Pacific Area Civil War Reenactor Safety Rules, 2005
PLEASE REVIEW PRIOR TO TAKING THE TEST!
Preamble:
We, as Civil War Reenactors in the Greater Pacific Area, have come together to provide a common set of Safety Rules for the betterment of reenacting in California. Having brought forth this common safety standard, a uniformed safety practice can be found at each Civil War Event. The elimination of ambiguous understandings, different interpretations, and priorities of prior safety rules found among the different and independent Civil War Clubs in the State of California has been foremost in the creation of this new standard. Great care has been taken in getting the best of each clubs safety rules and compiling all that applies to safety and workings found in reenacting to this document. Safety is first and foremost. Without a safety standard this hobby can easily be lost in history; with a standard we, all, can enjoy a long-lasting and safe experience of reenacting the Civil War.
The following organizations have adopted and subscribed to these rules:
ACWA (American Civil War Association) Northern California
NCWA (National Civil War Association) Northern California
CHAS (California Historical Artillery Society) Northern California
RACW (Reenactors of the American Civil War) Northern California
CWRS (Civil War Reenactors Society) Central California (Not signed as of Aug. 2006)
ACWS (American Civil War Society) Southern California
WBSHA (War Between the States Historical Association) Southern California
FTHA (Fort Tejon Historic Association) Southern California
CCWR (Comstock Civil War Reenactors) Nevada
Section 1 - General Safety
1. All members and guest participants must read and have a working knowledge of the Safety Rules before participating in any reenacting event. Members and guests are personally responsible for this. It is, also, the responsibility of the commanders (military and civilian) and their subordinates, to instruct those under their command in these rules and to enforce the at all times.
2. Hazardous conduct on or off the field is prohibited.
3. There are to be no unattended fires at any time. Water buckets and/or camouflaged fire extinguishers are to be maintained near open fires at all times. A safety area of 10 feet is required between any fire and tents (this does not apply to fires built under flies during the rain; soaked canvas does not burn.
4. Members of the public may not enter any member’s tent, unless by express invitation of the owner.
Rowdiness, abusive language or public drunkenness will not be tolerated at any time.1. No consumption of alcohol during public hours.
2. No illegal substances at any time; violations will be referred to the local law enforcement agency.
3. Spectators will only handle weapons in controlled, demonstration scenarios. The weapon being demonstrated is never to leave the sight of its owner. Weapons will only be handled by minors with the parent's approval and only when parent or guardian is present. All weapons so used must be unloaded and in a fully safe condition. Handling of weapons by spectators or noncombatant minors for any reason other than that described above is strictly prohibited.
4. ALL animals must be restrained for their safety and the safety of other individuals and/or animals in the area. Any animal and its owner may be asked to leave by event coordinator if animal remains unrestrained.
5. Smoking or open flame is prohibited during the following times: - While handling powder in any form, within the artillery powder magazine Safety Zone; and after battles until all weapons and cartridges have been secured.
6. To avoid unnecessary conflict, at no time will a member pick up another members weapon without permission from such member. The exception is when the member retrieving the weapon has good faith and reasonable belief that the owner has "lost" the weapon. For purposes of interpreting this rule, cannon implements are weapons.
7. Firearms and powder supplies will never be out of possession, sight or control. To prevent access before, during and after battles or demonstrations, firearms, ammunition, caps and powder supplies will be guarded to prevent theft, unauthorized tampering, personal injury and/or damage to the explosives. No loaded weapons, caps, ammunition or powder will ever be put into the hands of spectators, minors or noncombatants. The individual gun or powder owner will be held responsible.
8. The possession of live ammunition, either period or modern and/or the possession of modern weapons in camp are prohibited, except as may be possessed by sworn peace officers or those retired with current carry permits.
Weapon firing or clearing of weapons outside of the battlefield must be authorized and supervised by a member of the unit leadership. Prior to clearing weapon, make sure you have a 10 yard safety distance from any general camp area or spectator area and 20 yards from any picket lines and give the alarm "fire in the hole,1. or firing". Indiscriminate firing of weapons is not permitted. The exception to this rule is where weapons are being cleared on order in formation.
Section 2 - Battlefield and Camp Safety & Security
Battlefield Safety Zones:
A Safety Zone of 10 yards is required between or around:
· Anyone carrying unsecured and/or live weapons, and the public;
· Anyone carrying loaded weapons, and artillery ammunition boxes, limbers or caissons;
· Artillery powder magazines, tents, structures or anyone, and anyone not an authorized member of the artillery;
· A loaded artillery piece, and persons standing to the side of the muzzle (except the gun's crew);
· Anyone firing weapons, and the persons the weapons are aimed at (if persons are within 10 yards, weapons are fired straight up in the air).
· The active area of the “battlefield” and any spectator or other public areas. All troops are prohibited in this area.
A Safety Zone of 20 yards is required between or around:
· Anyone firing weapons, and mounted persons the weapons are aimed at (if mounted persons are within 20 yards, weapons are fired straight up in the air);
· Anyone firing weapons, and mounted artillery pieces or wagons (weapons are not fired at all within this Safety Zone);
· Anyone firing weapons, and equine picket lines;
· A loaded artillery piece, and persons standing in front of the muzzle;
· Artillery emplacements (guns and ammunition boxes), and the public.
Spectator Safety Issues:
The public is not allowed:
1. On the battlefield, during battle scenarios, this will include the time after engagement while troops are still present on the field;
2. On the battlefield between battle scenarios if live ground charges are present, or demonstrations are being held;
3. In military camps during battle scenarios;
4. In the Civilian Town during battle scenarios unless the Town is declared open to the public;
5. In any member’s tent, unless by express invitation of the owner.
6. The public is allowed on the field immediately following battle scenarios only if they are part of approved tours of the field guided by Event Host members.
7. The host site event organizers and the Safety Coordinator are responsible for the marking and placement of battlefield spectator barriers.
Battlefield:
! The call "Medic!" is for use in actual emergencies only! For living history, call "surgeon," "stretcher bearer," or other period terms.
Additional Safety Rules pertaining to the Battlefield:
· The minimum age to carry a weapon, service an artillery piece or ride with the cavalry is 14. No one under the age of 14 is allowed on the field, and no one under the age of 14 will carry or use a weapon of any type while in camp or on the field.
· Canteens are required for all those participating in battlefield activities.
· No Re-enactor may be armed with more than one long arm. No more than two revolvers may be carried by any re-enactor, and each must be in an appropriate holster. No pistols in belts, pockets, etc. Extra pistol cylinders may be carried on the field in an appropriate leather pouch.
· Cartridges shall be carried in cartridges boxes. Tompions shall be left in camp. No wonder Wads shall ever be used.
· Hand-to-hand battle scenarios require the permission of the Army Commanders, and practice in the techniques by the participants. Before engaging in any hand to hand all weapons must be cleared and empty. Individuals who find themselves in unauthorized hand-to-hand combat will surrender, take a hit or run away, as appropriate. After the battle the individual instigating the unauthorized hand to hand will be reported to Brigade command.
· If a “Field Hospital” is established within the Battlefield area, then there will be no weapons fire within 10 yard zone taken from the position of the Hospital fly or Tent.
· During battlefield activities, any member, observing a situation that is in violation of a safety rule, may be allowed to correct the situation immediately, otherwise, if not resolved, may call a cease fire, which shall remain in effect until the situation is corrected or resolved. Officers on the field may take reasonable steps to correct the situation without calling "Cease Fire" if it is likely to be quicker and safer. To make a cease fire obvious and quick the individual calling the cease fire due to safety will take his weapon (rifle or sword) and hold over their head longitudinally, using both hands. A signal that can be repeated by additional participants until the cease fire has been produced.
· Soldiers may fire from the prone position only when commanded to by their CO. Before firing the soldier will elevate his muzzle above any tall grass, sand or loose rocks (permission is withheld for fire danger, or if loose gravel may be kicked up by muzzle blast).
· A wounded party may never fire from the ground. A soldier should discharge his weapon before falling.
· No ramrods or bayonets shall be used on the battlefield. Rammers and bayonets shall be secured while on the battlefield.
· Non-combatant members are not allowed on the active battlefield with the exception of period military medical impressions, and war correspondents or scripted scenarios that have been approved by both brigade commanders.
Section 3 - Long arm Safety
Section 4 - Pistol Safety
Section 5 - Bladed Weapons
Section 6 - Artillery Safety
1. Muzzle loading artillery pieces are to be manned by a crew of at least 4, one of who is “Chief-of-Piece / Gunner”, who has been trained in the proper operation of the gun which they are operating.
2. All artillery shall have the proper equipment and be in good repair. Each piece is to be inspected, by the senior artillery officer present, or their designee, prior to use at an event, for broken or loose hardware, cracked or damaged wood, wheel alignment and wheel attachments straight and secure (no wobbling). Determination of suitability shall be the responsibility of the senior artillery officer. The senior artillery officer must approve artillery before being placed on the field.
3. No material shall be loaded that, when fired, passes out of the Safety Zone, including the foil that wraps the charges.
Each Artillery Piece shall be serviced with its own artillery ammunition box, with a self-closing, hinged lid. Artillery ammunition boxes containing black powder are constantly manned when unlocked, with lid closed when in battery position (open lid standing between the piece and the open box). The lid of the ammunition box is kept closed, except for loading the box, inspection, or the removal of a charge. Munitions1. boxes will be at least 10 yards to the rear of the cannon and 20 yards from the nearest public.
2. When not in use the Munitions Box is to be stored in a safe and secured area in keeping with all governmental regulations governing black powder storage.
3. Ammunition boxes not in use are locked and removed to a secured storage area.
4. Powder magazines are marked with signs, and the Safety Zones surrounding them are marked off with ropes and red flags.
5. The placement of the artillery is the responsibility of the senior artillery officer.
6. The safety zone for artillery will be 10 yards to the sides and rear and 20 yards to the front. Only artillery crews or authorized personnel are allowed within the safety area when the gun is loaded or the munitions box is opened.
7. No gun shall be loaded when the safety zones are not clear. No gun shall be fired when the frontal safety zone is not clear.
8. All artillery rounds shall be made of only black powder.
9. Charges are made with (black powder or approved equivalent, with amount and grade appropriate to bore diameter and tube length. The intent of this rule is to insure that the muzzle blast will not extend past the Safety Zone. (See Appendix A) )
10. If an artillery piece is loaded, the number one and two men will place the rammer or other implements of poles, in a vertical position on top of each gun wheel.
11. Rammer (#1 man) always has thumbs pointing away from muzzle when ramming.
12. Cannon are to be no closer than 5 yards (wheel to wheel), unless only volley fire, or fire by files, is to be used (all cannon to be loaded at one time).
13. Remove "causalities" from safety zone before loading and firing.
14. Ammunition chest will be constructed from wood only, with nonferrous metal attachments (brass locks, hinges, hasps).
15. A fire extinguisher will be kept at each battery (it may be kept under a burlap cover).
For muzzle loading artillery, required equipment is:
Blank charges for all artillery pieces consist of:
NOTE!
No material is loaded that, when fired, passes out of the Safety Zone, including the foil that wraps the charges.
Firing procedures are performed in a careful, deliberate manner. For all firing procedures, all body parts not needed during the procedure (for example: face, other hand) are kept away from the vent and muzzle at all times.
Firing procedures (with explanations) for muzzle loading artillery are, in order:
1) Clean the Vent
2) Stop the Vent
3) Worm the Bore to insure removal of the debris.
4) Wet Sponge the Bore
5) Dry Sponge the Bore
6) Bring forward the charge from the ammunition box, in a gunner’s haversack;
7) Insert the charge; At this point the piece is loaded and is not left unattended or moved (except for small adjustments for immediate safety reason) until the piece is fired. Excessive force in seating rounds shall be prohibited.
8) As soon as the charge is placed in the muzzle of the piece, the other implement (sponge, for example) is placed upright:
9) Prime Charge
NOTE!
For pieces not mounted on field carriages with large-diameter wheels, pieces with short implements, or other pieces where the implement resting on the wheel does not attain a minimum height of 7 feet, either will be used to signal that the piece contains a charge:
1) A short implement will be held up, off the ground, so that the minimum height of the top of the implement is 7 feet, or;
2) A separate staff of 7-foot minimum height is held next to the piece, resting on the ground. In order to be clearly visible to those in front of the piece, outside the safety zone, the staff has a minimum diameter of 1 ½ inches.
NOTE!
The “Chief-of-Piece / Gunner” ensures that everyone and everything are in safe order, and calls "Ready / Clear Front!" before giving the order to fire.
Misfire procedures for muzzle loading artillery are, in order:
1) The rammer or other implement are held over the piece in an "X" as a warning signal that the piece is hazardous;
2) After a minimum interval of 3 minutes, the piece is re-primed; If the misfire is determined to the the result of failed primer, then you may reprime immediately.
3) The Chief-of-Piece ensures that everyone and everything are in safe order, and calls "Ready/Clear Front!" before giving the order to fire;
4) If the second firing attempt fails, after a minimum interval of 3 minutes the vent and bore are flooded completely with water, and after a minimum interval of 3 minutes following flooding, worming clears the bore.
For breech loading artillery:
“Chiefs-of-piece / Gunner” of Breach Loading Guns will have applicable equipment and procedures approved by the respective artillery commander before being used in firing demonstrations or a battle scenario. Whenever specific breech loading procedures are not required, muzzle loading procedures are used.
No breech loading artillery piece may be accepted without the adoption of breech loading safety rules before being used in a firing demonstration or battle scenario. The adopted rules may be specific to the model of piece being accepted (for example, "Safety Rules for the Armstrong Gun").
Section 7 - Horse Safety
1. Attacking horsemen must honor all of the safety zones contained within the Battlefield area.
2. All riders and horses will be tested by the appropriate equine safety officer of the Organization or their designee for their riding ability.
3. All horses must be tested with firearms and cannon.
4. Horses and mules must have safe and serviceable tack and shoes (if shod), and be in "sound" health. All tack and shoes will be inspected for serviceability.
5. Surcingles are required on military and civilian single-billeted saddles, except artillery team valise saddles.
6. Horses may only be touched or handled by the owner or by persons designated by the owner.
7. Those in charge of picketed horses or mules ensure that members of the public approach the animals from the front or side only, not from the rear, and only with permission.
8. There will be no fighting within 20 yards of picketing areas when in use.
The senior horseman of each side will be responsible for the placement of horse picketing areas. Horses and mules, when not in use, are tied1. to a picket line, or other secure objects, kept in sturdy corrals or pens, or tied to picket (or grazing) pins with lariats. If on picket pins, they are far enough away from tents that animals secured to them are always at least 30 yards away.
2. Stable guards, or owners, keep watch on picketed horses or mules throughout public hours.
3. The picket line shall be kept taut and horses will be securely tied to the picket line.
4. Management of animals after public hours is at the discretion of the mounted Unit Commanders.
5. For members with horses or mules not in a mounted unit, the Army Commanders or Civilian Corps Coordinator/Mayor may delegate responsibility (e.g., to the owner, or to a mounted Unit Commander).
6. Horses and mules must be ridden at a walk in camp streets, and when entering the battlefield via avenues through the public.
7. Horses and mules are not intentionally spooked or stampeded.
8. Horses may be brought to an event for evaluation under the direction of the unit commander and the appropriate equine safety officer, under supervision and away from the Battlefield area.
Section 8 - Spectator Safety
Section 9 - Ground Charge Procedures
Section 10 – Safety Test
The Army Commanders and Civilian Corps Coordinator/Mayor are responsible for the oversight of the Club’s Safety program. Under the guidance of these individuals, the Unit Commanders are responsible for administering Safety Tests. The purpose of the tests is to show that members have a "working knowledge" of the Safety Rules, with the aim of preventing accidents.
Tests cover specific safety areas, and include:
i) General safety, including provost line duty;
ii) Weapons safety, specific to weapons type, for those members using weapons;
iii) Equine safety, for those riding, driving vehicles, or using horses or mules for other purposes.
Note: The equine safety test determines that those riding, driving, plowing, etc. have the basic skills to handle and control animals, and the tests are specific to such use. Equine tests are administered by the Equine Safety Officer. Horses and mules are certified as safe for use by the equine safety test.
Tests have written questions and an answer key, but may be given orally, or ask for demonstrations of safety knowledge.
i) Unit Commanders sign passed tests; they determine passing grades, and may pass a member with restrictions.
ii) Members need to take the appropriate test before participating on the battlefield, and to take whatever tests are appropriate for whatever battlefield function is performed. For example, an infantryman needs to pass the test appropriate to artillery before participating as a member of an artillery gun crew. Civilian Corps members need to pass the appropriate test during their first event of participation.
iii) Minors age 14 or over take the appropriate Safety Test.
The Club Secretary keeps signed copies of the tests, and records the month and year passed for the members' tests for the database and membership cards. The test is retaken only if:
i) Requested by the Unit Commander, for cause;
ii) Membership is not renewed, or the member does not attend any events, for a year or more;
iii) The member is found in violation of a Safety Rule.
iv) Visiting reenactors (a non-member club that hasn’t elected these safety rules and procedures) read the Safety Rules and acknowledge that they have by their signature, but are required to take the Safety Test only at the discretion of the Army Commanders or Civilian Corps Coordinator/Mayor.
Appendix A
Ordinance Piece and Maximum Grade Powder Charge
3” Ordinance F
Parrot F
12 Pounder F
6 Pounder FF
10 Pounder FF
Howitzer FFF
Witworth FFF
Subscale FFF
Cohron Mortar FFF