AP04 OC SPRAY

Question 1

What is OC spray and what is it used for?

Answer 1

OC spray is a less than lethal intermediate tactical option. It can be
successfully used to resolve violent incidents with minimal risk of harm to police, the public and the person involved.

Question 2

What does OC spray stand for?

Answer 2

Oleoresin Capsicum Spray

Question 3

What is the ideal effective distance when using OC spray?

Answer 3

effective firing range of 1 to 3.5 metres in ideal conditions

Question 4

Psychological responses of OC spray may include:

Answer 4

• confusion or disorientation
• intense panic
• distraction – loss of focus of the brain
• loss of the will to fight

Question 5

The physical effects of OC Spray may include;

Answer 5

• a burning sensation on exposed skin
• breathing made more difficult by constricted bronchial passages
• eyes burning and involuntarily closing tightly
• reducing muscle co-ordination
• freely secreting mucous membranes
• rapidly dilating blood vessels
- no response
- gagging or gasping for breath

Question 6

Factors to consider when using OC spray are:

Answer 6

• the subject and police
• environmental factors
• by-standers.

Question 7

After using OC spray you must:

Answer 7

• minimise any residual effects caused by the spray by providing proper
decontamination and proper aftercare as in the OC Spray Training Manual
• Ensure the person’s face is not covered. You must not place a spit hood
on a person who has been affected by OC spray.
• Ensure the person who has been sprayed is never left lying face down
with their hands constrained behind their back. This may lead to
positional asphyxia, where the position of the body interferes with
breathing.
• Accompany and monitor the person for at least 45 minutes or until the
symptoms or effects are no longer apparent.

Question 8

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

Answer 8

Section 3 Arms Act 1983.

Police have power to carry restricted weapons within police duties

Question 9

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

Answer 9

1 Hold a current First Aid Certificate
2 Hold a current PITT Defensive Tactics certification
3 Hold a position authorised by the District Manager as being one to which OC Spray can be issued

Question 10

When must you not carry spray?

Answer 10

 On a commercial aircraft
 During demonstrations unless a District Commander specifically authorises it
 If the employees First Aid Certificate has expired

Question 11

Before starting duty what pre-operation checks must be done to your OC Spray?

Answer 11

Check canister visually to ensure that:
 Nozzle is not obstructed
 Canister is not damaged
 Contents is verified (Quantity, Live vs Inert, Stream vs Gel)
 Expiry date has not expired

Question 12

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

Answer 12

Approximately 8 seconds

Question 13

How long does the average person take to react to OC Spray?

Answer 13

Responses on average take about 3-6 seconds.

The effects can last from 10-45 minutes

Question 14

List five factors that may affect an individual’s reaction time;

Answer 14

1 The target area
2 The dose
3 Their pain threshold
4 Their level of intoxication
5 Their purpose or goal
6 Environmental factors
7 The canister’s integrity
8 Barriers, such as hair, glasses, hats or clothing

Question 15

List four environmental factors you should consider when using OC Spray.

Answer 15

1 Always try to determine wind direction to avoid blow back
2 Wind, rain, snow and sleet may reduce the spray’s effective distance
3 Ground position – (e.g. uphill vs. downhill, solid ground vs. unstable ground)
4 Confined spaces may impede escape routes and spray may affect officers involved