§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidelines exist on the decontamination of the area in the vicinity of use of CS spray. [38172]
§ Mr. MichaelCS spray is bio-degradable and does not require any special decontamination procedure. Normal ventilation will remove CS from the environment in approximately 45 minutes, although this might take a little longer depending upon the amount of CS spray used and the level of ventilation. Normal washing of clothing will be sufficient to remove CS from it, although sometimes it may take several washes depending upon the amount of CS used.
The Association of Chief Police Officers has issued guidance to all forces in England and Wales on this subject. As part of their training in the use of CS spray, all officers are aware that the above advice should be given to all occupants of premises or vehicles where CS spray has been used.