How should you handle a malfunctioning canister during a field deployment?

• A. Ignore and continue
• B. Maintain safety, retreat to a safe distance, and replace or repair according to policy
• C. Jettison the canister
• D. Reignite immediately

Answer: (B)

When a canister malfunctions, safety must come first. Stop the deployment, move to a safe distance, and address the situation using policy-approved steps—replace or repair the canister only through authorized procedures and under supervision. This approach prevents exposure to others, preserves control over the situation, and ensures the issue is handled correctly rather than improvised. If you can, secure the area, note the incident for maintenance, and follow your team's process for replacement or repair.

Ignoring the malfunction would keep you and bystanders at risk. Jettisoning could spread the agent unpredictably and waste resources. Reigniting immediately could cause another release or an uncontrolled event.