Is pepper spray legal in Poland?
Pepper gas is an effective self-defense tool that will help thwart an attacker. However, many people wonder if pepper spray is legal? You will find out in the following guide. The article will answer such questions as whether pepper spray is legal, how old can you own pepper spray, and whether you need a permit for it.
Pepper gas, and the permit
Wondering if you need a permit for pepper spray? Pepper gases are not incapacitating gases. In view of this, they are not considered hand-held incapacitating gas throwers listed in the Law on Arms and Ammunition. Acquisition of pepper gases does not require additional permits, and no license is required for their sale, as they are classified as ordinary defense accessories.
Pepper gas - how old is it to own?
In Poland, there are no regulations specifying how old one can possess pepper spray.
Pepper gas use - when is it legal?
The use of pepper spray is justified if we act in necessary defense. The definition and regulation of necessary defense can be found in Article 25 of the Polish Criminal Code:
Article 25 Law of June 6, 1997.
§ 1. He does not commit a crime who, in necessary defense, repels a direct, unlawful attack on any good protected by law.
§ 2. If the limits of necessary defense are exceeded, in particular, if the offender used a mode of defense disproportionate to the danger of the attack, the court may apply extraordinary leniency or even waive the punishment.
§ 2a. Whoever exceeds the limits of necessary defense by repelling an attack consisting of breaking into an apartment, premises, house or adjacent fenced area, or by repelling an attack preceded by breaking into such places, shall not be subject to punishment, unless the exceeding of the limits of necessary defense was gross.
§ 3. Whoever exceeds the limits of necessary defense under the influence of fear or agitation justified by the circumstances of the attack shall not be subject to punishment.
Necessary defense is the legitimate repulsion of an attack, the violent bargaining of an attacker against some legal good, someone's life, health, property or other goods. It can include both the protection of one's own property and the property of others. To qualify as a necessary defense, the attack must be direct, that is, threatening in a real and immediate manner, and not merely anticipated in the future. In addition, the attacker must act unlawfully, which means committing a crime or offense. You can read more on this topic in our article on in terms of necessary defense.
How to use pepper spray safely?
Before using pepper gas, it's a good idea to read the instruction manual carefully to learn how to use it properly.
- One must be careful not to spray the gas in the direction of one's face, as this can cause health problems.
- Pepper gas should always be under control and stored in a safe place to prevent its accidental use.
- Be sure to check the expiration date of the product and replace it if it is expired.
- It is worth knowing that pepper gases can differ from each other in many parameters, such as capacity, OC concentration, sharpness and range of action. Before choosing a particular product, it is worth paying attention to its specifications.
- There are three basic forms of ejecting pepper gas from a tray. The most popular of these is cone (so-called cloud). This form is characterized by a wide spread of substance, which makes it easier to hit the target, but also makes it vulnerable to wind. The second form is stream, which has a longer range than cloud, but requires more precision when aiming. However, the jet is less affected by weather conditions. The third form is gel or foam, which is the safest option when it comes to the risk of cloud-back. Gas in this form can be used indoors.
- The sharpness of capsaicin, expressed in SHUs, affects the speed of the pepper gas. The higher the SHU value, the faster the action
- The concentration of OC as a percentage is important for the persistence of the effects of contact, but has less impact on the rate of action. For example: a pepper spray with a sharpness of 3 million SHU and a concentration of 6% will act faster than one with a sharpness of 2 million SHU and a concentration of 10%. Although the second gas will act with a greater delay, the effects of contact will last longer.
Pepper gas offer at Militaria.pl
You already know that pepper spray is legal and does not require a permit. Militaria.co.uk offers many types of pepper gases of different capacity and power. Among the available products are: police gases, training gases, gases with an alarm, and even special pepper spray for women, which look like ordinary lipstick.
Pepper gases offered in our store eject an irritant substance in the form of a gel, stream or cone (cloud). They may contain a dye, which has an identifying function and allows marking the attacker. The dye can be ultraviolet or a striking color (such as bright green). We also offer pepper gases designed for defense against animals. Pepper gases have no toxic properties and are safe for the environment. When dispersed, pepper gas breaks down and spreads without creating permanent contamination.
