

Size ( this may be an indicator of physical strength)
Special fighting skills the subject may possess
Age ( this may indicate physical ability)
Gender ( this will affect physiology responses)
Degree of motivation
Proxemics ( positional relationship to subject which includes distance)
Proximity of a firearm and other weapons to the subject
Imminent danger
Multiple subjects
Multiple police
Injury to offender

Question 13

List 4 environmental factors you should consider when using OC Spray

Answer 13

Wind direction
Rain, snow sleet
Ground position ( eg up hill)
Confined spaces

Question 14

List 3 conciderations for bystanders.

Answer 14

Bystanders can be a potential threat.
Keep police dogs away .
All bystanders should be removed to safety when possible.

Question 15

What are 6 risk factors when using OC Spray

Answer 15

Can be inefficient or slow working on intoxicated people
Cross contamination of offenders, victims or bystanders
Subjects can shield themselves from the spray
Deployment of OC Spray at less then 1m can cause injury to eye
Members can develop a false sense of security and unwittingly fail to maintain a safe distance from the subject
Canisters can be taken from officers
Blow back and unintentionally exposure.

Question 16

OC Spray after care

Answer 16

Reassurance
Maintain presence
Face into the wind
Apply cool running water
Decontaminant
Clothing
Contact lenses
Rubbing eyes
Ventolin
Shampoo