• Ensure that Members of the Workforce complete the required training identified in Training Requirements prior to performing the indicated work activity or fulfilling the indicated role. Note: See Sandia corporate procedure HR100.2.1, Identify and Complete Sandia Required Training for all Members of the Workforce.
• Ensure that a firearms safety plan is developed and approved by SNL and DOE/SSO before beginning any firearms-related activity. This is in addition to existing primary hazard screenings (PHS) or hazard analysis (HA). (See the Safety and Risk Analysis section below.) The plan must follow ISMS and include provisions for a pre-job safety meeting before any firearms manipulation.
• Ensure that at SNL/NM and SNL/CA, firearm-related ES&H SOPs are developed and approved according to ESH100.2.GEN.3, Develop and Use Technical Work Documents.
• Develop corrective action plans (CAPs) to address issues found, and close out on a timely basis.
• Ensure that all firearms are tracked and entered into the Firearms Management System (FMS).
• Maintain training records for firearms-authorized personnel (FAP). This includes documenting changes of FAP authority revocations, transfers, and re-authorization.

• Obtain and maintain training needed to meet responsibilities as armorers or custodians.
• Obtain and maintain certifications by the National Training Center [NTC] and firearm manufacturers.

• Allow only firearms authorized personnel (FAP) to handle, use, or manipulate firearms or munitions.
• Ensure that FAP handling firearms:
  • Comply with all firearms safety policies, rules, and procedures in a manner that ensures the safety of Members of Workforce, contractors, and the public.
  • Include emergency response planning during firearms-related activities. Always follow the four general firearms safety rules;
    • 1. All firearms are always loaded
    • 2. Never point a firearm at anything you are not willing to destroy.
    • 3. Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target.
    • 4. Be sure of target and what is behind it. Note: See Table 4, Firearm Safety Rules, Basic Rules of Safe Firearm Handling, for additional information.
• Ensure that all firearms and firearm-like items are designated and marked appropriately (see Table 1, Firearm and Firearm-Like Item Color Codes).
• Restrict individuals who may be in a state of mental duress or physical deterioration from participating in any activity involving firearms or munitions.
• Ensure that, upon return to work, FAP who are prohibited from access to firearms or munitions remain restricted until cleared by SNL Health Services (or site healthcare professional) prior to returning to normal duties.

• Have an instruction manual available at each site for each type of firearm that may be used.
• Tag any firearm as "out-of-service" that exhibits an unusual operation, and segregate it from operational firearms until it is certified or recertified as safe to use.
• Verify the integrity of non-standard research and development (R&D) modified firearms by remote firing before being hand-fired.
• Follow the requirements outlined in SCM100.2.21, Acquire Firearms; SCM100.3.18, Manage Firearms; and SCM100.4.5, Disposition Firearms.

• Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) during firearms use.
• Immediately report the following to a range officer, controller, or supervisor:
  • Unsafe acts or conditions as described in Table 4, Firearms Safety Rules.
  • Injury or illness incurred during all firearms-related activities.
  • Personal condition, such as an illness or use of medication that could affect their ability to handle firearms safely.

Firearm-like items that cannot fire, eject, or propel a projectile. These items are painted red and inventoried appropriately.

Note: This does not include potted firearms.

• Ensure that an annual appraisal is done to ensure firearms operations are performed in a safe manner and in compliance with all DOE firearms safety requirements (for additional information, see Programmatic Requirements for Firearms Safety).
• Assess all operations involving firearms or munitions, and ensure that associated risks are acceptable and consistent with training and operational requirements.
• Appoint and fund member(s) of the Sandia Joint Firearms Safety Committee.
• Ensure that an annual physical inventory of all firearms is performed. Note: See SCM100.3.18, Manage Firearms, for specific requirements on performing a physical inventory.
• Ensure that appropriately trained Members of the Workforce (e.g., armorers) perform and document the annual firearm maintenance procedures and inspections in accordance with manufacturers’ guidelines.
• Provide developmental and quality assurance activities involving firearms and munitions that are controlled in accordance with the DOE M 440.1-1A, DOE Explosives Safety Manual.

• Conduct and document annual firearms inventory and inspection of all firearms.
• Inspect and conduct test firings of affected firearms following any unusual operation, occurrence, or functional repairs.

• Review the draft appraisal report provided by the appraisal team and submit comments to the appraisal team within 15 working days of draft receipt.
• Conduct a root-cause analysis (as appropriate) on all findings listed in the appraisal report.

• Prepare an action plan to correct the findings that includes:
  • Identification of root cause(s) for each finding, planned corrective actions, and planned completion dates. See CG100.6.6, Perform Corrective Action, CG100.6.9, Conduct Root Cause Analysis and Extent of Condition Reviews, and CG100.6.14, Conduct Independent Validation of Closed CATS Findings,  for more information.
  • Approval of the action plan by the manager of the organization that was the subject of the appraisal.
• Via the team leader, input and transmit the action plan into the LESA reporting and tracking system to the appropriate line organization within 30 calendar days of the close-out meeting.
• Document and number the corrective action plans in the SJFSC action items file.
• Track the status of each corrective action to completion.
• Note in minutes and in SJFSC CAP tracking that corrective action has been completed.

During firearms-related activities that involve remote operations, training, or testing, where there is a potential for a delay in emergency response:

• Ensure that there is a minimum of two redundant forms of electronic communication (i.e., radio) or telecommunication (i.e., cell phone) available.
• Inform participants of available communication devices, their location, and function.
• Test various methods of communication before starting activity.
• Provide emergency personnel trained in:
  • Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (C.P.R).
  • First aid/major trauma (i.e., gunshot wounds).
    Bloodborne pathogens.

Note: See GN470086, SNL Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan, for specific training requirements.

• Ensure that a safety plan is developed for the use of firearm-like items that includes:
  • Required markings.
  • Appropriate postings.
  • Personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • Appropriate notifications to ProForce prior to use. This notification is to warn the ProForce that the items will be out of storage and are being handled or manipulated.
  • Training requirements for Members of the Workforce.
• Ensure that firearm-like items are stored and secured so they are not accessible to unauthorized persons.
• Ensure that an accurate running inventory is kept to include the following information for firearm-like items:
  • Type.
  • Manufacture.
  • Location.
  • Number.

Note: Table 1, Firearm and Firearm-Like Item Color Codes, provides information on color-coding. The blue and the orange color-coded items are firearms. As such, these firearms are included in the annual physical inventory.

Use, handle, and manipulate firearm-like items as real firearms.

Note: See Table 4, Firearm Safety Rules, Basic Rules of Safe Firearm Handling.

• Report unusual or unsafe acts or conditions.
• Refer to Table 2, Reporting Unsafe Acts or Conditions, for information on reporting unusual or unsafe acts or conditions.

Upon receiving a report of unusual or unsafe acts or conditions:

• Take the necessary corrective actions to render the situation safe.
• Submit reports as the situation dictates and in accordance with applicable CPRs.

Note: See ESH100.4.RPT.3, Report Occurrences, for additional requirements.

• Unusual or unsafe acts, conditions, or operations involving firearms, or munitions, to include firearms-related injuries.
• Inventory discrepancies.
• Unauthorized discharge (UD) of firearms (defined in DOE M 470.4-7 as “the discharge of a firearm under circumstances other than (1.) during firearms training with the firearm properly pointed down range [or toward a target] or (2.) the intentional firing at a hostile party when deadly force is authorized by 10 CFR 1047.7”).

• Report immediately to one of the following:
  • Manager,
  • Supervisor, or
  • Range officer.
• Follow the requirements of ESH100.4.RPT.3, Report Occurrences, and (if applicable) Table 3, Checklist for Unauthorized Discharges (UDs).
  Note: Table 3 is designed for use by Members of the Workforce involved in a Protective Force (ProForce)-related activity or a security use of firearms. Those involved in a non-security use of firearms-related activity are also encouraged to use the checklist as a guideline.

Managers should use and become familiar with this checklist (Table 3) as a functional part of an unauthorized discharge (defined in DOE M 470.4-7 as “the discharge of a firearm under circumstances other than (1.) During firearms training with the firearm properly pointed down range [or toward a target] or (2.) The intentional firing at a hostile party when deadly force is authorized by 10 CFR 1047.7”).

1. Unauthorized discharges (UDs) are to be considered serious incidents and initially categorized as “unusual occurrences” per DOE M 231.1-2, Occurrence Reporting and Processing of Operations Information, Section 5.2, “Event or Condition Categorization,” unless otherwise directed by the Sandia Site Operations (SSO) Manager.

2. Members of the Workforce involved in or witnessing a UD are to immediately report to one of the following:
   • Manager,
   • Supervisor, or
   • Range officer.

3. The individual firing the UD and other involved parties are to be immediately disarmed and removed from training, qualification, evaluation activities, and relieved of duty, as appropriate, to allow for the incident investigation to begin.

4. Training, qualification, or evaluation activities in which a UD occurs will be stopped immediately in order to allow for the incident investigation to begin.

5. UD incident scenes will be secured as accident scenes in order to preserve evidence.

6. Obtain written statements ASAP. Ask individuals not to discuss the event with others until written statements are obtained from all involved parties.

7. All involved Members of the Workforce, observers, and bystanders are to be interviewed as soon as practicable. Interviews should be accurately documented in detail.

8. Evidence from UD incident scenes is to be collected including, but not limited to the following items:
   • Photographs, if possible.
   • Accurate, measured diagrams of the scene showing locations of all participants/observers/bystanders, target locations, direction of fire, bullet(s) and fragment(s) impact(s) locations.
   • Ammunition details including lot number; firearm type including features and serial number; firearm condition immediately after the UD.
   • Environmental conditions such as temperature, wind speed and direction, precipitation, fog, and cloud cover lighting conditions.

9. Firearms firing the UD are to be cleared and made safe under observation by a firearms instructor or delegated FAP who records the condition of the firearm and any comments on any observed firearm-related topics such as malfunctions.

10. Firearms firing the UD and any involved equipment (such as holsters, tactical bags, body armor, equipment vests or other equipment) will be immediately taken into custody as evidence and controlled to preserve and record the chain of custody.

11. Testing to duplicate events is to be performed only with concurrence of cognizant contractor and DOE officials, under written test plans, and in a manner to preserve evidence.

12. Obtain the most recent working schedule of the person(s) involved in firing the UD, and other pertinent details.

13. The cognizant DOE authority (e.g., SSO Manager or designee, Office of Transportation Safeguards [OTS] Director or designee) will:
    • Release the UD incident scene.
    • Release firearms, related equipment, and other evidence for use.
    • Authorize the Members of the Workforce identified in Step 2 above to return to duty.
    • Authorize resumption of the activity suspended because of the UD.

• Ensure that a firearms safety plan that includes a safety analysis, safety assessment, or risk analysis for all facilities, operations, and activities involving the use, transportation, or storage of firearms or related munitions is developed. The type and depth of analysis depends on the level of hazards present (consult with the firearms SME or the appropriate division ES&H team for assistance with such determinations). Note: The firearms safety plan is needed even when a PHS and HA already exist. For additional information, see ESH100.2.SB.1, Establish the Safety Basis of Operations
• Ensure that a firearms safety plan and analysis reports are submitted to the DOE-SSO and SNL firearms SME for approval before implementing any new firearms or munitions operations, training, or activities.

Wear the following appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when exposed to any shooting hazards (i.e., noise, flying particles, lead):

• Eye protection (see ANSI Z87.1-2003, Occupational and Educational Personal Eye and Face Protection Devices).
• Hearing protection: dual hearing protection (ear muffs and ear plugs) is required for certain activities. (See SNL Operating Procedure, “Protective Force Program: Impact and Impulse Noise Implementation Guidelines, SNL/NM Hearing Conservation Program.” Also see ESH100.2.IH.8, Evaluate and Control Noise Hazards.
• Clothing that is appropriate for the conditions. For example, gloves or other forms of protection (such as aprons) appropriate for the solvents being used when cleaning firearms.

Note: Review ESH100.2.IS.8, Assess Workplace Hazards and Provide and Maintain Personal Protective Equipment, and the corresponding MSDS sheet for proper selection of PPE.

Ensure that:

• Members of the Workforce are protected from exposure to lead by maintaining airborne lead levels below 30 micrograms of lead per cubic meter of air (30 ug/m3), averaged over an 8-hour workday.
• Material safety data sheets (MSDSs) for each hazardous material associated with the use, cleaning, and handling of firearms or munitions are readily available for review at each location where the hazardous material is used.
• Members of the Workforce who are or may be exposed to noise levels at or above 85 decibels (dB) averaged over eight working hours or an 8-hour time-weighted average:
  • Enroll in a Sandia hearing conservation program.
  • Receive an audiogram and training on the effects of noise, hearing loss protective measures, and the correct use of hearing protection on an annual basis.

Note: See ESH100.2.IH.8, Evaluate and Control Noise Hazards, for additional information. Also see SNL Operating Procedure, “Protective Force Program: Impact and Impulse Noise Implementation Guidelines, SNL/NM Hearing Conservation Program.”

• Wash hands before and after using, cleaning, or handling firearms or munitions.
• Treat contaminated rags and other firearm cleaning materials as hazardous waste and dispose of these materials as appropriate. See ESH100.2.ENV.22, Manage Hazardous Waste at SNL/NM, for additional guidance.

• Do not allow Members of the Workforce or visitors under the influence of drugs, alcohol, prescription medication, or over-the-counter medications that may affect physical or mental abilities to handle, transport, use, or carry firearms or munitions.
  Note: For additional guidance, see:
  • ESH100.3.1, Prepare for and Manage Emergencies,
  • SF-2001-MEC, Manager's Emergency Planning Checklist.
• Ensure that supervisors and FAP receive Sandia-required training on how to identify individuals who may be under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medications, and display other forms of aberrant behavior.

Ensure that all the following provisions for storage of firearms and munitions are followed:

• Site-specific plans or procedures for the safe storage of firearms and munitions are developed and comply with the requirements in MN471011, Sandia Explosives Safety Manual, and DOE M 470.4-3A, Contractor Protective Force. This information will be included in the Firearms Safety Plan.
  Note: See ESH100.2.GEN.3, Develop and Use Technical Work Documents, for additional information on developing procedures and other TWDs.
• Firearms are stored so they are not accessible to unauthorized persons.
• Firearms are to be stored in GSA-approved firearms storage containers or containers approved by the SJFSC that are bolted or otherwise secured to the structure or under alarm coverage. Note: Where the weight of the storage container would deter removal of the container, it is not necessary to bolt or secure the container. Firearms not in such containers or under alarm coverage are locked in racks, chained, or cabled to prevent easy, rapid, unauthorized removal.
• Store firearms with another organization that has an approved structure or an authorized storage facility when their organization does not have appropriate firearms storage containers or facilities.
• Potted and welded firearms, which do not require VTR or GSA-safe storage, are stored in locked containers.
• Locks or combinations are changed when:
  • Members of the Workforce having access to keys or combinations no longer require them.
  • Members of the Workforce having keys or combinations transfer or terminate.
  • A lock or other part of a safe has been repaired or otherwise worked on.
  • Keys or combinations have been compromised.
• Special approval from the Sandia National Laboratories Joint Firearms Safety Committee (SJFSC) is obtained for facilities not listed as authorized storage facilities (see Authorized Storage Facilities).
• Privately-owned and personally-owned firearms are not allowed on DOE and Sandia-controlled premises without prior written approval from the director of the ProForce Organization. Note: This provision allows commercial suppliers to bring firearms and munitions to DOE and Sandia-controlled premises for demonstration purposes. It is not intended as a means to allow personally-owned firearms and munitions to be brought onto DOE or Sandia-controlled premises for any purpose.
• Ammunition, pyrotechnics, and explosives are to be store in compliance with MN471011, Sandia Explosive Safety Manual.

• Do not store firearms or ammunition in the same container with classified matter or ammunition. Note: If ammunition is stored in the same container as a firearm, the ammunition should be within a separate lockable container or compartment.
• Do not leave unsecured firearms unattended.
• Return or surrender all issued keys to firearms storage repositories to the responsible manager in accordance with ISS100.5.6, Manage Locks and Keys, upon re-assignment, transfer, or termination.

• Restrict keys and combinations to firearms storage containers to yourself, your alternates, your managers, or a designated team supervisor.
• Ensure that all DOE firearms assigned to your organization are listed on Sandia’s property inventory list.

Ensure that firearms are only stored, transferred to, and maintained in storage facilities that are authorized by the SNL joint firearms safety committee (SJFSC).

Note: A list of authorized storage facilities may be obtained from the, Firearms Management custodian, firearms SME or the Safety Engineering manager.

Ensure that during transportation activities on site, all the following provisions for the movement of firearms and munitions are followed:

• Site-specific plans that include procedures for the safe transportation of firearms and munitions are developed and comply with the requirements in MN471011, Sandia Explosives Safety Manual, and DOE M 470.4-3A, Contractor Protective Force.
  Note: See ESH100.2.GEN.3, Develop and Use Technical Work Documents, for additional information on developing procedures and other TWDs.

• Firearms are handled or transported by FAP only.
• Firearms are transported only in government vehicles.
• Ammunition is segregated from firearms during transportation and kept in the original or metal ammunition containers.
• Firearms and munitions are stored in accordance with this section and Sandia’s munitions storage practices (consult the explosives contact).
• Large quantities (other than daily use) of ammunition or pyrotechnics are transported in accordance with Sandia’s internal explosive movement procedures as described in MN471011, Sandia Explosives Safety Manual.

• Verify that all firearms are unloaded prior to transport.
• Do not leave firearms unattended or unsecured.
• Always secure firearms when not in use.

Ensure that the following provisions are followed:

• All firearms are verified as unloaded and equipped with trigger locks or placed in a locked container.
• DOT shipping requirements for moving firearms or ammunition are followed. Contact Shipping and Receiving (using WebShipper) for specific requirements.

• Obtain the appropriate level of authorized management approval prior to acquiring any firearm or munitions.
• Follow the established requirements in SCM100.2.21, Acquire Firearms; SCM100.3.18, Manage Firearms; and SCM100.4.5, Disposition Firearms.

This means that Members of the Workforce should NEVER compromise the amount of care with which they handle a firearm – even if the Member of the Workforce thinks it does not have any live rounds bullets in the chamber or the magazine. Always handle an empty firearm with as much care as a loaded one. 

Remarks: 

There are various reasons for this rule. For example:

• The Member of the Workforce could be wrong – the firearm could be loaded.
  • The firearm was not unloaded previously.
  • The firearm was previously loaded without the user’s knowledge.
  • One of the cartridges was missed during the unloading process.
  • The firearm was handled by an unauthorized Member of the Workforce when no one was looking.
  • Picked up the wrong firearm. There are lots of ways that the firearm could be loaded without your knowing it.
• Proper handling practices should be followed at all times.

Violations of this rule have lead to many of the most tragic and avoidable firearm accidents.

• Do not point your firearm in the general direction of people. Do not point your firearm at objects with people in or behind them. Keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction.
• Never face or approach a security or civilian police officer with a firearm in your hand. They will respond appropriately to your actions.

Remarks:

• Members of the Workforce should not aim a firearm at people.
• During any testing, training or handling of a firearm be constantly aware of the muzzle of the firearm and do not let the muzzle cover anything unintentionally that may be destroyed, damaged, or cause injury.

• Place finger on the trigger only when your sights are on the target and you have made a conscious decision to fire. The trigger is for firing the firearm, not for resting the trigger finger between shots.
• Rest the finger on the trigger guard or on the frame of the firearm just above the trigger. This is known as the "index position."

Remarks:

• Resting the trigger finger on the trigger increases the chance for an accidental firing or unauthorized discharge (UD).
• For example, a sudden loud noise could startle a Member of the Workforce, or they could trip and fall, or run into something which could result in firing the firearm. Simple tension in a high stress situation can cause the Member of the Workforce to tighten the muscles in their hand without being aware of it.

Do not pull the trigger, if the target is unknown. Keep in mind that the bullet may miss or pass through your intended target and hit an unintended target. Make sure you can see the target in your sights and what is behind your target.

Remarks:

• Be aware that bullets can ricochet off hard, flat surfaces or even off of the flat surface of a pool of water (bullets can skip off of water just like stones).

Table 4.  Firearm Safety Rules Additional Safety Rules

The following additional safety rules are provided to help Members of the Workforce become familiar with some basic firearm handling etiquette.

When handling a firearm, it is the responsibility of the Member of the Workforce to know whether the firearm is loaded or unloaded at all times. When in doubt, remember Rule 1: All firearms are always loaded.  

Never take someone else's word that a firearm is unloaded or loaded. Check every time you pick up a firearm, every time you hand a firearm to someone else, and every time someone hands you a firearm. Check the firearm yourself, even if you see another person check it first.

Remarks:

• Do not hesitate to ask how a particular firearm is loaded or how it is operated.
• Some firing ranges have a rule against handing a loaded firearm to another person. This is a good rule to follow at any time. The appropriate way to hand a firearm to another person is unloaded, with the action open, barrel pointed down, and trigger facing towards them.

• If the Member of the Workforce does not know how the firearm for which they are responsible for works, it is hard to know how to use it safely and in the proper manner. To accomplish this, responsible Members of the Workforce should do all of the following:
  • Read the manual. If one is not provided, write the manufacturer for a copy of the manual.
  • Ask the person from whom the firearm was received.
  • Seek the advice of an expert.

The wrong type of ammunition can cause serious complications – some of them fatal. Just because the ammunition fits in the firearm does not automatically mean it is the right ammunition for the firearm.

Remarks:

• Some incorrect ammunition uses can result in the following:
  • Ammunition that is supplied with extra powder (often labeled "+P" or "+P+") that is not meant for a specific firearm can damage the firearm or cause an unsafe situation.
• Always store ammunition in the original boxes
• Do not carry more than one type of ammunition, especially if they look enough alike that you could easily confuse them (i.e., 12-gauge and 16-gauge shells).

• Members of the Workforce shall always wear eye and ear protection during firearm use and activity. Gunfire always involves fire and smoke, which can harm the eyes. In addition, auto-loading firearms are also auto-ejecting, and the ejected casings can bounce back towards your eyes.
• Hearing damage is cumulative. Short-term exposure (i.e. firing a few shots) without ear protection has not been shown to cause long-term hearing damage, however, continuous exposure to gunfire can cause nerve damage and deafness. Hearing-protection devices can be worn on the exterior (e.g., muffs) and interior (e.g., plugs) portions of the ear.

Remarks:

• It is important to wear glasses that wrap around the sides or have protective side pieces. You should also wear a hat with a brim that comes down to the top of your glasses to prevent flying shell casings from lodging behind them.
• Hearing-protection devices such as plugs may be adequate for outdoor ranges. Muffs, however, are essential at indoor ranges. The overpressure from firing the firearm indoors has nowhere to go and reverberates back at you from the walls. It can then be conducted to your inner ear through the mastoid bone and cause serious damage. Members of the Workforce should use both muffs and plugs simultaneously in these situations and use the highest rated devices available. This is typically 29 decibels (db) for muffs and 30+ db for plugs.

• In the case of misfires, hangfires (a round that does not ignite immediately) and squib rounds (a round that has a weak or no powder charge), there could be several reasons why the firearm did not fire. Here are a few examples:
  • It may not be loaded.
  • It may not have fed the ammunition (or cartridge) from the magazine after the last shot.
  • It could be a misfire. This occurs when the cartridge is loaded okay, but the primer fails to ignite the gunpowder, resulting in a misfire.
  • It could be a hangfire. Note: Since you cannot tell without examining the round, and since a hangfire going off while looking at it would be dangerous, it is best to just hold the firearm with the sights and barrel pointed at the target for at least 30 seconds. If the round does not exit the barrel or the firearm does not fire, Members of the Workforce may begin to investigate.
  • It could be a squib round.

Note: With a squib round, the bullet could easily get stuck in the barrel. If this happens, the report (the loud noise usually heard after the trigger is pulled and the firearm is fired) will not be as loud as normal, and the recoil will feel abnormal. Members of the Workforce should immediately unload the firearm and inspect the barrel and firing chamber(s) for a stuck bullet. You may want to have a gunsmith examine the firearm before you begin firing the firearm any further.

Do not store firearms so they are accessible to unauthorized persons. Many factors must be considered when deciding where and how to store firearms and ammunition. Be aware that certain types of firearms and many shooting activities require additional safety precautions.

Remarks:

Each individual situation will be a major part of the consideration. Dozens of firearm storage devices, as well as locking devices that attach directly to the firearm are available. However, mechanical locking devices – such as a mechanical safety that are built into firearms – can fail and should not be used as a substitute for safe firearm handling and the observance of all firearm safety rules.

• Responsible Member of the Workforce should know how to safely unload a firearm before operating the firearm. For a magazine-fed pistol, rifle, or shotgun, always remove the magazine first and then cycle the action.
• Simply removing the magazine (or unloading a non-removable magazine) is not good enough. There could be a round in the firing chamber. The Member of the Workforce must cycle the loading mechanism to get the cartridge out of the firing chamber. With no cartridges in the magazine, the firing chamber will not be reloaded. However, if you cycle the mechanism before removing (or unloading) the magazine, you will simply load another round to replace the one you ejected. Accidentally loading the chamber is probably the single most common cause of accidental discharges.
• Physically and visually verify that the firearm is unloaded and safe.

• The "safety" is a mechanism on a firearm designed to prevent the firearm from firing. Since keeping your finger off the trigger also prevents the firearm from firing, the safety is mostly intended to prevent accidents (i.e., if the firearm is dropped or snagged on something). Learn how the firearm‘s safety mechanism works and use it whenever possible. Do not substitute the “safety” for safe handling practices.
• A safety is a device - a device that can fail. Use them, but never depend on them.
  Note: Most long firearms do not have a safety device that can prevent the gun from firing if it is dropped. In most cases, long firearm safeties only block the trigger. They do not block the firing pin or even the hammer.

• Air guns, paint guns, and dart guns are not considered firearms. However, Members of the Workforce must follow the safety rules with these non-firearm devices as well.
• These non-firearm devices do fire projectiles, which could seriously injure other people under the wrong circumstances. Treat any device that fires a projectile in a manner that is safe to the operator and anyone else in the area.