If an OC device malfunctions during deployment, what steps should be taken?

• A. Stop spraying, withdraw to safe distance, notify supervisor, replace with functioning device; secure evidence.
• B. Continue spraying until device ends.
• C. Ignore malfunction and proceed as normal.
• D. Ventilate area and reattempt from same position.

Answer: (C)

When an OC device malfunctions, safety requires stopping use immediately, withdrawing to a safe distance, and not continuing with the same device. The best course is to notify a supervisor and replace the malfunctioning unit with a functioning one. Securing the faulty device as evidence helps with the investigation and prevents repeated issues. This keeps exposure risk minimal for you and others and ensures proper accountability and equipment checks.

Continuing to spray despite a malfunction is unsafe because you don’t know why the device failed and you may expose yourself or bystanders to unintended aerosols or incomplete deployment. Ignoring the problem and proceeding as if nothing happened ignores safety protocols. Reattempting from the same position with a malfunctioning device can reintroduce risk, whereas reattempts should be done only with a functioning device under proper supervision. Ventilation of the area and medical evaluation if exposure occurred are additional steps that may be taken as per policy, but the primary actions are stop, distance, replace, and document.