CS spray incapacitant, as opposed to CS gas, is widely used by Police Forces
in the United Kingdom.  There is potential for Trust staff to be exposed to CS
spray as a result of:

• handling a patient or other person upon whom the spray has been
used; or
• a healthcare containment operation on Trust premises where the police
have responded and CS spray has been used; 

The effects of CS spray incapacitant

When a person is exposed to CS spray the effects can vary between
individuals but are typically:

• pain and discomfort in the eyes, excessive watering and reduced
vision;
• involuntary spasm of the eyelids;
• burning sensation in the nose and throat;
• excessive nasal secretion;
• excessive salivation;
• burning and constriction of the chest;
• sneezing, coughing and retching; and
• stinging or burning sensation on exposed skin –this may go red and
flake or  blister up to a week after exposure.

CS spray normally has an effect within 20 seconds and which will usually last
for approximately 15 to 30 minutes.

Treatment for CS spray incapacitant

Medical treatment is not always required for a person exposed to CS spray. 
The person should be removed from exposure to, where possible, a well-
ventilated area preferably where there is a free flow of air to ensure rapid
dispersal of the CS spray.  It is important that the person is given
reassurance.

Tear secretions are normally sufficient to remove the chemical from the eyes. 
Where the exposed person continues to have eye problems, copious irrigation
should be given and medical advice sought immediately

Anyone suffering persistent breathing difficulties lasting more than 20 minutes
must be referred to Accident and Emergency for assessment and treatment
as necessary.  Persons with a pre-existing cardiovascular condition should be
examined and monitored by a doctor as hypertension can be exacerbated by
exposure to CS spray.

Guidance for staff

Staff must be aware that they themselves can be contaminated by a
patient, or the patient’s clothes, when giving treatment.  The following
guidance should be applied:

• wear gloves and an apron when treating the exposed person;
• where possible isolate them and move them to a well-ventilated area;
and
• contaminated clothing should be removed as soon as possible,
ventilated in a safe place before being placed into a laundry bag which
can be sealed and placed directly into a washing machine.  Bags
should be clearly marked as containing CS contaminated clothing.

Expectant mothers must not be exposed to persons who themselves
have been exposed to CS spray.

Staff may experience similar symptoms to the person exposed and should:

• remain calm and not rub their eyes or skin;
• stand in fresh air and breathe normally;
• remove any contaminated clothing.  Clothing contaminated with CS
spray can be washed in a conventional washing machine but it is
advisable to wash the clothing several times and separate from other
items.
• seek medical advice if symptoms persist for longer than 30 minutes;
• report the incident in accordance with the Trust’s Incident Reporting
Procedure; and
• contact the Occupational Health Service should they have further
concerns.