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### *U.S. Geological Survey Manual*

# Appendix 46-1 Part 445-2-H Chapter 46

## USGS Bear Spray Training Standards

**Introduction**

These minimum training standards are guidelines for instructing U.S.
Geological Survey (USGS) employees, volunteers covered by a properly
executed USGS Form 9-2080, Individual Volunteer Services Agreement, and
students acquired by purchase orders citing Public Law 106-113 as the
authority for the award in the safe handling and employment of Bear
Spray for defense against wild animals. This includes contracted
instructors and instructors from other Federal agencies.

All Bear Spray training conducted under the auspices of the USGS must
meet or exceed these minimum standards and those stated in Chapter 46 of
the USGS *Occupational Safety and Health Program Requirements Handbook
-* 445-2-H.

All questions concerning the USGS Bear Spray policy and regulations
should be addressed to the Bureau and Regional Firearms Safety Managers.
Below is an outline of the various topics that shall be included in any
Bear Spray course.

**Minimum Training Standards**

1\. *General Bear Spray Safety*.

A. All students shall be instructed to:

\(1\) Always point the pepper spray nozzle in a safe direction.

\(2\) Always use eye protection when training with Bear Spray to guard
against the hydraulic needle effect of the aerosol canister at close
ranges.

2\. *Bear Spray Use in the Field*.

A. Field and camp policies.

B. Shipping of Bear Spray:

\(1\) Other Regulated Materials -- Domestic (ORM-D).

C. Commercial aircraft.

D. Field aircraft (helicopter and fixed wing).

E. Watercraft.

F. Government vehicles.

G. State and municipal laws concerning the personal carrying and usage
of Bear Spray.

3\. *USGS Regulations and Policies*.

A. Purpose and scope.

B. Bear Spray training standards:

\(1\) User.

\(2\) Instructor.

C. Record keeping.

D. Safe storage, shipping, transport, and disposal.

E. Responsibilities:

\(1\) Supervisor.

\(2\) Employee.

4\. *Responsibilities Associated with Bear Spray Training, Issuance, and
Use*.

A. Responsible behavior with Bear Spray.

B. Importance of being within scope of employment and the Federal
Employee Liability Reform and Tort Compensation Act of 1988.

5\. *EPA Registration of Bear Spray*.

A. Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA).

B. EPA registration.

C. Elements of a Bear Spray product label.

6\. *Bear Spray Chemistry, Characteristics, and Delivery Systems*.

A. History of Bear Spray.

B. Source and formulation of Bear Spray:

\(1\) Active ingredients (major capsaicinoids).

\(2\) Carriers and solvents.

\(3\) Propellants.

C. Capsaicin strength (percentage versus scoville heat units).

D. Physical effects of Bear Spray.

E. Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC) recommendations:

\(1\) "Be Bear Aware" Comparison Chart.

F. Bear Spray characteristics:

\(1\) Range and spray pattern.

G. Shelf life and recommended storage.

H. Bear Spray canister components.

7\. *Methods of Use*.

A. How and when to arm and deploy.

B. How to disarm.

C. Use of holsters.

8\. *Post-Exposure Treatment*.

A. Human exposure and treatment:

\(1\) Washing of affected areas.

\(2\) Observation.

B. Vehicle clean-up and decontamination.

9\. *Comparison of Bear Spray versus other Methods of Wild Animal
Protection*.

A. Pros and cons of Bear Spray versus the use of firearms.

10\. *Comparisons between Bear Spray and Personal Defense Pepper Spray
(for defense against humans)*.

A. Percent Oleoresin of Capsicum versus percent active ingredient.

B. Characteristics of personal defense pepper spray.

11\. *Defensive Mindset for Defense against Wild Animals*.

A. Color code for Bear Spray.

B. Mental triggers.

12\. *Appropriate Practical Exercises to Help Build Proficiency in the
Safe Use of Bear Spray*.

A. All exercises will stress the safe use of Bear Spray.

B. Proper manipulation of the safety mechanism.

C. One- and two-hand operation.

D. Bear Spray carry systems.