Live-fire Pepperspray Training

[Sven]

Live-fire Pepper spray Training

My lady friend is interested in trying out her new FOX spray.

Is there any great risk in spraying a bit down wind to observe the spray pattern?

 

[MolonLabe416]

Risk is inherent in mortality.
There is no risk to the operator if the OC is sprayed down wind. Check and double check it is down wind though. You'd be surprised how many people mess this up.
The can should also be shaken a couple of times per month. I've also been advised not to leave it a car, but I've never had this cause a problem.

 

[Zigokubasi]

It's OC, the only risk you run is pain. Lots of it.

Seriously, when I got my first tin-badge rent-a-cop gig, it was with a local spray-n-pray operation that issued us all some nice 12% OC. Before you got your shiny new spray can, you had to get sprayed with the same stuff. Theory being that if you know how much it hurts, you'll be less inclined to use it on another human being unless absolutely necessary. Not that it worked or anything, but it was a good theory. Point is, even if she gets misted, she'll be ok. Rinse with lots of water, and don't let her hold her eyes closed. Make sure she isn't wearing contacts either, that's a biggie (I'm sure you don't want her ending up blind). The risk is worth it though, she needs to see what the spray pattern is like, and if she can hit an attacker's eyes with it. Make sure you check the wind, but bear in mind that wind direction can change, and quickly too. I've caught some mist a few times that way, it sucks.

 

[Penman]

It's a good idea for her to practice and use the whole unit up. This will give her a feel for it, and she'll understand how long it will spray and how far it will reach. Some companies have inert units that contain water, and those are good for familiarization. If she works with the real stuff, stand up-wind as you noted, and make sure she washes her hands well with soap afterwards. I've been sprayed a couple of times in training, and while it wasn't fun, it does give you an understanding of the effects and you also know that if you do get sprayed, you can still function and recover.