THE RMRS Handbook Part Six: Weapon Safety
Introduction
This document sets out the measures to be taken to ensure weapons are stored, displayed and used safely. Additional information is provided in Part Four of THE RMRS Handbook.
Range Safety
This section defines the procedures to be followed to establish and maintain a safe area within which artillery, archery, slings and other missiles may be shot or thrown. Further information regarding the safe use of these items is contained in subsequent sections.
Range Safety Officer An experienced and competent Range Safety Officer will take responsibility for the establishment of a safe shooting range and for the safe use of artillery, archery and any other missiles on the shooting range. The Range Safety Officer will usually be a senior officer in charge of the drill squad.
All members participating in the use of artillery, archery and any other missiles on the shooting range must follow all instructions given by the Range Safety Officer.
Establishing the safe shooting range A safe shooting range must be established considering the location of targets within that range, the accuracy of the machines in use, the experience of their crews and the possibility of ricochets or misfires.
The safe shooting range must be demarcated with a suitable barrier (e.g. rope or tape).
Sentries are to be posted where necessary to prevent non-members from entering the safe shooting range. Sentries must be instructed on the means of providing warnings to the Range Safety Officer. A shooting line must be established within the safe shooting range. Artillery crews, archers, slingers, etc. shall be positioned along the shooting line and shall remain behind the shooting line until the Range Safety Officer has given a clear instruction that it is safe to cross.
Before shooting begins a warning must be given to all spectators to remain outside the safe shooting range.
Maintaining the safe shooting range All members, including any posted as sentries, must give an immediate warning if they become aware of any non-member who has entered, or is about to enter, the safe shooting range. The warning shall be by any appropriate means, e.g. verbal, hand signal, red flag.
On becoming aware of a warning all members shall:
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Immediately make their weapons safe.
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Ensure the warning is passed on to the Range Safety Officer if necessary.
On becoming aware of a warning the Range Safety Officer shall immediately issue a “stop” command, upon which all shooting must immediately cease. The Range Safety Officer may issue a “make safe” command if necessary to ensure all weapons are made safe. Shooting shall not recommence until the Range Safety Officer is satisfied that the safe shooting range has been re-established.
Shooting missiles Once the safe shooting range has been established (or re-established) the Range Safety Officer shall instruct artillery crews, archers, slingers etc to commence shooting. The number of missiles shot shall be counted, and as far as possible the fall of shot observed to ensure all missiles can be retrieved.
On receipt of a “stop” command, all shooting shall immediately cease and all weapons shall be made safe.
Clearing the safe shooting range Once shooting is complete the Range Safety Officer shall issue a “stop” command and then confirm that all weapons have been made safe. The Range Safety Officer shall then advise all members that it is safe to move forward of the shooting line.
Members shall immediately collect all bolts, arrows and other missiles, ensuring as far as possible that the number of missiles retrieved is the same as the number of missiles shot. Every effort must be made to locate any missing missiles.
When withdrawing missiles from a target or from the ground, all members must ensure that there is nobody in close proximity who could be injured as the missile is withdrawn.
Artillery
This section defines how artillery is to be used and includes safety instructions specific to artillery. This is in addition to the Range Safety procedure set out above.
Before use All artillery pieces are to be examined for damage to ensure they are safe to operate.
All artillery pieces are to be located on level, stable ground, and larger pieces shall be secured in position to prevent overbalancing where necessary.
All artillery pieces shall be operated by an artillery crew of at least two Members, designated as “Primus” (No. 1) and “Secundus” (No. 2). The artillery crew may also include an Artillery Crew Officer, who relays commands to the crew and provides assistance, supervision and instruction.
All members of artillery crews must wear body armour and helmets.
Shooting sequence The correct sequence of operating artillery is as follows:
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Primus ensures that the bow arms are correctly positioned.
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Secundus releases the ratchets from the pawls (either on the winding drum or slider itself) and rotates the drums to unwind the rope attached to the slider.
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Primus pushes the slider forward until the claws of the trigger mechanism can be locked over the bowstring.
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Primus uses the trigger lever to lock the claws in place. Secundus checks the mechanism is securely positioned.
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Secundus engages the ratchets on the pawls and inserts the winding handle into the winding drum.
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Secundus uses the winding handle to rotate the winding drum and draw back the slider, bowstring and arms. During winding, Primus braces the artillery piece while ensuring the ratchets are always correctly engaged. For larger pieces, the Artillery Crew Officer may assist.
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When the arms are drawn to the required position, Secundus removes the winding handle.
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Both Primus and Secundus check the safe shooting range is clear.
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Secundus braces the weapon and sights on the target.
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Primus picks up a missile and holds it aloft to indicate to the Range Safety Officer (or artillery crew officer) that the crew is ready to load.
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When commanded, Primus places the missile in the groove of the slider, checks it will pass cleanly through the aperture in the frame, and locates the missile firmly against the bowstring.
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Secundus prepares to release the trigger lever while Primus raises an arm to indicate the weapon is ready to shoot. Primus and Secundus continue to check the safe shooting range is clear.
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On the command “Iacite!” (“Shoot!”), Secundus releases the trigger lever.
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Primus (or the Artillery Crew Officer) counts the number of missiles shot and, where possible, notes the fall of shot so that all missiles can be recovered.
Note that some activities may be carried out in parallel, particularly when the artillery crew is experienced. It is permissible for the Range Safety Officer to give a “fire at will” command (Sponte iacite!). In this case the crew need not wait for further instruction from the Range Safety Officer before shooting. However where there is an Artillery Crew Officer the rest of the crew should still wait for their commands.
Archery and Slings
This section defines how archery and slings are to be used and includes safety instructions specific to these. This is in addition to the Range Safety procedure set out above.
Before use All bows, arrows and slings are to be examined for damage to ensure they are safe to operate.
Shooting and slinging Arrows shall only be nocked and slings shall only be prepared for use when at the shooting line. Arrows and slings shall only be aimed towards the targets, and shall NEVER be pointed or aimed anywhere else.
Javelins and Spears
This section defines how javelins and spears are to be used and includes safety instructions specific to these. This is in addition to the Range Safety procedure set out above.
General All javelins and spears must be kept at a safe distance from non-members.
It is important to remember that javelins and spears have a metal point at both ends. Care must be taken when handling such weapons not to injure yourself or others. When being handled javelins and spears are to be under control at all times and a firm grip on the weapon must be maintained, especially in wet weather.
Javelins and spears must be stored flat on the ground. However it is permissible to drive the butt spike into the ground as part of a drill display where conditions allow. When doing so take care to avoid your own or another’s foot.
Carriage In the carry, and when marching, ensure the butt spike does not project too far forward to avoid injuring the calves of the person in front. Likewise, ensure the point does not drop to endanger the face of the person behind. Control the weapon when raising it to the battle position to avoid striking others behind with the butt spike.
Use “Practice” (i.e. blunt) javelins and spears may be thrown during drill displays where adequate space is available. Otherwise any throwing of javelins and spears must be carried out under the Range Safety procedure set out above.
When performing a mock “throw” during a drill display, it is essential to maintain a secure grip on the weapon to ensure it is not inadvertently released. This is particularly important in wet or slippery conditions
Sword Drill
This section defines how sword drill (representation of sword combat between two or more soldiers) is to be carried out and includes safety instructions specific to these.
Preparation A flat area, clear of obstructions and with sufficient space, is required to carry out any sword drill. The defined areas must be cordoned off with rope or similar barriers.
General Participants must wear helmets and body armour. Sword drill must only be carried out with wooden “practice” swords. These are to be examined for damage to ensure they are safe to use
Swords and Daggers
This section defines how swords and daggers are to be used and includes safety instructions specific to these.
General Any bladed weapon with sharpened edges must only be used for display purposes under strict supervision. Any such weapon must be kept at a safe distance from non-members. Bladed weapons that do not have sharpened edges may be handled by non-members providing they remain under close supervision, and control of the weapon is maintained by a Member.
Carriage and use Weapons are only to be drawn within the military camp or during drill displays.
Ensure there is sufficient clear space to draw or sheath the weapon safely.
Drawn swords, daggers or other bladed items used in any manoeuvre close to members of the public shall be pulled behind carried shields.
Shields
Shields must be used offensively only during drill displays or, during demonstrations, after ensuring there is sufficient clear space.
When carrying a shield and manoeuvring be mindful that it takes up more space and may restrict vision. Ensure a clear space is maintained around the shield when in use.