Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 1:06 PM AWST

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Defend persons using spray

Defend persons using spray

Unit of competency
National Code
CPPSEC3126
State Code
OAP46
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
21/01/2019
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
20/05/2020
Field of Education
091105 - Police Studies
Original Release Date
20/05/2020
Nominal Hours
6
Description
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 withdrawalusing negotiation techniques to defuse conflict and give spoken warning of the intention to use spraydischarging 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 subjectmonitoring 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.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Assess need to use spray and response options.
  • 1.1 Review workplace procedures and policies to ensure compliance with legal rights and responsibilities when using spray for security work.
  • 1.2 Inspect spray canister for correct operation, locate actuator button, and clarify procedures for use.
  • 1.3 Assess need to use spray against known information and potential and existing risks and threats, and decide preferred response option to contain incident.
2. Confirm personal safety needs and present spray.
  • 2.1 Select and use PPE to meet WHS requirements.
  • 2.2 Check and confirm personal safety needs and identify withdrawal options.
  • 2.3 Present spray in a non-threatening manner while maintaining eye contact with subject.
3. Negotiate and give warning.
  • 3.1 Use interpersonal techniques to exchange information with the subject and negotiate to defuse conflict and aggression.
  • 3.2 Give clear spoken warning to the subject and advise of intention to use spray.
4. Discharge spray.
  • 4.1 Control and direct spray to contain source of threat following manufacturer’s specifications.
  • 4.2 Discharge spray ensuring canister is upright and that grip and handling allows secure retention and continued control.
  • 4.3 Use tactical positioning that is fluid, uses available cover and protection and allows options for withdrawal.
  • 4.4 Adjust discharge to respond to changing circumstances and discontinue spray immediately when threat ceases.
  • 4.5 Monitor wellbeing of subject and provide care or seek immediate assistance from relevant persons.
  • 4.6 Decontaminate self, clothing and equipment from spray exposure.
5. Evaluate spray use and maintain spray.
  • 5.1 Review and evaluate effectiveness of response using spray against incident circumstances and observations, in consultation with relevant persons.
  • 5.2 Identify improvements to future security response procedures using spray.
  • 5.3 Inspect condition of spray and report identified faults.
  • 5.4 Complete and securely maintain documentation in accordance with workplace requirements.
  • 5.5 Recognise effects of stress and manage own well-being using stress management techniques.
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
D1417 CPPSEC3016A Defend persons using spray Unit of competency