Which of the following statements reflects a safety guideline for OC discharge?

• A. Never discharge in the immediate vicinity of infants
• B. Discharge toward the ground to avoid harm
• C. Discharge repeatedly in short bursts
• D. Discharge from a distance beyond 20 feet

Answer: (A)

Safety when using OC spray focuses on protecting people nearby, especially those who are most vulnerable. Infants have very small airways and developing respiratory systems, so exposure to OC spray can cause more severe irritation, breathing difficulties, and distress for them. Because of this heightened risk, a primary safety guideline is to avoid discharging the spray in the immediate vicinity of infants.

The other statements don’t prioritize protection in the same way. Discharging toward the ground can still create a drifting cloud that travels unpredictably and can expose others who are nearby. Releasing multiple short bursts increases the total amount of spray in the environment and raises the chance of harming bystanders. Relying on a distance like “beyond 20 feet” sounds like a safeguard, but it doesn’t account for wind, indoor environments, or the presence of vulnerable people who might be closer than that line.

So, the most protective guideline among these is to avoid discharging OC spray near infants.