How To Get Pepper Spray Out Of Your Eyes

If you own or handle pepper spray, it is important to know how to treat an area that has been affected. This is mainly useful in the case of accidentally spraying it on yourself or someone else. 

CAUTION: FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN FIRST OR SECOND DEGREE BURNS, SEVERE SKIN IRRITATION, DEPIGMENTATION OR OTHER SKIN INJURY.

• Remove contact lenses and contaminated clothing immediately. Contaminated clothing should be washed or dry-cleaned, as appropriate, prior to re-use to prevent skin injury.
• Flush contaminated area with large quantities of cool water or a diluted baking soda solution and expose the area to fresh air as soon as possible.
• Do not apply salves, creams, oils or lotions as they can trap the irritant agent against the skin and result in blisters or burns.
• Consult a physician if irritation persists.
• Use Mace® Brand Decontamination Spray.

The TakeDown brand, a division of Mace® Brand, offers aerosol defense sprays and tactical products for law enforcement and security professionals.

It's also important to decontaminate the area where the pepper spray was sprayed. These recommended techniques have been successful in reducing the irritant agent, especially on hard and non-absorbent surfaces.

Follow the three steps below to decontaminate a building and/or items of equipment. Safety wear, including but not limited to eye protection, respiratory protection, rubber gloves and protective clothing, should be worn.

Aeration

• The single, most important step in the decontamination process is to remove all airborne particles of the irritant agent within the building.

• Open Doors and windows to create cross ventilation. Wherever possible, use active ventilation from an exhaust fan to remove the contaminated air from the building. Keep the exhaust fan running until the total decontamination process is complete.

Removal

• Cloth-covered furniture, disposable goods and other items which cannot be decontaminated should be removed. These items can either be destroyed or exposed to the fresh air and sunlight to reduce the effects.

Wipe Down/Wash Down

• In most cases, the irritant agent may be removed by wiping down the affected areas with a mild solution of a detergent dissolved in lukewarm water.

• Do not use hot water, as this will cause the irritant agent to become airborne. Rubber gloves should be worn to protect the hands from the irritant agent. Dispose of all materials used in the cleanup operation after use.

• Carpets and rugs should be cleaned to remove any residual irritant agent. All disposal practices must be in compliance with all Federal, state/provincial and local laws and regulations. Regulations may vary in different locations.