CHAPTER 7
SABRE® Phantom OC aerosol grenades are a cost effective and portable solution for confined area contamination. The aerosol grenades are a perfect solution for locating and motivating subjects to move from confined spaces. Since there is no time delay on deployment, students must be trained to properly control and deliver the canisters. The canister deploys microscopic droplets of Phantom OC. This will cause a burning sensation in the subject’s respiratory tract and lungs, causing a feeling of shortness of breath.
7.1 NOMENCLATURE OF THE MK-3 & MK-5 AEROSOL GRENADES
MK-3/AG-PTM-10 Aerosol Grenade - Payload of this munition is 2 ounces/ 56 grams/ 60 ml, and empties in approximately 6 seconds. It has an approximate coverage area of 10,000 cubicfeet/283cubicmeters in60seconds (time will be shorter for smaller rooms).
MK-5/AG-PTM-10 Aerosol Grenade - Payload of this munition is 5 ounces/ 140 grams/ 150ml, and empties in approximately 14 seconds. It has an approximate coverage area of 22,000 cubic feet / 623 cubic meters in 60 seconds (time will be shorter for smaller rooms).
7.2 SECURITY FEATURES OF SABRE® AEROSOL GRENADES
Sabre® aerosol grenades are immediate deployment weapons. This means they have no delay from the moment the actuator is depressed. For this reason it is imperative that the canister cap is not removed from the canister until the operator is ready to deploy the grenade. The cap prevents the actuator from accidentally being depressed. The cap should be in place anytime the aerosol grenade is transported.
7.3 SABRE® AEROSOL GRENADE DEPLOYMENT
For optimal deployment results, Sabre® aerosol grenade systems have the best effect when deployed indoors or in confined areas. The units are an excellent tool to drive subjects from confined areas or to assist in locating subjects potentially hiding in confined areas. Throwing an aerosol grenade into a crawl space, closet, small room, etc., prevents the officer from having to expose themselves. The MK-3 is an excellent solution for canine tracking units as they are portable and prevent having to send the canine into confined areas. Since the product is entirely aerosol based, there is absolutely no fear of accidental fire. Operators should be aware that the aerosol grenades are not designed for large area contamination.
7.3 SABRE® AEROSOL GRENADE DEPLOYMENT
As the aerosol grenades immediately activate when the actuator is depressed, it is important that strict deployment guidelines are followed to prevent cross contamination. The aerosol grenades primarily affect the subject’s breathing and have only a limited effect on the vision, unless the fog directly sprays into the subject’s eyes.
7.3 SABRE® AEROSOL GRENADE DEPLOYMENT
Aerosol Grenade Deployment
- Remove protective cap.
- Advise assisting officers that you are going to deploy the aerosol grenade.
- Point the nozzle away from your body and towards the area desired to be contaminated. Ensure no assisting personnel are in line of deployment.
- Depress the actuator and the OC should begin to disperse.
- Immediately toss the aerosol grenade with force into the area desired.
- Allow for contents to completely disperse from the canister and additional time for the OC to fill the area.
7.3 SABRE® AEROSOL GRENADE DEPLOYMENT
Maximum Level of Subject or Confined Area Contamination (MK-3 Phantom OC Aerosol Grenade AG-PTM-10)
DO NOT use more than 2 AG-PTM-10 when trying to extract a subject from a cell or similar sized confined space. If you are unable to restrain the subject after deployment of the 2nd AG-PTM-10, employ the next appropriate weapon.
DO NOT deploy a 3rd AG-PTM-10 into the cell or confined space. Deploy the 1st AG-PTM-10 and if the desired affect is not achieved, then deploy the 2nd AG-PTM-10. DO NOT deploy both at the same time. The product should take effect almost immediately.
DO NOT leave the subject in a cell or any confined space which has been exposed to OC. Remove the subject from the cell or confined space as soon as safe for the officers to do so.
Additionally, before deployment of an AG-PTM-10 into the cell or confined space, check to see if an officer has already deployed an AG-PTM-10 into this space to ensure no more than 2 AG-PTM-10 are deployed into the same confined space.
Maximum Level of Subject or Confined Area Contamination (MK-5 Phantom OC Aerosol Grenade AG-PTM-40)
DO NOT use more than 1 AG-PTM-40 when trying to extract a subject from a cell or similar sized confined space. The product should take effect almost immediately. If you are unable to restrain the subject after deployment of 1 AG-PTM-40, employ the next appropriate weapon. DO NOT deploy a second AG-PTM-40 into the cell or confined space.
DO NOT leave the subject in a cell or any confined space which has been exposed to OC. Remove the subject from the cell or confined space as soon as safe for the officers to do so.
Additionally, before deployment of an AG-PTM-40 into the cell or confined space, check to see if an officer has already deployed an AG-PTM-10 or AG-PTM-40 into this space. DO NOT deploy if either the 10 or 40 have already been deployed.