Should Gel Blaster Buyers Pass a Mandatory Safety Course?

Gel blasters, known as “gel balls” or “hydro blasters,” are toy guns that shoot water-filled, biodegradable pellets made from a polymer gel. In recent years, the growing popularity of gel blasters as recreational toys has raised questions about whether additional safety regulations are needed to prevent injuries.

Between 2018 and 2019, several children in Queensland, Australia suffered eye injuries from gel blasters, including one 14-year-old who lost eyesight after being shot from 10 meters away. While such incidents are still relatively rare, they have sparked debate on whether gel blaster buyers should be required to take mandatory safety courses to prevent accidents.

Currently, there are no laws in most jurisdictions worldwide that mandate safety training for gel blaster owners. However, some experts argue that making courses mandatory could significantly improve public safety and awareness. On the other hand, critics point out such regulation may be impractical to enforce and could infringe on personal freedoms.

So should gel blaster buyers be legally required to pass a safety course? This article examines the risks of gel blaster misuse, the need for safety education, the ethics of regulation, and whether mandatory training is the most effective approach.

The Rising Popularity and Risks of Gel Blasters

Originally designed as innocuous children’s toys, gel blasters have evolved into sophisticated hobbyist equipment with customized parts that allow pellets to be fired at high speeds. When used properly with safety gear at safe distances, gel blasters pose little risk. However, fired at close range or without eye protection, the pellets can cause serious eye injuries.

According to a 2021 study in the Medical Journal of Australia, at least 20 children in Australia suffered severe gel blaster eye injuries between 2018 and 2020. Most incidents involved boys under the age of 14 who were shot by someone else at close range without wearing goggles. Several children suffered permanent visual impairment or loss of eyesight.

The study notes that due to lax regulations, many gel blaster users are unaware of the risks or proper safety protocols. While several Australian territories have introduced new gel blaster laws since 2019, most jurisdictions still treat gel blasters as unregulated toys.

In the United States, gel blasters are generally considered airsoft guns and must meet basic toy safety laws. However, specific regulations vary between states, and there are still risks of eye injury if users disregard safety guidelines.

According to Dr. Graham Lee, former president of the Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists, “These cases highlight the serious risk of severe and permanent eye injury that can result from gel blasters when they are fired at close range without eye protection.” (Source)

Without proper usage education and awareness, the prevalence of gel blaster injuries may increase along with the growing popularity of the hobby. This raises the question of whether safety training should be a prerequisite for gel blaster ownership.

The Case For Mandatory Safety Courses

With gel blasters largely unregulated in most regions, there are currently no requirements for buyers to undergo training on how to handle them safely before purchase. However, some experts argue that making instructional courses mandatory could significantly reduce accidents.

Potential benefits of compulsory safety certification for gel blaster buyers include:

• Preventing avoidable injuries, especially eye loss, by teaching proper safety protocols.
• Ensuring buyers understand legal restrictions on gel blaster use which vary between locales.
• Reducing risk factors for children, who are most vulnerable to being shot without protection. Courses could teach age-appropriate use.
• Promoting responsible ownership with education on safe storage, maintenance, and ethics.
• Standardizing safety knowledge across the gel blasting community so all users have the same adequate understanding.
• Encouraging use of protective gear like eye goggles which may otherwise be overlooked without explicit instruction.
• Deterring careless or malicious misuse by people who lack safety awareness and responsibility.
• Justifying continued legality of gel blasters by demonstrating a focus on harm prevention through training requirements.

New Zealand provides an example of a country that now mandates safety courses for gel blaster owners after numerous injuries occurred. Since October 2021, all New Zealanders must pass an approved test and obtain a license to legally own gel blasters following urgent new regulations. Police report seeing positive results from this policy change so far.

While making courses mandatory places an additional burden on users, proponents argue the costs are outweighed by injury prevention and establishing a culture of safety and ethics within the gel blasting community.

The Case Against Mandatory Safety Courses

Despite the apparent benefits, the push for compulsory certification faces opposition from several fronts:

• Overregulation concerns – Requiring courses imposes government restrictions on personal freedom to use and purchase lawful toys and equipment as desired.
• Enforcement difficulties – It may be challenging for authorities to actually enforce mandatory class requirements and prevent black market sales.
• Industry burdens – Forcing manufacturers and retailers to verify buyer certifications could add bureaucracy and hurt small businesses serving hobbyists.
• User burdens – Courses may be inaccessible or expensive for some owners, while adding time commitments as an obstacle to enjoyment.
• False sense of safety – Even with classes, some users may disregard safety, so courses should not replace personal responsibility.
• Existing legal framework – In places like the US where gel blasters are classified as toys, consumer laws already regulate safety design and labelling to mitigate risk.
• Probability of misuse – Most gel blaster owners use them responsibly without incident, so mandatory courses would punish the majority for the careless actions of a few.
• Parental responsibilities – Parents who purchase gel blasters for children should properly supervise use and teach safety, not rely solely on external courses.
• Alternative options – Safety information could be effectively communicated through public awareness campaigns, product packaging, and retailer guidance rather than compulsory certification.

Overall, opposition centres on avoiding needless regulation, protecting industry growth, and emphasizing user autonomy alongside parental duties. Non-mandatory safety education and communication may offer a compromise approach.

Key Components of a Gel Blaster Safety Course Curriculum

If policymakers enact mandatory safety training for gel blaster buyers, what exactly should these courses cover?

While full curricula may vary between jurisdictions, below are some of the core skills and knowledge areas they should address:

• Eye protection – Correctly fitting and using protective eyewear or face masks during shooting. Never aiming at eyes or faces.
• Safe shooting distances – Recommended distances for shooting based on muzzle velocity. Generally 10+ meters, farther for sensitive areas like eyes, face, neck.
• Appropriate environments – Using gel blasters safely outdoors in open areas away from people, animals, and fragile property. Not shooting indoors.
• Legal regulations – Overview of applicable laws governing use and modifications, including any age restrictions. Penalties for violations.
• Injury prevention – Understanding kinetic impact forces and how to avoid injuries. Recognizing sensitive body areas to avoid.
• Proper maintenance – Keeping gel blasters in working condition, including lubrication, air seals, barrel cleaning. Storing pellets properly.
• Age-appropriate use – Supervising children, limiting performance mods on toys, ensuring developmental readiness.
• Safe storage – Storing gel blasters securely and separately from pellets when not in use to avoid misuse.
• Ethical conduct – Respectful shooting practices. Not displaying gel blasters in public spaces irresponsibly.
• Emergency protocols – Steps to take in case of an injury. When and how to seek emergency medical care for gel blaster wounds.

Structured around these research-backed topics, mandatory safety courses would aim to instill a culture of safety, responsibility, and ethics within the gel blasting community.

Expert Opinions Differ on Mandatory Safety Training

With solid arguments on both sides of the issue, opinions remain split among policymakers, law enforcement, doctors, and gel blaster experts on whether mandated user training is prudent.

In favor of required certification, Dr. Matt Parry of the Australian Medical Association WA has stated:

“Introducing mandatory safety training to gain a license, similar to paintball guns, seems like a balanced approach to ensure people using gel blasters do so safely.”

Meanwhile, Waldo Customs owner Marty Waldo argues additional regulation is unneeded:

“I don’t think more rules need to be introduced because the danger with gel blasters is already covered off by common sense… any projectile weapon needs the right safety gear and common sense.” (Source)

GelSoftArmoury.com owner Jonathan Livings suggests instead that:

“Each gel blaster manufacturer should provide adequate safety documentation in the box with information on minimum engagement distances and recommended protective equipment like masks.” (Source)

Increasing warnings on packaging could help spread safety guidance without new legislation.

Overall, there are reasonable arguments on both sides of mandatory training for gel blaster buyers. Constructive discussion and debate is needed to determine the wisest policies balancing safety, personal freedom, and industry growth.

A Compromise Approach: Voluntary Safety Education

Rather than mandating certification through legal means, a compromise approach may be to strongly encourage voluntary safety courses while raising public awareness of gel blaster risks.

Potential solutions include:

• Offering free community-run safety seminars for gel blaster owners.
• Providing government-backed online education portals with video training materials.
• Running public awareness ad campaigns on eye protection needs and safe use principles.
• Distributing informational material through retailers at point of sale.
• Including expanded warning labels and guidance with gel blasters rather than just basic toy warnings.
• Asking industry associations to highlight best practices and organize voluntary safety workshops.
• Using influencers and user communities to model and promote safe behaviors.
• Working cooperatively with manufacturers to improve product designs for safety, not bans.
• Allowing police-issued licenses/permits but not requiring licenses for use on private property.

The community itself also has a role to play by fostering a culture of safety, ethics, and training through grassroots education. Responsible gel blaster owners should share knowledge and lead by example, whether on the field or social media.

With a collective focus on voluntary safety programs over regulation, progress can be made in reducing gel blaster misuse and accidents while protecting access to the hobby.

Gel Blaster Safety FAQs

What is the recommended minimum safety gear?

At a minimum, wear properly fitting protective eyewear or face masks rated for ballistic impact protection anytime you shoot gel blasters. Thick sunglasses do not provide adequate protection. Also consider hearing protection like earmuffs if using modified high-powered blasters repeatedly.

Is it safe for kids to use gel blasters?

Gel blasters marketed as toys for ages 14+ may be safe for younger children under supervision and certain conditions – limiting power through low fps caps, using weaker gel pellets, mandatory eye protection, shooting at soft targets only, and ensuring developmental readiness. Avoid modifications to “toy” blasters. Closely supervise play.

What are the potential injuries from misuse?

The most serious risk is eye injury if pellets strike unprotected eyes. Blindness and detached retinas are possible. Strong impacts can also damage skin. Misuse may result in blunt force trauma, cuts, bruises, and dental damage. Unmodified toy blasters rarely cause severe injuries.

How do I practice good gel blaster ethics?

Use common sense, follow all laws, only shoot at consenting people, keep your finger off the trigger when not aiming at targets, don’t shoot animals or private property, avoid displaying in public as an actual firearm, supervise children, and promote safe behavior in your community.

What are best practices for shooting gel blasters outdoors?

Wear eye protection, avoid shooting wildlife/pets, check your targets and backdrop, watch your muzzle direction, operate in open spaces away from roads or fragile objects, obey local noise laws, use biodegradable ammunition, assign a safety officer, stop play if anyone loses eye protection, and pick up all pellets when finished.

Should I pass a voluntary safety course before buying a gel blaster?

While mostly unregulated currently, it is highly recommended to take a safety course either online or in-person before purchasing your first gel blaster. Even experienced airsoft owners should consider taking a course specifically covering gel blaster best practices. Learning how to prevent injuries will lead to more enjoyable experiences.

Conclusion

With usage of gel blasters growing rapidly across the globe, a critical debate has emerged around how best to balance safety, regulation, and responsible access. While most jurisdictions still treat gel blasters as largely unrestricted toys, mounting injury reports have raised concerns about requiring user training to stem accidents.

Mandating safety courses for all gel blaster buyers would likely improve awareness and prevent some injuries but poses implementation challenges and questions of overregulation. On the other hand, a purely voluntary education approach faces difficulties reliably reaching all owners.

Finding an effective middle ground likely involves cooperative efforts between policymakers, businesses, community leaders, and gel blasting enthusiasts to promote safety culture through targeted awareness campaigns and accessible, incentivized training programs. Responsibility should also be placed on parents supervising youth and manufacturers providing robust safety documentation.

With constructive engagement from all stakeholders, a path forward can be paved that nurtures the continued growth of gel blasting as a fun, safe hobby by making user education, not restriction, the primary focus. When buyers enter the sport armed with sound training and an ethos of safety, both enjoyment and accident prevention can coexist without need for heavy-handed regulation.