Safety procedures at Ham and Petersham Rifle and Pistol Club

Safety is the most important aspect of our activities. To ensure safety we all need to think actively about safety at all times. You will be asked to sign the safety log and to abide by the safety rules at all times. Because it is all too easy for a person to fire a weapon accidentally or in the wrong direction it is of paramount importance that everyone taking part in this sport keeps the need to act safely in the forefront of their minds. Safety must become a natural habit.

In all shooting, safety is of prime importance, but in pistol shooting (which now means Black Powder handguns and Air Pistols) even greater care has to be taken as it is easier for a person with a short barrelled weapon to turn with the weapon so that it might be fired other than at the target.

Club Rules

• Until you have been signed off by a Club Instructor to shoot unattended you must be supervised by a Club member. You may only handle a Club weapon on the range itself or in the gun room under the control of either the Range Officer and/or Supervisor
• Once you have been signed off to shoot unattended, it is advisable to use a suitable bag to take a hired weapon to and from the range. Always prove the weapon to the Duty Officer when you return to the Office.
• Ammunition purchased at the Club may not legally be taken off the premises unless it is entered on a firearms certificate. Ask the Duty Officer to store it for you.
• The Range Officers and Supervisors are there for your safety. Listen carefully to what they say and follow their instructions at all times.
• You will receive safety instructions in the handling and use of Club weapons. If in doubt about anything at all - please ask.
• The wearing of ear protectors and safety glasses is strongly recommended.
• Finally, you must familiarise yourself with the Club's Rules and Regulations

Safety in the Clubhouse (or off the range)

• Always prove a weapon whenever it is handed from one person to another.
• Always prove a weapon when taking it from its box, case or locker.
• Always carry weapons with the action open.
• Keep weapons and ammunition separately if at all possible.
• Never handle any weapon without the permission of its owner, and only then when the range is clear.
• When dry-firing an unloaded weapon, always point it at something safe.
• Never load a weapon or a magazine except on the range at the firing point, after the command to load has been given by the Range Officer.
• Never point a weapon at anyone, even in fun! Only point it in the direction in which it is meant to shoot, i.e. at the target.

Safety on the Range

• Do not handle weapons while people are forward of the firing point.
• Do not load weapon until told to do so by the Range Officer.
• Unload immediately when told to do so.
• When the weapon is loaded keep it pointing down the range.
• After firing prove the weapon and ensure magazines are empty.
• If you have to leave the firing point, or there is a disturbance, UNLOAD.
• If someone has to go forward of the firing point after the command load UNLOAD, put weapon down, and stand back from the firing point.

Safety at home

• Keep weapons and ammunition under lock and key.
• If possible store ammunition away from weapons.

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