This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to defend persons using spray, commonly known as ‘capsicum’ (oleoresin capsicum) or ‘pepper’ spray.

It includes:

• complying with policies, procedures and legal rights and responsibilities including workplace health and safety (WHS)
• identifying and assessing the need to use spray based on risk and threat levels, and confirming personal safety needs including personal protective equipment (PPE) and options for withdrawal
• using negotiation techniques to defuse conflict and give spoken warning of the intention to use spray
• discharging spray in a controlled manner and adjusting discharge to respond to changing circumstances in a manner that protects self and others and does not cause undue harm to the subject
• monitoring the wellbeing of the subject and providing required assistance.

It applies to people working independently or under limited supervision as members of a security team.

This unit may form part of the licensing requirements for people engaged in security operations in those states and territories where these are regulated activities.