Guidance

Comparison report on CS and PAVA sprays

This report provides information on the similarities and differences between CS and PAVA sprays.

• From: Home Office
• Published: 12 August 2014

Documents

Comparison report on CS and PAVA sprays

Ref: ISBN 978 1 78246 397 9, CAST 24/14

PDF, 270 KB, 28 pages

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Details

This report has been compiled at the request of the National Policing Lead on Self Defence Arrest and Restraint (SDAR) to provide information on the similarities and differences between CS and PAVA sprays.

It is based on a previous comparative study published in 2004, which reviewed the two approved chemical irritant solutions that were available at the time: CS in MIBK and PAVA in 50% aqueous ethanol. Since the publication of the 2004 review, a new solvent formulation for PAVA has been approved: PAVA in monopropylene glycol, ethanol and water.

The report details the technical differences between all three approved chemical irritant solutions, and compares the operational experience of officers using the sprays via information collected from officers who have used at least two of the approved sprays. Officers were asked to give a direct comparison from their experience; therefore the data collected are purely subjective and opinion‐based.

Published 12 August 2014