Workers who carry pepper spray as a defense against potential attackers can pose a problem for facility managers. Uncontrolled shutdowns can be caused by misuse or accidental discharge of pepper spray, which typically contains enough material to contaminate about 20,000 square feet and can cover that area in less than a minute. Exposure to pepper spray can cause dizziness, respiratory problems and nausea. If you surveyed employees to determine how much pepper spray is brought in to the workplace, you might be surprised at the results.
The primary ingredient in most pepper sprays is Oleoresin Capsicum (OC). It is obtained using an extraction process in which chili peppers are dried and ground into fine powder, and it can be diluted to various strengths.
To keep it from being discharged in your facility, check with local law enforcement officials for rules that may apply to your facility. If there are no rules that apply, two other approaches are to develop a rule prohibiting possession of pepper spray in your facilities, and to communicate the dangers of an accidental release of pepper spray and obtain the necessary material safety data sheets.
Based on a report in Facility Issues
