General Safety Rules
EESA General Safety Rules – All Ranges
- Keep firearm safety a top priority at all times. Follow ‘ACTS’ and ‘PROVE’
- ACT:
- Assume every firearm is loaded.
- Control the muzzle direction at all times.
- Trigger finger must be kept off the trigger and out of the trigger guard.
- See that the firearm is unloaded – “PROVE” it safe:
- Point the firearm in the safest available direction.
- Remove all cartridges.
- Observe the chamber.
- Verify the feeding path
- Examine the bore for obstructions
- Follow the rules for each Range. Each range is approved for specific uses by the CFO Chief Firearms Office) and deviating could result in club closure.
- While shooting or attending an active range it is mandatory to wear hearing and eye protection.
- The consumption of alcohol is NOT permitted on an active range. The use of illegal drugs is NOT permitted on the property. Any person who appears to be “under the influence” is prohibited from shooting.
- In the interest of maintaining good relations with our neighbours, Outdoor range usage is prohibited from Dusk to Dawn. (Dusk is defined as from 30 minutes after sunset, Dawn is 30 minutes before sunrise.)
- All commands from Range Officer must be followed at all times.
- Acting Range Officer – If a duty Range Safety Officer is not present, the first member to arrive at the range will assume the responsibility of Acting Range Officer or if mutually agreed the most experienced shooter who is a member may assume that task. The position of Acting Range Officer is to monitor safety procedures and ceasefires. When the acting range officer leaves the range, he/she must hand-off the responsibility to another person.
- Any person attending an active range may call a CEASE FIRE or STOP command if there is any safety concerns.
- Firearms may only be loaded and unloaded on the firing line at their shooting station.
- Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction at all times. Muzzle direction of a firearm (loaded or unloaded) MUST NOT break 45 degrees from downrange. Handgun shooters who are holster trained/certified (approved course) may use accepted safe procedures for loading, unloading, holstering and un-holstering.
- All uncased firearms when not in use MUST be unloaded with actions open. Long guns must be placed barrel pointing up in the racks or on the shooting table, muzzle pointing down range
- Firearms MUST be carried unloaded; actions open and muzzle pointing in a safe direction, (i.e. rifles pointing up, pistols pointing down unless holstered and shotguns pointing in a safe direction).
- There is no shooting on angles on any range. The target must be placed on target holder with number corresponding to the shooting station (ie. If shooting from shooting station #8, only the target placed on target holder 8 may be engaged)
- When a cease fire is called, all firearms must be unloaded with chamber open, pointed down range.
- Assure that the area is clear before shooting begins. Shooting is not permitted if wildlife is present on range.
- Set the Range in use / not in use sign.
- Signify that shooting is in progress by raising the RED flag, near the range entrance door. Raise the GREEN flag to its proper location when shooting is finished or ceasefire is called.
- When the Green flag is in use (access downrange for target replacement permitted) guns on the firing line must be unloaded, chamber open and untouched until Green flag is replaced with Red flag.
- No one shall cross the red safety line, or handle firearms during a cease fire.
- The use of tracer, flachette or armor-piercing ammunition (or any other prohibited ammunition) is NOT permitted on any range.
- The side berms of the outdoor ranges (and indoor side walls) are to contain ricochets and are not to be used for target placement.
- You must not shoot at target frames, range equipment or at targets on the ground (all shots must end up in end berm, or backstop on indoor range).
- Report any damage to the property to a member of the Executive Board, or submit an online report (available on web site).
- Explosive targets (ie. Tannerite, Shockwave) are prohibited on EESA property.
- It is recommended that while attending an active range that a cell phone is available in case of emergency.
- Shooters experiencing misfires (failed-to-discharge ammunition) should place the faulty ammunition in the specially marked container for proper disposal by the range staff.
- Sign in book is required to be filled out when using any range.
- Only one person may shoot at a time from each shooting position.
Failure to obey ALL safety rules will result in disciplinary action which may include suspension or revocation of membership