How should you handle the possibility of OC spray affecting an individual wearing PPE?

• A. Remove PPE before deployment.
• B. Use only water to decontaminate.
• C. Increase spray duration to ensure effect.
• D. Consider higher concentrations or alternative methods; ensure PPE does not hinder effective spray or create drift.

Answer: (D)

When someone is wearing PPE, you can’t assume the spray will reach the target in the same way as with an unprotected person. PPE can block, deflect, or create gaps that change how the irritant contacts skin and eyes, and edges or surfaces of gear can cause spray to drift away from the intended area. Because of these potential barriers, the safest and most effective approach is to adapt your method: consider higher concentrations or alternative delivery methods that can still deliver the irritant effectively despite the barrier, and make sure the PPE itself won’t hinder the spray or cause unintended drift. This means also paying attention to how the spray is released—angle, distance, and nozzle type—to minimize drift and ensure adequate exposure without overreach. Removing PPE beforehand or relying on a longer spray duration without addressing the barrier would risk safety and effectiveness, and using only water to decontaminate may not provide immediate or sufficient control of the exposure.