Barbara Scott Tutorial: Instructions For Initial Setup And Testing Of Pepper Spray

At almost every Colorado Safety Educators’ safety seminar, I am asked how to set up and test pepper spray. I will show attendees how, and sometimes we have even gone outside to demonstrate and actually do a test spray (being mindful of which way the wind is blowing).

Our team created the traditional written Pepper Spray Instructions and we have used that for years.

I learn much better with personal instruction, pictures, and as a last resort…reading the instructions. To help those of you like me, I have created a Flickr photo album tutorial to show you how to do your initial pepper spray setup and testing. When you purchase pepper spray, you are supposed to do a split second test fire. You must know that pepper spray will come out!

The photo album is also a slide show. Please watch it. Together with the written instructions that I am posting for you below, you should be able to easily setup and test your pepper spray. If you still have questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Click here for the slideshow “Instructions for initial setup and testing of pepper spray.”

This and all of Barbara Scott Tutorials are copyrighted.  If you wish to use this tutorial, please contact me for permission prior to using this information.

Barbara Scott Tutorial: Instructions for Initial Setup and Testing of Pepper Spray.

Slide #1: Instructions for initial setup and testing of pepper spray that Barbara Scott uses and recommends at her Colorado Safety Educators’ personal safety seminars.

The popular pepper spray unit that Barbara is demonstrating is called a Pepper Spray Key Chain. It is a 1/2 oz. size canister.  It has a range of 8 to 12 feet and sprays a fine mist that comes out in a forceful spray pattern. It should have approximately 8 - one second bursts. Situation guidelines place this size unit as a medium range defense ( 8 to 12 feet ).

Barbara uses a Pepper Spray Key Release as the connector between her keys on one end and the pepper spray case on the other end.  You will see it in the pictures dangling from the red pepper spray case.  It is black with steel key rings at either end with the disconnect, or release button, in the middle.

You must be able to separate your keys from your pepper spray.  Several examples showing the importance of separating your keys and pepper spray would be: 

• If you were attacked and your keys were in the ignition of your running vehicle.
• If you were attacked and your keys were in the lock of your front door.
• You want to gain entry into a security area where your pepper spray will be taken from you, such as an airport or court house.

OBEY THE LAW: possession and/or use of this product may be prohibited in some jurisdictions. If unsure, contact your local law enforcement agency. States with pepper spray restrictions include MA, MI, NY, and WI.

Slide #2:  Lightly shake the unit.  Unsnap the leatherette case.

Slide #3:  Take the pepper spray canister out of the case.

Slide #4:  Look for the expiration date on the side of the canister.  On some canisters the manufactured date with month and year are stamped on the bottom.  SAVE THE DATE so you can reorder before the expiration date.  Make sure the top section sits squarely onto the bottom section.  If top section is crooked, adjust the tilt.  Put the canister back into the case.

Slide #5:  The red actuator tab on top rotates from the locked to the unlocked position.  Unlock it to expose the nozzle hole where the pepper spray comes out.

Slide #6:  Twist the canister so that the nozzle hole is not blocked by the leatherette top flap when the top flap is snapped back into place.

Slide #7:  IMPORTANT!  The nozzle hole MUST be lined up with a stitched seam.  This will ensure an unblocked stream of pepper spray will come out.

Slide #8:  It is your choice whether you keep the red actuator tab on the top, in a locked or unlocked position.  Snap the button back into place.  The pepper spray is ready to be test fired.

Slide #9:  This BUTTON is the key to knowing which way you are spraying.  As you hold the pepper spray unit in your hand, this button can be either facing to the right or to the left.  Whether you are right-handed or left-handed, it does not matter.  It is your choice which way to face the button so that the nozzle hole is NOT facing YOU as you hold the pepper spray case in your hand.  As you attach your keys to this pepper spray unit and key release, and begin CARRYING this unit with you, you will become used to feeling the button, and therefore carrying the unit with nozzle hole facing AWAY from you.

Slide #10:  OUTSIDE, WHERE THE WIND IS NOT BLOWING AT YOU, aim the nozzle hole toward an open area for a test fire.  Press the red actuator tab with your thumb firmly, THROUGH the leatherette case, for a short 1/2 second burst.  In case of an attack, seconds are critical.  You have no time to unsnap anything.  You are pressing on top of the case to spray the pepper spray.

I STRONGLY RECOMMEND that you always test your newly purchased pepper spray.  You are only making sure that pepper spray will come out.  Please do not empty the canister during this split second test fire, or you won’t have any pepper spray left within the canister to defend yourself with.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER:  I have made every effort to accurately walk you through a logical step-by-step Tutorial for the initial setup and testing of a very popular, specific type and size, pepper spray unit.  The pictures and examples used in this Tutorial are of my hands (Barbara Scott’s hands), and pepper spray that is offered for sale by myself, at my Colorado Safety Educators’ personal safety seminars, and also through my online sales.  I cannot guarantee that anyone will achieve the same or similar results.  Each individual’s success depends upon his or her willingness, and abilities to read and follow visual and/or written instructions. As with any set of instructions, there is always a risk that readers will not completely understand.  I have done my best to be clear, but I cannot guarantee that you will be able to properly setup and test fire your pepper spray unit.  If you are unclear or confused, you may contact me through products@coloradosafetyeducators.org and my team and I will work with you to the best of our abilites to answer your pepper spray initial setup and testing questions.  

Hope this helps!

Barbara Scott