What is OC Spray?
For those in law enforcement, no one forgets their turn to get sprayed with pepper spray in the academy. It is a story that is told years later. But what is OC spray exactly? Can civilians use it?
OC spray is pepper spray that is much more powerful than your average spray. And yes, civilians can use it. However, though legal in most areas, it may be prohibited on certain properties. It is still the chosen means of protection for about 35 percent of the population. Most states require an individual to be 18 years old to purchase and carry it, while some have the age requirement of 21 years old.
Let’s look more into what exactly OC Spray is and how it can be an effective, non-lethal, defense tactic.
What is It?
“OC” stands for Oleoresin Capsium which is chemical that originates from one of the most heated parts of a pepper. It should be noted the percentage of this ingredient on the bottle or can does not denote the level of heat or strength of the spray.
Oleoresin Capsicum burns and irritates the eyes. This is also found in tear gas, no wonder OC Spray is so effective! The difference between pepper spray and OC spray is the level of heat and strength of the overall mixture. While pepper spray is still effective, OC spray is the chosen mixture for law enforcement because it is stronger.
For law enforcement, this heated spray is a good non-lethal option when a subject is combative. The substance does not easily dissipate and is difficult to wash off. OC Spray is used by law enforcement and issued by most agencies as a way to deescalate a situation that may be increasing in intensity.
How Does it Work?
Once OC Spray is used, it creates a mist. This mist is inhaled and causes the person sprayed to experience a burning sensation. The majority of the time, this is felt in and around the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. Though non-lethal, OC Spray is painful. Once activated, the spray may cause temporary blindness and the person sprayed may have difficulty breathing. Most of the time the effects can wear off anywhere from 15 minutes to 45. The amount of time, the burning sensation may linger is dependent on the strength of the spray as well as how it affects that particular individual. Though someone sprayed by OC will have the same reaction as everyone else, the length of time it irritates the person may vary.
There are other forms of OC Spray as well including gel, fog, and foam. The most common is a mist or stream. Gel OC is fairly new and thus far has appeared effective. Since it is a more solid form, it lessens the chance of the spray blowing away. Both the gel and foam versions are difficult to wash away.
How to Use OC Spray?
In order to deploy OC Spray it is as simple as turning the cap and spraying. However, all who use it should be properly trained and be familiar with how it works. It is also important to understand how to properly store it so that it lasts. The cooler and darker the area where the spray is stored the better. OC can deteriorate and degrade in high heat conditions.
OC Spray is issued to most law enforcement personnel, corrections officers, probation officers, and other professionals in similar occupations. First responders are usually trained and must also experience the effects of OC Spray when it is issued to them. This exercise gives the professional an idea of what it is like to be sprayed with the substance so that they are aware of its intensity.
If an individual already has respiratory problems or other certain health conditions, the impact of OC Spray could affect them more than others. Though somewhat uncommon, OC Spray can cause serious injury or death. For these reasons, it is crucial for any individual who owns and intends to use OC Spray to be properly trained to use it.
Where to Get OC Spray
Many places sell OC Spray. Purchasing OC Spray from a tactical company usually means larger can sizes and a more powerful substance. You can also buy smaller containers of pepper spray that can fit in a pocket, or purse or slip onto a keychain.
LA Police Gear offers OC Spray in a variety of forms including foam, gel, and spray. The Mace Night Defender is an effective gel option. In addition, LAPG offers spray from Smith and Wesson, this comes in a 3-ounce can or a 4-ounce can, and has a convenient lid so it is easy to deploy. Each OC Spray option includes within the specifications the level of heat units that can be included in particular and the expiration date as well.
The potency and intensity of OC Spray depend on the MC unit measurement which is the Major Capsaicinoids. This is the component to consider when purchasing your spray. Government regulations and measurements about this particular subject should be researched when purchasing any OC products.
Additional options from LAPG include smaller options that can fit in a pocket or larger ones such as the Defense Technology First Defense MK-9 .2% which is an aerosol can. The type of OC Spray you choose depends on your reason for purchasing as well as your profession. For avid hikers and campers a spray that is effective on animals may be the best option such as the Mace 9-ounce Guard Alaska option that is great for deterring bears.
LA Police Gear also offers many OC Spray holders that may make it easier to find, use, and deploy.
If you are a law enforcement officer, chances are your department has done the research for you.
When purchasing any OC Spray product consider:
-Is it for home defense?
-Is it being purchased for protection against animals?
-Is the purchase for a profession that may use it for self-defense on the job?
-Is the OC Spray purchase a precaution to carry in a pocket or purse?
Before purchasing any OC Spray research the MC levels and additional heat units, as well as the type of spray itself. Ensure that you familiarize yourself with how to properly use it, your state's rules on it, and the risks of using OC Spray. As mentioned, it is an effective, non-lethal tool for self-defense or de-escalation, but it should be used properly. Take a look at the numerous options from LA Police Gear and find the best option for you.
