OC SPRAY FAQ's

Pepper Spray FAQ's & Course Conclusion

Below are some of the frequently asked questions (FAQ's) we receive about buying, selecting and using Pepper Spray in Massachusetts.

• 1. What Is The Difference Between OC, CS And CN Sprays?

  • CS and CN sprays basically contain irritants which effect the tear ducts and cause a watering/tearing of the eyes. OC/Pepper sprays are inflammatory in nature causing more varied reactions, including breathing restrictions.

    OC (Oleoresin Capsicum) is the organic oil taken from a pepper plant. The percentage amount shown on a cannister shows how much of the “ingredient” is in the cannister. It doesn’t show how potent or hot the spray is. The SHU (Scoville Heat Unit) value shows how “hot” the spray is.

• 2. What Are The Effects Of OC/Pepper Spray And How Long Do They Last?

  • When someone is sprayed in the face with OC/Pepper Spray the eyes will involuntarily close and be subjected to an extreme burning sensation, causing temporary blindness. If/when inhaled through the nose and mouth the mucus membranes will swell up, significantly restricting breathing.

    The effects can last from 15 to 45 minutes.

• 3. What Are The Risks Of Death To Someone Who Has Been Sprayed?

  • The police/law-enforcement use/recognize pepper spray as a less than lethal option. Those at risk of serious injury and/or death are those with prior respiratory illnesses, such as extreme asthma. For most people the risk of death is low.

• 4. Is Pepper Spray Legal In Massachusetts?

  • Pepper spray is legal in all 50 states. In Massachusetts it is legal for any person over the age of 18 to buy and/or carry. However, it is illegal to have it delivered to you through the mail.

    If you are travelling outside of Massachusetts or the US and intend to bring your spray, you should check the regulations in the jurisdiction you are travelling to.

• 5. How Often Should I Replace My Pepper Spray?

  • Most defensive sprays have an expiration date on them. In most cases you will want to replace your spray at least every 2-3 years. These are relatively cheap units and the last thing you want to do is find yourself in a dangerous situation with a spray that doesn’t work. All aerosol products lose pressure over time, and this can be affected by temperature e.g., leaving your spray in a car when the temperature is either extremely hot (generally over 120 F) or cold (generally below 32 F) can have a negative effect on it.

    You can also “test” every now and again to see if your spray works. On a non-windy day, go outside and spray a small amount of your spray at arm’s length. Move slowly towards the spray you discharged, and if you feel/experience a small cough, it is likely that everything is still active, and you don’t need to replace it.

• 6. If I Have To Use My Spray, Should I Replace It, Even If There Appears To Be Some Left?

  • Violent encounters are statistically rare, so if you have to use your spray, it is worth replacing it with a new one, even if there feels like there is some left. To not do so is an incorrect cost saving measure. Having a full cannister means that you know you will always have enough spray to deal with an assailant.

• 7. Are There Places I Can’t Bring Pepper Spray?

  • This is one to check on as different places may be governed by different rules, but also enforce things independently. Federal and State buildings are likely to prohibit the carrying of defensive sprays on their premises, and this may go for schools as well. Whilst under federal regulations you are allowed to bring one unit (under 4 ounces) onto a plane as checked baggage, different airlines may have different policies regarding this.

• 8. Will Pepper Spray Work On Dogs & Coyotes etc.?

  • Pepper/OC spray will work on dogs and coyotes etc., however CS and CN sprays won’t work as dogs and coyotes don’t have tear ducts, and CS/CN sprays are effectively tear gasses.

• 9. How Far Will A Spray Reach, i.e. How Far Can I Be From My Assailant?

  • This depends on the type of spray being used, and the environment it is being used in, e.g., a stream will reach up to about 12 feet, with a cone reaching a few feet less, while offering more lateral coverage. However, a cone is more likely to be dispersed when it’s windy etc. There are also contamination considerations e.g., if you were to use a cone in a crowded subway carriage there is a chance that you might end up – along with other passengers - inhaling some of the spray etc. In such a situation, using a gel, rather than a stream or cone may be more effective.

    The important thing to consider when thinking about pepper spray and distance is that all sprays can be delivered at a distance where your assailant won’t be able to grab/make contact with you.

• 10. Can’t My Assailant Grab My Spray & Use It Against Me?

  • All weapons are in one sense a liability in that they can be taken off you and used by your assailant. One of the advantages of tactical sprays is that they can be used at a distance beyond an attacker’s reach, reducing the chances of them being able to disarm you of it. This is why it is important to learn how to be able to control range and distance etc., alongside how to effectively use pepper spray so the chances of the spray being taken of you before you can deploy it are reduced.

Thank you for working through the online component of the SEPS Pepper Spray Module. If you have already booked an in-person class/seminar we look forward to meeting and training with you. If you haven’t yet booked an in-person class/seminar, you can see when the next seminar is – and register for it – by clicking here. You can also subscribe to our mailing list to be notified (using the form below) when upcoming seminars are scheduled.

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Pepper Spray Course

Introduction

Types of Spray

Components of Sprays

Delivery Mechanisms

Using The Spray

Using The Spray Outdoors

FAQ's & Conclusion