Byrna Safety Guidelines – General Handling and First Aid

Using Your Byrna Launcher Safely

1. Read and fully understand how your Byrna launcher operates before use.
2. Careless use can result in serious injury or death. Do not use if under legal age or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
3. The Byrna launcher is not a toy. Always engage the safety (if equipped) and keep it out of reach of children.
4. Never point the launcher at any person or animal except in self-defense.
5. Do not aim at anything you do not intend to shoot.
6. Impacts to the head, neck, or spine may cause serious injury or death.
7. Byrna chemical projectiles may contain:
   • Oleoresin Capsicum (OC)
   • Nonivamide (Capsaicin II / PAVA)
     These can irritate skin, eyes, and respiratory systems. Handle with care.
8. Wear protective eyewear when possible. Ensure the area behind your target is clear to prevent unintended harm to people, animals, or property.
9. Operate only within 20°F to 120°F. Avoid exposing the launcher or CO2 cylinder to temperatures outside this range.
10. Do not attempt repairs. Contact Byrna customer service or visit byrna.com/service.
11. This product may contain chemicals recognized in California as causing cancer or reproductive harm.
12. Do not rely solely on the safety mechanism. Mechanical devices can fail. Always follow proper handling procedures.

Important Safety Precautions

1. Seek immediate medical attention if exposed to chemical irritants.
2. Avoid deploying irritant projectiles in enclosed or exit-restricted areas when possible.
3. Effectiveness varies. No product guarantees results.
4. If used in self-defense, leave the area as safely and quickly as possible.
5. Store the launcher in a secure, dry place.
6. Be aware that projectiles can ricochet off hard surfaces.
7. Always consider what is behind and around your target.
8. Treat the launcher as loaded at all times. Never look into the barrel.
9. Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire. Keep the safety (if equipped) engaged until use.
10. Use only Byrna-approved projectiles and CO2 cylinders to prevent damage or malfunction.
11. Never use nitrogen (N2) cylinders. Byrna CO2 cylinders are recommended.
12. Remove all projectiles and CO2 before troubleshooting.
13. Wind conditions can affect the spread of chemical irritants.
14. Never fire the launcher at a person or animal without a projectile, especially at close range. Never aim at the head, neck, or spine even if unloaded.

Note: Do not store Eco-Kinetic projectiles in the launcher, as they are sensitive to environmental conditions.
 

Four Rules of Safe Launcher Handling

1. Treat every launcher as if it is loaded.
2. Never aim at anything you are not willing to shoot.
3. Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire.
4. Be certain of your target and what is beyond it.

First Aid Guidelines

Chemical irritants can cause serious injury and, in rare cases, death. Vulnerable individuals include children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions such as asthma.

After Inhalation

• Move to fresh air immediately
• Provide oxygen if breathing is difficult
• Seek medical attention if symptoms persist

After Skin Contact

• Wash thoroughly with soap and water
• Seek medical care if irritation or rash develops

After Eye Contact

• Remove contact lenses
• Rinse eyes with clean water for several minutes
• Consult a doctor if irritation continues

After Swallowing

• Rinse mouth and drink water
• Do not induce vomiting
• Seek immediate medical help

Symptoms and Effects

• Respiratory irritation
• Coughing and breathing difficulty
• Eye irritation or potential corneal damage
• Skin reactions or allergic responses
• Possible long-term health risks

Note: Contains N-vanillylnonanamide, which may cause allergic reactions.