Using a gas spray for self-defense. Gas cartridges for self-defense
Gas canister- an aerosol device equipped with tear or irritant substances (irritants), intended for self-defense from people and aggressive animals (dogs, and in some countries special bear spray cans are produced with increased volume and range).
Gas canister can only be used for self-defense and only in case of emergency. It is understandable that parents want to give their children a means of protection, but when handing over a gas canister, it is necessary to explain that it can only be used for self-defense and only in case of emergency. Under no circumstances should you spray gas as a joke, because it can cause serious harm to the health of others.
Gas cartridges filled with substances that, in small concentrations, cause irritation of the mucous membranes of the eyes, upper respiratory tract, and sometimes the skin. The person against whom the spray was used is incapacitated for 5-15 minutes. Spraying an aerosol directly into the face can cause severe chemical burns to the nasopharynx and eyes. The gas can trigger an attack in children with allergies or asthma. There were such cases. For example, after one of the students of a Novgorod school, wanting to disrupt a physics lesson, sprayed pepper gas from a can into the room, three students with allergies ended up in intensive care. IN Irkutsk region 84 students and three teachers were poisoned by pepper gas from a “Shock” spray, in Solikamsk 11 schoolchildren, in Chuvashia – 13, in Altai – 65 became victims of hooliganism with a gas spray…. On October 20, 2011, in the courtyard of one of the schools in the city of Perm, a 3rd grade student carelessly sprayed pepper gas from a gas canister, and another student from the same class was injured.
The pranks of schoolchildren, of course, do not remain without consequences. Parents of children who cause emergencies are, as a rule, brought to administrative responsibility for improper performance of parental responsibilities.
So what to do if you are subjected to a “gas attack”?!
If you just happen to be in a room where a gas can was sprayed, open the windows and leave the room, let it be well ventilated.
What to do if gas gets into your face or eyes:
1.
Take a stable position in space - press against the wall, sit on a bench or just squat. Let me remind you that under the influence of gas the eyes close (blepharospasm) and you can simply fall or hit something, losing orientation in space.
If gas is sprayed in a room, try to leave the room (if your eyes are not completely closed).
2.
You need to remove any remaining substances from your face with a DRY soft cloth or napkin (just blot it - no need to rub hard) .
3.
Try to relieve painful symptoms using available remedies (if you have any on hand:
a) You can only rinse with A LOT of water (preferably warm). For example, stand with your face in the shower for a while (or something like that), i.e. do not wash with small amounts of liquid
(for example, from a drinking water bottle).
b) If you use PEPPER spray, you can wash your face with milk (from the bag).
But we must remember that all these methods only provide relief and do not relieve symptoms completely.
Hopefully you will never need these tips, but remember them anyway.
The gas canister is a means of civil defense. According to Federal Law Russian Federation dated December 13, 1996 No. 150-FZ “On Weapons” gas cartridges belong to civilian weapons self-defense. Article 24 of this Law defines the use of weapons in following cases: to protect life, health and property in a state of necessary defense or emergency. The use of a weapon must be preceded by a clearly expressed warning to the person against whom the weapon is used, except in cases where delay in the use of a weapon creates an immediate danger to human life or may entail other grave consequences. Moreover, the use of weapons in a state of necessary defense should not cause harm to third parties.
Gas cartridges – sufficient effective remedy self-defense, which, if used properly, can cause a lot of trouble to a potential offender. Structurally, the canister consists of a container with an irritant (irritant) under pressure and a valve. The effective range is from 0.5 to 2 meters, depending on the model. When used, the cylinder creates a cloud of irritant, so it is undesirable to use it indoors: there is a great danger of the irritant damaging not only the attacker, but also oneself and third parties in the room.
Most often, a surge in offenses involving the use of gas canisters occurs at the beginning of the school year. After the holidays, children have not yet switched to the business rhythm of life, they want to play pranks, and sometimes they do not realize that their pranks are turning into petty hooliganism.
What punishment can follow for using a gas spray?
It depends under what conditions you will use it. If hooligans attack in self-defense, then nothing will happen. But if for no apparent reason you suddenly spray an irritant in the face of another person, or simply in a passing citizen, then Article 20.1 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation (Code on administrative offenses RF) “Petty hooliganism.” And if you not only spray someone in the face for no reason, but also get it in the eye, and that eye becomes seriously inflamed, then these will already be articles of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, providing for liability for causing harm of some gravity (small , medium, grave harm), and if he is allergic to this gas and dies, then this will be Article 109 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation “Causing death by negligence.”
Be careful! Use gas canisters only for protection!
03.05.2018 10075
Gas cans are perhaps the most popular means of personal protection among Russians. While completely safe for life, the GB is a weapon - legislation regulates many nuances of the use of these devices. Let's try to figure out which gas cans are allowed for purchase by citizens of the Russian Federation, at what age can you use pepper spray and how to do it without exceeding the norms of necessary self-defense.
Gas and pepper cans: which are legal and which are not?
Federal legislation (Law on Weapons, 2013 edition) classifies gas canisters as civilian means of defense. This means that any Russian can buy and use one of the approved GB models. Allowed for purchase All Russian models (firms "TechKrim", "Heaton") and some foreign(Pfeffer KO Fog and KO Jet, Anti-Hund Spray). At what age can you buy a gas can? From adulthood, according to Russian standards – from 18 years old. In practice, you can also acquire a passport in an online store, where, of course, your passport will not be checked.
The following tear substances can be used in the canister (one irritant or two toxic substances together):
- Oleoresin Capsicum (OS or simply “pepper”) – a natural compound based on pepper concentrate – capsaicin. The law regarding the use of pepper spray limits the content of this substance to 1000 mg in a concentration of up to 1.2% by volume. Excellent pure pepper GB – , .
- Chlorobenzalmalonodinitrile (CS, "Lilac") – a popular synthetic poison with increased speed of action. Often used in a mixture with pepper - in models,. Maximum concentration – 1%, weight – 150 mg.
- IPC - a synthetic analogue of “pepper”. It is less effective than natural OS and is rarely used.
- Dibenzoxazepine (CR, "Algogen") - a lachrymator that is gaining popularity, its effect is similar to “Lilac”, but it acts faster and is less toxic. It is used, for example, in cartridges for APU - “Tarantula”, “Black Widow”. Concentration limit – 1%, mass – 60 mg.
- Chloroacetophenone (CN) - an effective, but very toxic gas with a blinding effect, legal “conditionally” - only in special gas cans for dogs, for example, a spray. Maximum 100 mg, 1% concentration.
Pepper spray law. How to defend yourself correctly?
The questions of which GBs are legal and at what age you can use pepper spray have been clarified. The next nuance is how to use a gas cylinder without overstepping the bounds of the vague concept of “necessary self-defense”?
It is worth remembering that the GB is a self-defense weapon, used exclusively for self-defense purposes. If not obvious signs threats from a potential enemy - he does not swing a fist, does not hold a knife in his hand, or is clearly weaker physically - then a stream of caustic irritant in the face will not be an adequate measure of protection.
The same applies to the use of GB against a child, an old person, a disabled person, a pregnant lady - in the absence of their own weapons. If the enemy has already been neutralized with tear gas, it is necessary to call the police, and not “finish off” him - such actions may be misinterpreted by the police.
By law, using pepper spray is a last resort and should only be used when other means have been exhausted. Remember that you have a weapon in your hands that cannot be pulled out on a whim! Use the defense wisely - and it will protect you without causing unnecessary problems!
This article will attract the attention of those who are interested in self-defense with pepper spray, possible consequences applications, first aid for damage to the eyes and respiratory system.
Today, pepper spray is the most common means of self-defense. It is easy to buy - no special permission is required. A wide variety of them can be found in military stores and hunting stores. Externally it is a metal case with a valve device, a sprayer and a protective cap. Some models are equipped with a flashlight for improved visibility in the dark. Prices for the product vary from 300 to 800 rubles.
The action of pepper spray is based on the irritating properties of hot red pepper. A stream or cloud of the drug released from the can, hitting the skin or mucous membranes of the eyes, causes severe burning and pain. When inhaling vapors, a cough begins, spasms in the throat, a feeling of lack of air and suffocation appears. As a result, tears and saliva are produced abundantly. Painful shock disorients a person in space, it is difficult for him to stand on his feet. The effect of the drug lasts for 20-30 minutes, sometimes longer.
This effect allows you to temporarily neutralize the enemy, call for help, or run away. Pepper spray is effective against intoxicated people and drug addicts. This makes it qualitatively different from tear gas, which does not have such properties. It will also help with attacks by dogs, which react to pepper extract in the same way as humans. Studies have been conducted that show that pepper spray can repel bears.
How to properly use pepper spray for self-defense
Using pepper spray does not require any special skills. Its design is such that it can be used by a young girl, a schoolboy, old man. But there are some aspects of use you need to know.
It should be remembered that:
- Do not use aerosol-type pepper spray in an enclosed space, elevator, or car. In this case, everyone in the confined space will suffer.
- Gusts of wind can carry vapor or jet away from the attacker, so you need to take into account its direction.
- It is better to aim at the eyes in order to deprive the enemy of vision for some time. Contact with the skin will simply cause a burning sensation and increase the aggression of the attacker.
- Pepper spray does not have an immediate effect. The delay in action is 2-30 seconds. At this time you need to be ready to defend.
- You cannot scare an attacker with a spray can. He can close his eyes and dodge. The guarantee of success is surprise.
- At low temperatures the effectiveness of the drug is reduced by half. Therefore, in winter you cannot store it in a car or carry it in your pocket.
- Don't try to save content. A small dose will not give the expected result. So, a 25 ml can is designed for only 1-2 times.
Consequences of using pepper spray
The Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation has regulated a list of permitted irritating substances with the maximum permissible concentration for the production of gas cartridges. This was done in order to prevent harm to health.
Pepper spray poses a serious danger only to people suffering from bronchial asthma and allergies. In them, pepper extract can cause an attack of suffocation, and without medical care in this case there is no way around it. In all other cases, the main symptoms (sore eyes, tears, cough, salivation) disappear within 2-3 hours. Cases have been recorded where the burning sensation persisted for a day or more. This suggests that the consequences of using pepper spray are individual character and depend on the physiological perception of a particular person.
Separately, it should be said that the use of pepper spray against police officers, fisheries and forestry inspectors is classified as a criminal offense.
First aid for a pepper spray burn
The first necessary action in case of a pepper spray burn is to eliminate the residue. irritant. Use a napkin, handkerchief, or clothing to blot the affected areas, avoiding rubbing. Do not wipe your face, as the composition penetrates the skin faster and covers large surfaces. All movements should be soft and absorbent.Important! Pepper extract does not dissolve in water; even large volumes will not wash it off completely.For these purposes it is better to use special tools:
- milk with high percentage fat content;
- 2% soda solution (15-20 g per 1.5 liters of water);
- 5% solution of table vinegar.
Practice shows that the use of additional means is not decisive for pain relief. It will subside on its own after the time of active action of the pepper extract has elapsed.
It is important to remain calm and not panic. It is better to drive away unpleasant thoughts and fears. No matter how severe the pain, there is no risk of going blind. After eliminating the discomfort, you should consult a doctor. He will prescribe medications that will relieve inflammation and prevent the development of bacterial infections.
In most cases, the following is prescribed:
- sodium sulfacyl;
- diclofenac;
- lidocaine.
Rating of the best pepper sprays
There is a wide range of pepper sprays in stores; making a choice is often difficult. The presented rating is based on cost, popularity, and the presence of positive reviews.In fact, this is a list of frequently purchased options:
- "Pepper 11A"
- "Black"
- "Sword"
- "Torch 2"
- "Hot pepper"
There are some nuances that you should know about if you become the owner of a gas spray. Taking them into account, you can minimize the cases when the gas will affect you too, or its use may have legal consequences.
So, let's list:
In weather with strong gusts wind, using gas can be not only pointless, but also dangerous for the defender. A jet or aerosol cloud can be unpredictably carried away to the side where strangers are located, while the attacker will remain outside the affected area;
In an enclosed space, an elevator or a car, when using aerosol cans, it will also hit everyone present without exception. Therefore, for such cases you should have a jet-type can with you;
According to the current legislation, it is PROHIBITED to use such means of self-defense against law enforcement officers in the performance of official duties. These include, for example, police officers, fish inspectors and nature conservation officers;
The gas canister should not be grabbed in front of the enemy, flaunted or intimidated by it. This will not have any positive effect; on the contrary, it will only anger the attacker and greatly complicate the situation. As we have already said in other articles, the main factor in the success of self-defense with a gas spray is surprise. It is surprise that will allow you to use it correctly, because if the enemy is ready to attack, he can simply close his eyes, hold his breath, turn away or jump away, and then all your attempts to defend yourself will be useless;
In winter, at severe subzero temperatures, the effect of a gas spray can be greatly reduced relative to normal conditions, especially if the can for a long time lay in the cold, for example, in a car. Remember this too;
There is an opinion that gas cans are useless against dogs or drunks. As practice shows, such statements are unfounded if you have a good gas cylinder, for example “Weapon of the Proletariat”, with high-quality active substance, which has been properly stored and used correctly. Such cans are equally effective against both dogs and persons under the influence of drugs or alcohol;
What should you do if, for one reason or another, you yourself have come under the influence of the gas? The rules here are quite simple: do not rub your face, especially when it’s dry, so the irritant will be absorbed into the skin even faster and bring more problems. Rinse your face and eyes big amount running water with soap, warm milk, or even get in the shower;
And finally, it’s also worth telling a little about the laws. If the use of special equipment resulted in harm to the health of the attacker, you are obliged to report this to law enforcement agencies. True, gas from a can can be truly dangerous only for those who suffer from asthma or severe allergies, which, however, does not detract from the importance of remembering this so as not to become a victim of prosecution;
On our own behalf, we can only wish you to avoid all the unpleasant consequences of using a gas spray, and generally not to find yourself in a situation where its use becomes necessary and justified;
Moscow City Duma deputy: “If a person is aggressive, he can kill with a hammer”
Gas cartridges walk a fine line, being an accessible means of both self-defense and attack. However, in Lately Attackers are increasingly using this aerosol for personal gain.
MK found out whether it is worth limiting the sale of gas cans and how the sellers themselves escape from aggressive buyers.
On April 17, an actor from the Commonwealth of Drama Artists theater was sprayed in the face with a gas canister. The artist survived, but suffered burns to his eyes. Three days earlier, teenagers suffered from the effects of the aerosol: schoolchildren tried to spray it themselves out of curiosity. On April 3, gas was sprayed in one of the educational institutions Ulyanovsk. A day earlier in Tver, thieves entered the house of a pensioner and, after spraying the woman in the face with a spray can, stole money.
The fact that a gas spray is a means of protection is regulated Federal law"About weapons." According to an article of the same law, aerosols do not require additional permits, but are sold only to those over 18 years of age.
There are two types of gas cartridges available in Russia: they differ in the degree of permission. You can buy aerosols of the first category freely. Aerosols of the second category are used by police officers and are not commercially available. They have higher power, which means the effect will be greater. But both of them are actually harmless to life - it is difficult to kill when spraying such a can. But harm is not a problem.
Gas canisters contain irritants - substances that have an irritating or tear-producing effect, says paramedic Vera Lugovaya. - If it gets into the eyes, it causes lacrimation. But sometimes it is enough for the attacker to blink and the effect of the gas wears off. Now there are new gel cans. The same active substance is there in a jet form and simply “covers up” the eyes and face, like polyurethane foam. You won’t be able to blink your eyes anymore, you’ll have to go and wash your face.
The consequence of the action of irritants - besides tears - is pain. In this case, the victim needs to consult a doctor for special pain-relieving drops.
But hairspray or the same aerosol deodorants when sprayed into the eyes will not have such an effect, explains the paramedic. - The active substance is different, weaker. This means that in self-defense, a can of varnish will not help much - the eyes will turn red, tears will flow, but the enemy will quickly blink away.
However, as can be seen from practice, spray cans often end up in the hands of schoolchildren, for whom they are rather toys. Moreover, according to the stories of some sellers, sometimes parents themselves buy such a dangerous device for their children - for self-defense. So maybe we should take the sale of spray cans more seriously and introduce a license - like when buying a weapon?
On the one hand, it would be nice,” Andrey, a salesman at one of the self-defense stores, told MK. - Because the clients come across are different, not just young ladies. And in order to sell the same cans, you need to very carefully follow safety precautions and understand psychology. For example, the most important thing is not to let go of the spray can when talking with a buyer. That is, if I see that in front of me is a decent and balanced person, I will give him a spray can in his hands. You need to carefully watch how the buyer holds it and where he directs it. I'm always ready to dodge or smack his hand away. Anyone who does not inspire confidence and looks, to put it mildly, dangerous - look only from the window or from my hands. And every third person is like that.
On the other hand, it is clear that any action will be met with opposition. As soon as the process of selling cans becomes more complicated, they will immediately begin to be sold underground. For example, only tear gas or pepper gas can be used in canisters. It causes redness, burning, tears, but nothing more (unless, of course, you spray it all out close to the victim). But no, no, and you can see advertisements on the Internet for the sale of cylinders with nerve gas, even though it is prohibited by the UN convention.
In the spring of 2014, when Crimea had just begun to come under Russian control, it was not very safe on the streets, says now Muscovite Ekaterina. - And I asked my friends to get me a gas canister, with nerve gas. I don’t know where they brought it from, but there were inscriptions in Ukrainian on the packaging. There was no need to use it.
Maybe you can get it in Ukraine,” counters the seller Andrey. - But in Moscow now, as far as I know, they are not sold. And what is on the Internet is fiction. Such cylinders contain the same irritants that, at most, cause tears and redness. Manufacturers make money from customers who want a “stronger” product. Nerve gases are weapons mass destruction, they are not even supplied to the police.
Chairman of the Moscow City Duma Security Commission Inna Svyatenko is against the introduction of licensing for gas cartridges.
We will tighten the purchase of spray cans, so what? Next, we will introduce restrictions on the sale of hammers, bricks, and any other items that can cause harm, and we will bring the situation to the point of absurdity. The law on weapons spells out what poses a real danger and what really requires a permit. And if a person is aggressive, he can kill with a hammer.
Although a tendency towards some tightening is still observed. As a salesperson from another store told MK, they do not require a certificate of the buyer’s psychiatric condition, but they still record the client’s name and surname and the number of the canister in a separate journal. You never know.
No, I think that this is also not necessary,” Svyatenko insists. - And what, will you have to present certificates when entering the bus or leaving the house? Believe me, a person with a young chemist’s kit can do anything himself.
