TROUPES DE LA MARINE

COMPAGNIE FRANCHE DE FORT TOULOUSE

SAFETY
REGULATIONS



1 JANUARY 2001

COMPAGNIES FRANCHES DE LA MARINE
QUARTIER-GENERAL, POST AUX ALIBAMONS, FORT TOULOUSE
REGLEMENT PERMANENT DE LA GARNISON No. 3

DATE: 11 February1997

SUBJ: Safety Regulations

1.Introduction: In any organization such as ours, which deals routinely with firearms, explosive black powder, edged weapons, open fires, etc., safety must be a primary concern. It must take precedence over all other considerations. This regulation establishes basic safety rules.

2. Applicability: This regulation applies to all members of the Compagnie Franche du Fort Toulouse, their family members, Indian reenactors, and guests, who are participating in activities at Fort Toulouse/Jackson Park. Members participating in organized events away from the park (under the auspices and leadership of our group) are also expected to comply with these regulations, as well as local rules.

Safety Rules:

a. As the group is a part of the Society of the Forces of Montcalm and Wolfe, it is the desire of the Fort Toulouse/Jackson Park Manager that the group comply with the safety regulations of that organization.
b. All persons listed above are expected to read and comply with the Montcalm and Wolfe regulations, as included herein. Some procedures (such as artillery loading) may be slightly modified for our group, but the basic safety steps will still be observed.
c. All members are personally liable for their own unsafe acts.
d. Any member who observes an unsafe act or a potentially dangerous situation is obligated to shout "As you were!" which will be the signal to stop all activity until the problem is corrected.

CHEVALIE de MONBERAUT
CAPITAINE, COMMMMANDANT
POST AUX ALIBAMONS

Forces of Montcalm and Wolfe Inc.
General Safety Rules
Document #S-1

THESE RULES ARE TO BE READ AND/OR DISTRIBUTED TO ALL UNIT COMMANDERS AT ALL FORCES

1.0 SCOPE

1.1 These requirements apply to all Forces events, unless more stringent requirements are specified by the sponsors and an agreement is reached..

1.2 Enforcement is to fall on the individual, event sponsor, unit and the Forces; common sense must prevail.

1.3 The field and/or safety officers have the right to remove all weapons or participants in violation of these regulations.

1.4 Special cases and/or exceptions to these regulations must be approved by the safety officers.

2.0 FIREARMS (Need not apply to display arms)

2.1 Firearms are to be maintained and repaired in good serviceable condition.

2.2 Barrels are to have been proved and viewed; and are to be maintained clean/oiled.

2.3 Leather frizzen covers (hammer stalls), to prevent accidental firing, are to be attached with thongs or chains. Frizzens should be covered except when firing or cleaning.

2.4 Metal flash deflectors, to protect those adjacent, are to be securely attached.

3.0 BLANK CARTRIDGES AND LOADS

3.1 Blank paper cartridges are to be made of paper, commercial black "rifle" powder, glue and/or wax coating only, but British style may be tied w/string.

3.2 Maximum allowable blank loads: powder grains + 1.5 caliber, for long arms; powder grains = 1.0 x caliber, for pistols.

3.3 Fg, FFg, FFFg powder granulations are to be used. Larger bores should use the coarser powder.

3.4 Blank loads when skirmishing may be loaded from powder horns into separate thimble measures. Horns must be closed except when pouring into separate thimble.

3.5 Small priming horns with FFFFg. Powder may be used for priming only.

3.6 Blank loads are to consist of black powder only, and are not to be wadded or rammed down the barrel.

3.7 Projectile ammunition (balls, shot) is not to be on the person when firing blanks.

3.8 Filling powder horns or making blank cartridges with black powder is not to take place near open flame or spark source, or while smoking tobacco.

4.0 LIVE FIRING

4.1 Live range firing is to be the NATIONAL MUZZLE LOADING RIFLE ASSOCIATION RULES and REGULATIONS.

4.2 Paper cartridges containing projectile may be used. Cartridge priming may be used by utilizing frizzen covers. Live cartridges are to be made from paper of contrasting color from blanks or otherwise marked.

4.3 Hunting is to conform to all Federal, State and local regulations.

5.0 EDGED ARMS AND TOOLS

5.1 Swords, bayonets, knives, tomahawks, axes, and saws are to have scabbards, sheaths, covers or otherwise contained. Cutting edges are to be contained when not in use.

5.2 Pole-arms should be carried in the vertical positions. Store in a safe position.

6.0 TACTICAL DEMONSTRATIONS WITH OPPOSING FORCES

6.1 Unit Inspection in Preparation:

6.1.1 Firearms for service ability, firzzen covers, flash deflectors and spring rammers for clear barrels.

6.1.2 Ammunition for blanks only

6.1.3 Edged arms for covers.

6.2 Battle Conduct:

6.2.1 Firearms are not to be aimed at people. All firing between opposing forces shall be with small arms muzzles elevated at greater than 40 degrees from horizontal and cease at 10 yards distance.

6.2.2 Nothing is to be placed in gun barrels except blank loads .

6.2.3 Combatants are not to close less than 10 yards unless rehearsed and pre-approved by the safety officer and tactical officers.

6.2.4 Ramrods may be carried in ramrod pipes during battle but are not to be withdrawn.

6.2.5 The throwing of weapons or projectiles is prohibited.

6.2.6 Participants under 18 years of age must have passed a certified safety gun handling course to handle firearms. Minors may participate with permission and with adult supervision.

6.2.7 Bayonets may be fixed only by troops in line under direct officer command. Bayonet charges may not exceed a fast walk while maintaining line discipline, (see 6.2.3). Bayonets are not to be fixed while loading firing. Only socket bayonets are to be used. All above must be approved by the safety officer in charge.

6.2.8 Artillery crews are not to be disturbed unless pre-arranged scenario has been approved by the safety officer.

6.3 Unit Inspection in Conclusion:

6.3.1 Pans are to be brushed and secure firelocks.

7.0 ARTILLERY SAFETY

7.1 Artillery safety is to be noted under Forces Artillery Safety Rules, Document S-2.

8.0 CAMP SAFETY

8.1 Fire protection is to be maintained near fires and tents.

8.2 A first aid kit should be maintained by each unit.

8.3 When hearths are not available, fire pits should be used. Position fires to minimize hazard, (min of 6 ft. from all tents). Douse coals and return sod after use.

8.4 Candles in tents should be securely fastened in lanterns or scones with metal holders and base shields.

8.5 No open flames or heating stoves hall be used in tents with straw floor or bedding.

8.6 Stove fuels are to be properly stored and in approved containers.

8.7 No discharging of firearms in camp unless approved by the safety officer in charge.

8.8 Parents or guardians are responsible for minors.

8.9 Bring only a minimum quantity of gun powder required for the event into camp. Powder, including paper cartridges, are to be stored in leather, wood, metal or horn containers.

Forces of Montcalm and Wolfe, Inc.
Artillery Safety Rules
Document # S-2
Amendments approved 8 January 1994
by Board of Directors

1.0 GENERAL

The intent of these rules are to insure the safe firing of artillery at re-enactments. Omission of specific detail or individual interpretation of these rules will not be an excuse for unsafe activity! Common sense must prevail at all times. The safe firing of artillery requires the cooperation of all persons concerned.

1.1 An annual inspection of each piece must be conducted prior to participating at any even within that year. Gun crews shall complete the inspection form attached to these rules (copies may be made). One copy will be sent to the Forces' Provost Officer and one copy shall remain with these rules and kept on hand at all times as part of the equipment of each gun. Furthermore, all artillery pieces and their accouterments will be inspected by the Forces' Provost Officer or an appointed safety officer, prior to service at events. (In some cases and elected gun crew captain may serve as safety officer if conditions warrant).

1.2 The U.S. government does not require a manufacture's proof testing of their barrels, nor is there any requirement for a restored or relined barrel or for that matter, a so called "Homemade Piece." Therefore, in the interest of safety, all barrels are to have been proved, viewed, maintained, cleaned and oiled prior to any service. A proofing report, detailing procedures and data attesting to the gun's ability to perform reliably, using the manufacturers maximum recommended powder charges for properly constructed guns will be required! This report shall be signed, dated and kept with the gun at all times. The barrel will be marked indicating that this procedure has taken place. (The burden of proof testing lies upon the owner or owners and not the Forces of Montcalm and Wolfe Inc.)

1.3 In the event that any unsafe conditions exist or develop, i.e. spectator or participant obstruction, equipment malfunction, etc. the gun captain has the authority to call, "cease fire." A hand signal mist be performed in conjunction with the call, allowing others the knowledge that a problem exists. The hand is held in front of the face, palm outward and moving rapidly in a waving motion. Upon this signal all operations concerning firing and movement of ammunition shall cease. This condition will remain in effect until the appropriate safety personnel (the gun captain, a gunnery commander if more than one gun is present, or Provost Officer) reviews and resolves the situation. Only then can the "all clear" be given and activities resumed.

1.4 There shall be a fifty foot (50 ft) danger zone visibly established (rope line, etc.) between spectators and the gun. No one is to be in front of the muzzle at any time. There will be no smoking within the danger zone. The ammunition box will be located twenty-five feet (25 ft) behind the gun and attended at all times.

1.5 No person will place any part of their body directly in front of the muzzle! Furthermore, any crew member operating the rammer, worm, or sponge shall not grasp these tools in any fashion where the thumb is used to encircle the handle of this equipment. Always keep the thumbs on the same side of the handle as the fingers!

1.6 No gun shall be fired at any person. A down range danger zone of three hundred feet (300 ft) must exist, allowing the minimum safe distance for any person to be in front of the muzzle of a gun shooting blank cartridges only. This will include a radius of 45 degrees to either side of the center line of bore.

1.7 There shall be no inappropriate behavior around the gun while firing procedures are in progress.

1.8 Consumption of alcoholic beverages or illegal substances will not be permitted or tolerated. It is imperative that gun captains be responsible for their crews in this regard to insure the safe handling of these guns.

1.9 General Safety Rules Document # S-1 applies to these rules.

1.10 No gun shall be wadded or fired with loose powder. All firing will be done with cartridges made of aluminum foil only.

1.11 Use cannon grade or 1Fg black powder for charges only.

1.12 Each step of the firing procedure must be performed for every firing. A minimum of two (2) dry fire sequences will be performed before loading with ammunition. Each crew member shall be trained and knowledgeable in all procedures and safety rules.

1.13 Hearing and eye protection is strongly recommended for al crew members.

1.14 When blank firing, no wadding will be used or should it be necessary for a realistic report.

1.15 The minimum time between rounds shall be three (3) minutes. Note: Some historical sites require longer time frames between rounds, Forces' Rules will then defer to the more stringent regulations or policies set by these sites.

2.0 SAFETY RULES DURING BATTLE RE-ENACTMENTS

2.1 The cannon should always be considered loaded and dangerous.

2.2 Gun crews must observe and insure that no person(s) are in the danger zone before firing. "Cease fire" must be called if this situation exists.

2.3 Cannons must be positioned where they will not be firing directly into troop occupied areas. Any deviation must be coordinated and approved before the tactical begins.

2.4 All non-firing personnel adjacent to guns shall be at least thirty feet (30 ft) from either side and rear of the piece.

2.5 After the gun crew has fired their predetermined number of rounds and the gun is clear and secured, a bucket will be placed over the muzzle signaling the participants that this gun is no longer active in the battle and that action may take place within the down ranger danger zone. Until such signal is given no one may enter this danger zone. This rule shall be applied and must precede any actions as described per Rule #2.6 of this document.

2.6 If a gun is to be overrun as part of a tactical demonstration, the fun crew will "die"in place. There will be no simulated combat for the possession of the gun. During the assault no one is to be directly in front of the muzzle. The gun crew shall not abandon their gun for any reason.

3.0 FIRING

3.1 Preparation for Firing:

3.1.1 The firing site must be inspected to ensure that it is capable of establishing the fifty foot (50 ft) danger zone around the gun.

3.1.2 Direction of fire must be selected to insure that no participant or spectator will encroach upon the down range danger zone of three hundred feet (300 ft) required for the gun.

3.1.3 Cannons set in a row shall have muzzles in line and parallel at least thirty feet (30 ft) apart from each other.

3.2 Firing Procedure:

3.2.1 ..."Clean Vent".../..."Appretez le Canon"...
Cleaning the vent is the first step in loading-firing sequence. This is to insure that the vent is free of any debris or remnants from previous firing. An appropriately sized bronze wire brush on a suitable (non-sparking) rod or the priming pick may be used. This instrument is to be run into the vent twice during the procedure.

3.2.2 ..."Stop the Vent".../..."Appretez le Canon"...
The vent is to be tightly sealed using thumb pressure during the entire cleaning and loading sequence. A gloved hand with thumb stall attached shall be used. No air should escape from the vent during the entire loading procedure.

3.2.3 ..."Search"...(worm the bore).../..."Sondez"...
The tube will be searched each time before firing. The worm will be rotated and withdrawn three (3) times to pick up any cartridge remnants and to loosen any powder residue. The worm should fit closely to insure cleaning of debris. Under no circumstances is the gun to be loaded if debris is in the tube!

3.2.4 ..."Sponge".../..."Ecouvillez"...
The tube will be wiped out with a wet (not sopping) sponge. The tight fitting sponge head is dipped into the sponge bucket and the excess water is wrung out by rolling or shaking the sponge near the ground. The sponge will be inserted and pushed to the bottom of the bore; when contact is made it shall be rotated at least twice before being completely withdrawn. The sponge should be inspected after each swab to insure any debris clinging to it can be removed before the sponge is re-inserted into the tube. This procedure shall be repeated twice more but the sponge need not be re-immersed in water. It is imperative during this procedure that any smoldering residue from a fired cartridge or any debris missed by the worm be extinguished or removed at this time. Furthermore, a tight seal shall be maintained on the vent so that any indication of a fracture may be spotted or heard. For this reason it is advised that after the last round is fired, the gun should be sponged while hot to insure that a crack has not developed.

3.2.5 Repeat 3.2.3 and 3.2.4.

3.2.6 ..."Handle Cartridge".../..."Prenez la Cartouche"
The designated gunner shall remove a single (1) cartridge from the ammunition chest and place it in his leather pass box. He shall insure that the lid of the chest is closed before advancing. The flap of the pouch will remain closed until he reaches the appropriate gunner assigned to receive the cartridge. At this time he will remove the cartridge from the pouch and with both hands transfer it to that person, twisted end first.

3.2.7 ..."Place Cartridge".../..."Mettez la Cartouche dans le Cannon"...
The cartridge shall be placed in the tube with the twisted end towards the muzzle. It is imperative that as little of the hand and no part of the body be exposed to the muzzle while insertion is taking place. The opposite hand should be placed on the top of the gun barrel to ground against static electricity.

3.2.8 ..."Ram Cartridge.../..."Bourez"
The cartridge rammed down the tube with sufficient force to seat it against the back of the bore. It is required that all rammers be smoothly tapered to allow a hand to open quickly should a premature ignition occur. It is also strongly recommended that a shepherd's hook rammer be used to insure that no part of the body is exposed to the plane of the muzzle. The rammer shall be marked to indicate the amount of shaft protruding from the muzzle when the charge is fully seated. The rammer shall be grasped underhanded (palm up) with one hand, thumb to the side. Then, with one continuous stroke, seat the cartridge. Do not pound.

3.2.9 ..."Pierce Cartridge".../..."Percez"...
The cartridge is picked through the vent with the priming wire (non-sparking) held by the shaft between gloved fingers.

3.2.10 ..."Prime".../..."Armorcez"...
Priming powder is poured into the vent with a small amount allowed to remain on top of the vent. Priming cartridges or priming quills are preferred. Priming horns may not be used to directly prime the gun. A small powder measure must be used. The gun captain will raise his hand once the gun has been primed and shall keep it aloft until the command to fire is given. This should signal participants and spectators that here is a primed and loaded gun on the range. If for any reason the gun captain must lower his arm, another member of the crew shall maintain the signal.

3.2.11 ..."Fire".../..."Fue"...
The priming powder or priming quills are ignited with a linstock which is long enough to allow the cannoneer to stand outside the wheels. Fuse firing is not to be used.

4.0 MISFIRES

4.1 If the primer ignites but the gun fails to fire, the gun captain shall call out "misfire" loud enough to be heard by the gun crew and by those at the perimeter of the danger zone. The gunner will remove his glove and check the temperature of the tube.

4.2 Start Watch:

Wait ten (10) minutes. The wait will be extended to fifteen (15) minutes if the temperature of the tube is still warm to the touch.

4.3 After ten (10) minutes have elapsed, the cartridge shall be pierced again, the vent primed and the gun fired following the normal procedures.

4.4 If a second attempt fails to ignite the charge, the procedure may be repeated one more time after the minimum ten (10) minute wait.

4.5 If three ( attempts) have not resulted in a successful firing, the cartridge will be unloaded. Water shall be used to douse the cartridge through the vent and the muzzle. After waiting the minimum period of ten (10) minutes to insure that no sparks remain, the assistant gunner shall then raise the cascabel and the gun captain will us the worm to remove the cartridge. The gunner then catches the cartridges and disposes of it.

5.0 GENERAL INFORMATION/EQUIPMENT

5.1 All equipment must meet serviceability standards. Antique guns or guns with sand cored bores should not be fired. There may be exceptions to this rule such as an antique gun with a sand cored bore which as a new line and has been test fired may be serviceable, but these must be approved on an individual basis. X-ray or other examinations of the tube may be required to insure safety.

5.2 The Provost Officer or designated safety officer shall insure that no gun will be fired at an event until an inspection determines that the minimum mandatory equipment is present and serviceable.

5.3 Equipment will not be misused, i.e., ramming with a sponge or using the staff of the worm for a hand spike.

6.0 MINIMUM EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS

6.1 Manpower:

No gun will be fired with a crew of less than three (3) persons. Included in this ruling shall be mortars and small carriage "grasshopper" type guns. An exception would be a small stationary gun on a tripod or post which may have a minimum of two (2) persons to operate. Though only one (1) person may be necessary to operate these small guns, it is imperative that a second person oversee that proper safety procedures are being used. NOTE: So-called wall guns (large bore muskets with flintlock mechanisms) on tripods are not considered cannons.

6.2 Ammunition Chest:

This chest must be in good condition with a self-closing lid restricted to opening at no greater than a 60 degree angle. It must be capable of holding ammunition only (no lighters, matches, used slow match, flashlights or batteries). Chest must have a lock and be kept away from sparks, i.e., wood, brass, bronze (no iron or steel fixtures).

6.3 Leather Pass Box:

Used for carrying cartridges from ammunition chest to cannon. Constructed of sturdy leather with shoulder strap and flap.

6.4 Gloves:

Minimum of three (3) pairs of heavy gauntlet leather gloves are required. Gloves must be worn by each crew member who will handle ammunition and powder, or who are exposed to the muzzle of the cannon. NOTE: A thumb stall is not a substitute for a glove.

6.5 Water Bucket:

A serviceable bucket large enough for the sponge to be completely immersed in water.

6.6 Sponge:

A cloth-covered cylinder on a staff capable of sealing the bore when wet. It must be capable of forcing water out of the vent when rammed home. Any substitute that does not meet this criteria will not be permitted.

6.7 Worm:

An iron or steel worm of single or double tine. It shall be at least two-thirds the diameter of the bore. For small bore cannons (inch to inch and half) a screw-type worm (often made by cutting and filing a stout spring) may be used.

6.8 Rammer:

A wooden cylinder 7/8 the diameter of the bore, with a handle. Rammers shall be tapered trumpeted with no lands or shoulders over its entire length to insure that that the hand opens in the event of premature discharge. Shepherds crook rammers are strongly recommended.

6.9 Vent Pick or Priming Wire:

A serviceable wire of a non-sparking material, 1/8" to 3/16" diameter, pointed on one end with a handle or ring on the other end.

6.10 Linstock:

A metal or wooden device used to securely hold the slow match. The linstock must be long enough (approximately 2 or more feet to permit the cannoneer to stand outside the wheels) to insure the safe firing of the cannon.

6.11 Slow Match:

A 100 percent cotton cord soaked in potassium nitrate solution, then dried. Do not use butane lighters or other pressurized devices to light slow match around artillery. NOTE: A test burn should be conducted to ensure that an adequate coal is formed.

6.12 Tube:

Iron, steel, brass or bronze are suitable. It must be free from cracks, deep pitting or rust striations. There can be no evidence of sprawling in the bore. There can be no cracking about the cascabel. Cast iron guns alone have low ductile properties. Tubes of iron must be lined with a high pressure seamless or drawn over mandrel (D.O.M.) steel tubing liner with breech plug. Wall thickness of liner must be engineered according to bore size and appropriate pressure rating. Breech plug may threaded and pinned or 100 percent (A.S.M.E. certified) welded if materials are weldable and retain their strength, both require expert installation by competent manufacturers. Length of breech plug will be equal to the diameter of the bore. NOTE: Some materials cannot be welded unless they are properly heat treated. All tubes having a hole greater than 1/4 inch shall have a touch hole liner installed by a competent manufacturer to repair them to a serviceable condition. Steel guns must be capable of withstanding high pressures and will be made of materials certified as such. Sand cored bores should not be fired (See general information rule 5.1).

6.13 Carriage:

The carriage must be sturdy enough to permit the safe firing of the gun.

6.14 Thumb Stall:

A heavy leather sheath for protecting the thumb while forming a seal over the vent during the loading process. It must be large enough to fit over the thumb of a glove.

6.15 Priming Devices:

6.15.1 Priming Cartridge:
A paper cartridge containing 120 grains more or less of 2FFG or 3FFFg black powder to prime the gun.

6.15.2 Priming Quill:
A sealed paper tube (drinking straw) filled with 4FFFFg black powder with a disk at the top used to prime the gun.

6.15.3 Priming Horn:
A small powder horn or flask used to hold priming powder for the cannon. In order to minimize the potential hazard of explosion. NO CANNON shall be primed directly from a horn or flask. A small powder measure capable of holding a suitable amount of priming powder shall be used to prime the gun.

7.0 OTHER EQUIPMENT

7.1 Watch:

A stop watch or pocket watch (a second hand is optional) shall be part of the equipment.

7.2 Muzzle and Touch-hole Cover:

A leather or wooden plug to be placed and secured in or over the muzzle and touch-hole when the gun is not in use. This is to prevent any tampering or unwanted debris from entering the bore at events.

7.3 First Aid Kit:

This should include items capable of handling trauma and injuries.

7.4 Flashlight:

To inspect bore prior to usage at events. Extra bulb and batteries should be carried.

7.5 Hand Spikes:

Regardless of style, these must be sturdy enough to move the gun without breaking or endangering crew or spectators.

7.6 Drag Ropes:

Ropes used to maneuver the gun over rough terrain. These should be of 3/4 inch diameter with an iron or steel hook on one end.

7.7 Subscriptions:

One member of gun crew should subscribe to Artilleryman Magazine to keep abreast of recent developments in regards to artillery safety.

7.8 Extra Bucket of Water:

A second bucket of water will be provided at the gun site to be used in the event of grass fires started by burning embers or as added safety feature on board in the event that an emergency should occur.

8.0 AMMUNITION

8.1 Maximum Powder Charges for Properly Constructed Guns.

8.1.1 Powder charges for properly constructed guns shall not exceed the manufacturers recommended loads.

8.1.2 Powder charges shall be made of appropriate recommended powder amounts wrapped in a triple (3) layer of heavy duty aluminum foil with end twisted closed. NOTE: Smaller bore sizes may require less layers of aluminum to ignite with proficiency.

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