RANGE SAFETY
This appendix recommends safety precautions for the range described in this manual. However, this information does not replace AR 385-63 or local regulations. In addition, safety requirements vary due to the differences between range courses of fire.
D-1. MARKSMANSHIP TRAINING
The following safety precautions must be observed during all marksmanship training:
a. Trainers.
(2) Mark firing limits with red and white striped poles that are visible to all firers.
(3) Keep all weapons not in use properly safeguarded in a prescribed area.
(4) Prohibit smoking near ammunition, explosives, or flammables.
b. Trainers and Soldiers.
(2) Never place obstructions in the muzzles of weapons about to be fired.
(3) Wear hearing protection during firing.
D-2. RANGE TRAINING
The range is dangerous. Whether conducting or participating in range training, everyone must remain alert and observe safety precautions. Trainers and soldiers have specific safety responsibilities.
a. Before Firing.
(b) Brief all personnel on the firing limits of the range and firing lanes.
(c) Obtain range clearance from the installation range-control office.
(d) Check downrange before firing to ensure all personnel and equipment are clear.
(e) Keep a complete first-aid kit on the range.
(f) Locate medical personnel nearby, where they can be contacted quickly.
(g) Check all weapons to ensure they are operational.
(h) Draw ammunition and issue it only on command of the officer in charge (OIC). When two or more lots of ammunition are used for firing, the OIC ensures the lots are separated and properly identified, in case of accident or malfunction.
(i) Do not allow anyone to move forward of the firing line without permission of the tower operator, safety officer, or the OIC.
(2) Trainers and soldiers. Trainers and soldiers share the following safety responsibilities before range firing:
(b) Do not handle weapons except on command from the tower operator or the OIC.
(c) Protect all ammunition from the direct rays of the sun.
b. During Basic Firing. Trainers and soldiers have the following safety responsibilities during basic firing:
(2) Trainers and soldiers. Trainers and soldiers share the following responsibilities during basic firing:
(b) When rounds fail to ignite or explode, they are referred to as duds. When this occurs, record the range (in meters) and the type of ammunition used, and submit this information to range control personnel.
c. When Clearing the Weapon. Trainers and soldiers have the following safety responsibilities when the weapon is cleared:
(b) Inspect the breech to ensure that no round is present. If it is clear, declare CHAMBER CLEAR.
(2) Assistant instructor.
(b) Withdraw the rod.
(3) Soldier.
(b) Take the safety off SAFE and pull the trigger.
(c) Cock the weapon.
(d) Return the barrel assembly to the firing position.
(e) Place the safety on SAFE.
d. During Limited Visibility. Trainers have the following responsibilities during range firing in limited visibility:
(2) Mark the range at its entrance or another prominent location with a blinking red light in addition to the red flag.
(3) Mount two red lights on the striped poles that mark the limits of fire. These lights must be visible to all firers.
(4) Do not allow anyone to move from his position until you are told to do so by the OIC.
e. After Firing. Trainers have the following responsibilities after range firing:
(2) Check to determine if the soldiers have any expended cartridges or live ammunition.
(3) When weapons have been cleared, keep them in a prescribed area with their barrel assemblies open and their safeties on SAFE.