APPENDIX D

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.

    (1) Display a red flag at the entrance to the range or in some other prominent location on the range to warn soldiers that live-fire range training is in progress.

    (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.

    (1) Always assume that weapons are loaded until they have been examined and found to contain no ammunition.

    (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.

    (1) Trainers. Trainers have the following safety responsibilities before range firing:

      (a) Close all prescribed roadblocks and barriers and post necessary guards.

      (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:

      (a) Check all weapons to ensure they are clear of ammunition and obstructions, and that their covers are up to show they are clear.

      (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:

    (1) Trainers. Trainers are solely responsible for ensuring no one goes forward of the firing line due to the danger posed by duds.

    (2) Trainers and soldiers. Trainers and soldiers share the following responsibilities during basic firing:

      (a) Immediately call CEASE FIRE if someone observes an unsafe condition. Do not resume firing until directed by the OIC.

      (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:

    (1) Soldier.

      (a) Cock the weapon, observe the extraction of the round, and place the safety on SAFE.

      (b) Inspect the breech to ensure that no round is present. If it is clear, declare CHAMBER CLEAR.

    (2) Assistant instructor.

      (a) Run a cleaning rod through the barrel until you see the end of the rod in the receiver.

      (b) Withdraw the rod.

    (3) Soldier.

      (a) If the gun is clear, return the barrel assembly to the firing position.

      (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:

    (1) Check the downrange area before firing to ensure that all personnel and equipment are clear of the area. To do this, ask three times over a PA system, "Is there anyone downrange?" Pause each time long enough to permit a response.

    (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:

    (1) Have safety personnel inspect all weapons to ensure that they have been cleared.

    (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.