CHEMICAL AGENT CERTIFICATION
Define: "MACE" and Oleoresin Capsicum (OC): correct answers=MACE is a brand name.
-OC is "Oleoresin Capsicum" and is an inflammatory agent.
-OC color code is Orange.
Identify the active ingredient in chemical agent OC: correct answers-Capsaicin is the active ingredient in
OC and is completely organic.
-There are two (2) formulations of Oleoresin Capsicum:
-#1: Water Based: developed so water can be used as the primary ingredient, replacing the hazardous
industrial solvents and ensuring the product is non-flammable.
Identify the active ingredient in chemical agent OC: correct answers-#2: Oil Based OC products require
high concentrations of industrial solvents to ensure even capsaicinoid dispersion
Know possible physiological responses from exposure to OC agents: correct answers-Involuntary closure
of the eyes;
-Involuntary extension of the hands toward the face;
-Burning sensation and inflammation of the eyes, mucous membranes, and burning sensation to
contaminated skin and tissues;
CONT.
Know possible physiological responses from exposure to OC agents: correct answers-The secretion of
excessive mucous from the nose
-Shortness of breath or feeling suffocated
-Tightness of the chest associated with a gripping pain
CONT.
, Know possible physiological responses from exposure to OC agents: correct answers-Vaso-dilation,
resulting in increased blood flow to the contaminated area and
minimal swelling; and
-Approximately .005% of the general population may have an allergic reaction to
various types of peppers.
Identify the target area when deploying OC and why it is important to hit that area: correct answers-
Target Area: Forehead, eyes, nose, and mouth;
-Failure to hit the target area will have little to no effect on the subject.
Identify reaction time when using OC products: correct answers-OC has a varied reaction time that for
most people is between 1 to 5 seconds,
PROVIDED THE TARGET AREA HAS BEEN CONTAMINATED.
-No OC agent is 100% effective.
.... correct answersKnow that the use of OC is considered a use of a less-than-lethal weapon.
Identify minimum and maximum distance of a ballistic stream spray and how distance relates to the
"Hydraulic Needle Effect": correct answers-"Hydraulic Needle Effect": physical injury or tearing of the eye
by means of compressed air pressure:
-When deploying OC, a distance of 3 ft will limit the possibility of causing injury to the eye(s), resulting
from the "Hydraulic Needle Effect."
CONT.
Identify minimum and maximum distance of a ballistic stream spray and how distance relates to the
"Hydraulic Needle Effect": correct answers-Minimum distance: 3 feet
-Maximum distance: 10-12 feet
-Instances of "Hydraulic Needle Effect" are rare, but should be taken into
consideration.
Define: "MACE" and Oleoresin Capsicum (OC): correct answers=MACE is a brand name.
-OC is "Oleoresin Capsicum" and is an inflammatory agent.
-OC color code is Orange.
Identify the active ingredient in chemical agent OC: correct answers-Capsaicin is the active ingredient in
OC and is completely organic.
-There are two (2) formulations of Oleoresin Capsicum:
-#1: Water Based: developed so water can be used as the primary ingredient, replacing the hazardous
industrial solvents and ensuring the product is non-flammable.
Identify the active ingredient in chemical agent OC: correct answers-#2: Oil Based OC products require
high concentrations of industrial solvents to ensure even capsaicinoid dispersion
Know possible physiological responses from exposure to OC agents: correct answers-Involuntary closure
of the eyes;
-Involuntary extension of the hands toward the face;
-Burning sensation and inflammation of the eyes, mucous membranes, and burning sensation to
contaminated skin and tissues;
CONT.
Know possible physiological responses from exposure to OC agents: correct answers-The secretion of
excessive mucous from the nose
-Shortness of breath or feeling suffocated
-Tightness of the chest associated with a gripping pain
CONT.
, Know possible physiological responses from exposure to OC agents: correct answers-Vaso-dilation,
resulting in increased blood flow to the contaminated area and
minimal swelling; and
-Approximately .005% of the general population may have an allergic reaction to
various types of peppers.
Identify the target area when deploying OC and why it is important to hit that area: correct answers-
Target Area: Forehead, eyes, nose, and mouth;
-Failure to hit the target area will have little to no effect on the subject.
Identify reaction time when using OC products: correct answers-OC has a varied reaction time that for
most people is between 1 to 5 seconds,
PROVIDED THE TARGET AREA HAS BEEN CONTAMINATED.
-No OC agent is 100% effective.
.... correct answersKnow that the use of OC is considered a use of a less-than-lethal weapon.
Identify minimum and maximum distance of a ballistic stream spray and how distance relates to the
"Hydraulic Needle Effect": correct answers-"Hydraulic Needle Effect": physical injury or tearing of the eye
by means of compressed air pressure:
-When deploying OC, a distance of 3 ft will limit the possibility of causing injury to the eye(s), resulting
from the "Hydraulic Needle Effect."
CONT.
Identify minimum and maximum distance of a ballistic stream spray and how distance relates to the
"Hydraulic Needle Effect": correct answers-Minimum distance: 3 feet
-Maximum distance: 10-12 feet
-Instances of "Hydraulic Needle Effect" are rare, but should be taken into
consideration.
