How to Test Pepper Spray

Pepper spray is a self-defense spray made from the hottest peppers in the world. The active ingredient, oleoresin capsicum, is effective as soon as it comes into contact with an attacker’s eyes, nose or mouth. Pepper spray should be tested upon purchase, but extreme care must be practiced during testing because it can cause severe eye and skin irritation as well as respiratory distress.

Things You Will Need

• Pepper spray

1.Take your pepper spray canister outside to test it. Pepper spray should be tested upon purchase and every three to six months after. Keep in mind that every time you test your pepper spray some will be used up so if you have a small canister it will need to be replaced after only a few test sprays.

2.Stand upwind of the direction in which you plan to test spray the pepper spray. If you are accidentally exposed to the pepper spray, immediately rinse the exposed areas with cold water. Any pain or discomfort that does not subside should be examined by a doctor.

3.Disarm the safety on your pepper spray canister.

4.Press the button that fires the pepper spray and hold it down for a second.

5.Watch to see that the pepper spray fired properly. If there is any question as to whether or not it worked, press the button again to make sure.

6.Reset the safety on the pepper spray canister. It is important to make sure the safety is in its proper place to prevent the accidental discharge of the pepper spray.

7.Put your pepper spray back in a safe location away from kids.