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General Safety Rules Flipbook PDF
1 of 14 General Safety Rules & Regulations for Long Road Home Participants Be aware that when you sign your registra
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General Safety Rules & Regulations for Long Road Home Participants Be aware that when you sign your registration form, you are agreeing to abide by the Safety Regulations and Rules for this event. Highlights are overviewed here. Current ANV and PACS safety regulations will be enforced for all.
Overall Event Safety Each Company will appoint a designated Safety Officer to ensure general and weapons safety. The Company Safety Officer will report to the Regimental/Battalion Safety Officer. Each Regiment/Battalion will have an appointed designated Safety Officer to ensure general and weapons safety. The Regimental/Battalion Safety Officer will report to the Event Safety Officer. Each Brigade will have an appointed designated Safety Officer to ensure general and weapons safety. The Brigade Safety Officer will report to the Division Safety Officer. Each Division will have an appointed designated Safety Officer to ensure general and weapons safety. The Division Safety Officer will report to the Army Headquarters’ Officer. Weapons Safety inspection will be conducted prior to each battle and a written report will be verified and signed off by each Safety Officer at the previously mentioned levels. The Commanding Federal and Confederate General or their designees will make the final signoffs for their respective armies. This document will be retained by the respective General. All reenactors must affiliate with a unit to participate in all battle scenarios. The command staff will attempt to assign individuals registering without a unit affiliation to units but this does not guarantee acceptance by that unit. It is the individual’s responsibility to affiliate and if no recognized unit is found the individual will not be able to participate. Affiliation means that the unit or individual will be under the control of, camp with, be inspected by and fall in for battle with that recognized unit. The event Commanders and organizers will make the final determination if a registration is accepted. Living History Reenactors may carry weapons if their approved impression needs to. The Living History Liaison and Provost will have final say if appropriate. They will fall under the same rules for weapons and safety as the infantry and cavalry units. The Living History Safety officer is responsible for weapons safety and inspection. Loaded weapons shall not be carried in camp.
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Living History Reenactors of approved military impressions may participate in the battle scenarios if they affiliate with a military unit. Their acceptance is under the control of the unit’s commanders. If accepted they will follow the same safety rules as the unit. Any wishing to participate over the rank of Sgt must be approved by the overall military commanders and event staff. Living History Reenactors of approved impressions may ride horses if qualified, and are subject to the same rules as all others. The Living History Liaison and Living History Safety officer is responsible to ensure they follow all rules for horses and horsemanship. Any wishing to participate in the battles and are not affiliated with a military unit must be approved by the overall military commanders and event staff. All safety regulations will be strictly enforced through a provost and/or appropriate safety personnel. Any violation of these rules will be grounds for an individual or unit to be removed from the field. Anyone under the age of 13 will not be permitted on the Battlefield. NO EXCPTIONS! No one under the age of 16 will be permitted to carry a rifle on the field NO projectiles, bullets, musket balls, or loading blocks will be carried at any time at the scene of an event. Opposing troops will not advance within 25 yards of another unit at any time during this event. Exceptions will only occur if they have been carefully planned prior to the event and approved by the Overall Commanders. All firing will be done at an elevated angle. Never aim a weapon directly at another person. There will be no weapons fired in the bivouac or encampment area or along routes of march without prior approval or direction of the Company Safety Officer. Infractions will result in expulsion of the individual and/or unit. All cartridges must be made up prior to the event. In the case of a prolonged event or unexpected firing activities, cartridges may be made at a designated safety area only, not in camp or near exposed flames or visitor’s cigarettes. No staples will be used in any cartridge. Nails, vent picks, etc. should be kept out of the cartridge box to avoid accidentally dropping any of these objects into a muzzle. Maximum musket or rifle cartridges will follow the Table of Maximum Loads. Only FFg or FFFg black powder will be used – NO Pyrodex. NO FFFFg (4F) powder will be used except by artillery units for priming. Cartridge paper will not be placed in the barrel (exception for breech load weapons) and NO wadding or ramming will be permitted except in the use of handguns (Absolutely NO wonder wads, Cream of Wheat recommended). Multiple loading is not permitted.
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Cartridges will not be carried anywhere on the person except in a hard cartridge box unless they are securely wrapped in foil in lots of ten and carried in a secure location. Powder will only be carried on a person in the form of cartridges. Ramrods can be carried but are not to be drawn and used under any circumstance. Unless otherwise directed by the Company Safety Officer for safety checks. Unit formations will be held previous to each battle, where weapons, accouterments and cartridges will be inspected. Those failing this inspection will not be allowed to carry the failing firearms onto the field. A full safety inspection should be held by each unit commander prior to its arrival at this event. Each unit commander is responsible for the conduct of his men (this includes women and children). The commander is responsible to make sure that his personnel and those assigned to him are aware of the safety rules and that they understand and abide by them. Edged weapons will only be drawn on the command of the unit commander. No edged weapon will be leveled or pointed at or make contact with another participant. In a scripted combat any edged weapons will be kept within 45degrees of vertical at all times. NEVER strike an opponent’s horse with any part of the saber. NEVER grab or hold any portion of your opponent’s body, or holding uniform, accoutrements, or horse equipment. NEVER continue an attack after any participant in the immediate vicinity has been unhorsed. No hacking or flailing without apparent concern for the proper execution of accepted moves. Sabers can and will cause the same damage as they were intended to 150+ years ago. Pistols and long arms will not be a full-cock during maneuvering on the battlefield or in a charge. All long arms will be cleared at the end of each battle with unit commanders having responsibility for the procedures and safety. All pistols will be cleared at the end of each battle with unit commanders having responsibility for the procedures and safety. At no time will troops fire their weapons within 25 ft. of an artillery piece or limber.
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Hand to hand combat will be permitted only by prior permission of the Battalion Commanders with notification to all units that will be engaged and REHEARSAL by all units and persons involved. Should you find yourself engaged in unrehearsed hand to hand you should retreat, if possible, or immediately become a simulated casualty. Loaded weapons must not be brought into a hand to hand scenario. Weapons may not be fired without the Unit Commander’s permission. Cap firing does not require permission but must be done in a designated capping and clearing area away from the public. Unguarded weapons should not be readily accessible to the public during an event.
Infantry Unit Weapons 3 band muskets such as Enfield or Springfield are preferred for safety reasons. Correct 2 banders such as Sharps Carbines are allowed only by prior approval from Unit Safety officer and Event Safety officer. 2 banders should not be used in the 2nd line/ranks of fire. Henry types or repeating rifles should be used by Cavalry units or prior approval of Unit Safety officers. Original antique type of muskets and shot guns shall not be used on the field. NO non-period weapons. NO civilian weapons. Side arms shall be carried ONLY by officers. Exception: NCO ranks are permitted to carry NCO swords and pistols at the discretion of their unit commander. Those authorized to carry side arms will follow the same rules for pistols and swords as the Cavalry units. Ramrods are not to be drawn on the field with the exception of Safety personnel clearing a weapon behind the firing line Bayonets are not to be fixed on the field. Scabbards must have appropriate tips. Exception: Bayonets will not be fixed on the field except to stack arms or after the scenario, after weapons have been cleared, for the purpose of a pass-in-review. NO sheath knives will be carried on the field. POWDER CHARGES limited to a maximum of 70 grains for .54-.58 caliber and 90 grains for .69 caliber, 60 grains for carbines; 14 and 30 grains for .36 and .44 caliber pistols respectively.
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No weapons are to be discharged within 25 yards of the “enemy”; remember to always elevate when firing. No weapons are to be discharged within camp boundaries with the exception of weapons inspection under supervision of the unit safety officer or commanding officer. No live ammunition is allowed on the reenactment site. LEAVE IT AT HOME! No tompions may be taken to the field. No “Wonder wads” are to be used in any weapon. Extra percussion caps will NOT be held between the teeth or held in the hand during loading and firing. When loading weapons, cartridge paper will not be loaded except in breach-loading weapons. The spent percussion cap should not be removed before the next powder charge is put in the barrel. Six wing caps designed for modern in-line black power weapons will not be carried or used at this event. Any person found to have them in their cap pouch will immediately return them to his camp or surrender them to a member of the Provost and Inspections Department. Cartridge boxes will be of the proper type. Cartridge box tins are recommended. Many events require tins in boxes. At no time will caps or cartridges be carried or held in the mouth. Cap boxes must be of the proper type, with a flap that can be secured. Only unarmed cleared weapons are permitted for stacking of arms ceremony. Smoking in the ranks should be discouraged on the grounds of safety and authenticity. . Canteens will be of the proper type, constructed of wood, tin, or steel. Glass bottles, slung or carried in the haversack are not acceptable without approval of the Provost and Inspection Department. Canteens will be carried on the field, they will be full of water, and will be checked before leaving for the field.
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Calvary Equipment/Weapons- Mounted and Dismounted SADDLES AND TACK: Correct period saddles and tack are to be used. No modern western saddles are allowed. Period breast collars are required. Period Lead Strap or Rope REQUIRED. Blanket Period Schabraques or wool blanket sufficient sizes to cover non period Saddle pads are required. Period stirrups (No 1904 iron stirrups) Valise, 1859 saddlebags, true copy CS saddlebags-Period types only Crupper-Optional Surcingle- REQUIRED. Gray, red, or dragoon saddle blankets, or any issue blanket of the period Modern Indian saddle blankets are NOT acceptable Pommel holsters of the period Modern western bridles are NOT allowed Horses must have a leather halter, Cavalry model 1859 preferred or CS 5 ring. Leather (period) or rope lead rope REQUIRED Link straps are required for cavalry to fight dismounted. (See notes under Horses) No “makeshift” or “rag tag” equipment will be allowed A period cavalry bit is recommend with curb chain; however comfort and the safety of the horse are a concern of all, so other bits may be permitted at the discretion of the cavalry commanders. All equipment will be inspected by Cavalry commanders or his designee. PISTOLS/REVOLVERS: All revolvers and other pistols smaller than .50 caliber will be loaded with FFFg Black powder ONLY Original antique type of pistols shall not be used on the field. Specified charges for revolvers shall not exceed those in the table below. Caliber Maximum Charge .31 Caliber 15 grains .36 Caliber 20 grains .44 Caliber 30 grains .44 Cal. Colt Dragoon 40 grains Single shot of any Caliber 25 grains
Pistol chambers may be loaded and sealed in only one way. Cream of Wheat method: Chambers will be charged with the correct amount
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of black powder for the caliber of pistol. The remainder of the chamber will be filled with cream of wheat and packed tightly. No other material is needed to seal the chamber. The use of grease and cream of wheat must be avoided since it will create a hard plug. Powder flasks may never be carried on the field. Pistols are reloaded on the battlefield only with prepared cartridges conforming to the Civil War period, or spare cylinders. Those using revolvers may carry extra cylinders provided they are properly loaded and carried securely in a leather pouch. Pistols must always be carried in holsters with secured flaps or thongs when not in use. Loaded pistols must always be kept on the person. If a single shot pistol is equipped with a ramrod it may never be drawn during a battle. Single shot pistols will not use a wadding material. The pistol will be drawn only upon command of the unit commander. Pistols, or carbines, when fired to the front while mounted, the muzzle will be elevated above the horse's head so as not to cause harm to the horse or his hearing. Pistols may be fired to the flanks and rear in a more realistic/aimed manner; so long as safe distances are maintained. Once the pistol is drawn, from the holster, it will be held in the raised/ready position, muzzle up and right hand at shoulder level, until just before firing. The hammer will not be cocked until the pistol is brought to bear and fixed. Pistols may not be reloaded while mounted. CARBINES Correct period reproduction carbines are to be used. No modern weapons are allowed. Original antique type of muskets and shot guns shall not be used on the field, Powder flasks may never be carried on the field. The same basic rules for infantry weapons and their use shall apply here as well.
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Once drawn from the thimble or boot, the carbine will be kept pointing muzzle up, with the butt resting on the right leg, until ready to fire. The same precautions exist as were noted with the pistol. When re loading, the carbine will be held in the left hand at the fore stock, muzzle pointing slightly forward and downward. The hammer will be placed in the half cock position during loading and until ready to fire. Period War specifications, Hard-cased ammunition for Henry repeating type of carbines is to sealed only with compressed Cream of Wheat, or with "crumbling" floral foam,” but not both. Hard-cased crimped ammunition (metal or plastic) should not be reused to prevent potential fragmentation. Canteens will be of the proper type, constructed of wood, tin, or steel. Glass bottles, slung or carried in the haversack are not acceptable without approval of the Provost and Inspection Department. Canteens will be carried on the field, they will be full of water, and will be checked before leaving for the field. Cartridge boxes will be of the proper type. Cartridge box tins are recommended. Many events require tins in boxes. At no time will caps or cartridges be carried or held in the mouth. Cap boxes must be of the proper type, with a flap that can be secured. SABERS, SWORDS, BAYONETS & KNIVES Sabers, swords and bayonets will have dulled edges and points. Scabbards will be attached to the saber belt leather by directly attaching leather to ring on scabbard, NOT by using spring clips. Scabbards will be in good shape. Knives are to be sheathed at all times and not drawn on the field.
General Calvary and Horsemanship Rules for All: DISTANCE: Mounted troops will maintain a minimum safety distance of thirty (30) feet from the spectators/safety ropes. Any serious safety infraction (riding in front of loaded artillery within the safety zone) will result in immediate removal from the field, and possibly from the event
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A serious mounted safety infraction may be noted by anyone, mounted or on foot, and a "Cease Fire" called if necessary. No mounted rider is to perform any maneuver he cannot perform in a manner safe to his horse and himself and others. If the horseman feels that he or his horse cannot safely perform a task, he should withdraw from the formation and go to a safe location off the battlefield. Safety of the horse, rider and others is the primary concern. There will be no rearing of a horse unless approved by the overall commanders and part of an approved scenario. Unsafe riders will be dismissed from the field. A “quick-release” knot will be used to tie horses by the halter lead. Horses shall never be tied by the reins and link-straps shall be fixed to the halter, not the bit. A loose sling snap must be pushed under the mounted troopers saber belt and not left dangling. At no time will there be a cavalry charge against dismounted troops unless the scenario is previously arranged and approved by the commanding officers of the units involved. Female trooper must pass the same 15 ft gender disguise test as the infantry soldiers. Horses shall not be ridden above a controlled walk gait when off of the designated battle field area. Any horse being ridden at a cantor or gallop through any camp or roads will result in rider being asked to leave the event. This rule is for everyone’s safety including the horse.
Horses ALL equestrian issues will fall under the purview of the appropriate Federal or Confederate Army Commanders and their Cavalry commander to include Cavalry, Staff, Mounted Artillery and Civilian. Event Staff has the final say on all disagreements. All horses brought to the site are required to have a current Coggins certificate. All horses will be inspected when registering by the event designated official. Fitness and obvious signs of poor health of a horse will result in denied participation. Horses with open cuts, bad feet (including overdue trimming or shoeing), saddle sores, or infections may be denied use in the event. Abuse or neglect of a horse will not be tolerated. Authorities may be alerted if neglect is observed.
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Horses should be trained to gunfire and battle BEFORE THE EVENT. Do not bring untrained horses to the event. Under no circumstances will horses be billeted or camped in any area other than the appropriate and assigned Reenactor camps where amenities such as, shade, water and hay are supplied. Horse camping in the parking lots or any unauthorized areas are strictly forbidden and will result in the expulsion from the event. Horses WILL NOT be ridden or led through the infantry camps, artillery camps, and sutler areas or in spectator areas. All horses will be dismounted prior to entering any authorized camp area and led to the designated picket area. With the exception of designated combat areas, absolutely no mounted individual will allow a horse to enter a camp area above the gait of a controlled walk. No person under the age of 16 will mount a horse as a combatant or serve in a mounted capacity with the exception of qualified riders serving as functional musicians. Determination of a qualified rider will be made by the respective Cavalry Commander. Horses will be ridden on event grounds only by troopers, approved living history participants or staff. Spectators, children, and visitors will absolutely not be allowed to mount any horse. Period civilians wishing to portray a mounted impression will apply to the appropriate Cavalry Commander or Event Staff member who will then determine the qualifications of the rider(s) and will also determine when and where they may ride. Mounted cavalry escort may be required at the discretion of the Cavalry Commander. There will be no exceptions to this rule. Violators will be expelled from the event. Stallions will not be permitted on the event site. Hay will be supplied and distributed for each horse, for the entire event, at the cavalry registration area when the horse is registered at the rate of one bale per day per horse plus one additional bale for the event. It is the responsibility of the owners to ensure their horse is fed and watered at least twice daily. Horses are not to be fed with the bit in their mouth. Horses may not be left unattended in camp. A horse guard shall be posted while the public is present. Those in charge of picketed horses or mules will ensure that members of the public approach the animals from the front or side only, not from the rear, and only with permission.
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Picket lines are to be kept taut. Saddled mounts should be tied so as to keep the saddle from catching the picket rope. There will be no fighting within 20 yards of picketing areas when in use. If horses are kept on picket pins, they must be at least 30 yards away from tents and watched by a guard at all times. Provisions shall be made to picket any ‘jug head’ horses away from others. This will be the responsibility of the horse’s owner. Horse picket areas are to be cleaned of manure at least twice a day. This is for the health of the horse and the safety of all. Horses should not be chased if loose. They should be “hazed” in a non-threatening way towards other horses or their camp picket line. Unruly and uncontrollable horses will be ordered from the field. NEVER, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, tie a horse by the reins. You are asking for broken equipment, or a cut tongue or mouth. Use your lead strap attached to your halter. LINK STRAP - link only to the horse’s halter next to you - attach your link to the bottom ring of your halter. Army horses were trained for years together, so that they could be linked bit to bit. Yours or mine HAS NOT had that training. Horses’ tongues can almost be cut off by bit to bit linking.
Artillery Artillery units will adhere to Standing Operating Procedures of ANV and PACS and will be under the command & direction of the appropriate Artillery Commander. All artillery used must be of period design and construction. The Artillery Commanders “must approve all cannons used and will keep any cannon or crew off the field if he deems it unsafe Guidance for loading and firing of artillery by crews will be provided by the Artillery Commander or his designee. The rate of fire shall be determined by the Artillery Commander or his designee.
“National Safety Rules and Procedures for Shooting Muzzleloading Artillery” manual shall be followed.
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All loading and firing demonstrations or drills must be approved by the Artillery Commander or his designee. All artillery shall be loaded with Fg, Ffg, and Cannon grade black powder ONLY. FFg powder is to be used for blank fire. Artillery will be permitted to fire with a minimum crew of 3 persons for each gun, except breechloading cannons. One member of each crew must be knowledgeable and experienced in artillery operation and care. The Artillery Commander or his designee may require a Drill of the Gun to prove the crew can handle the gun without the designated number of personnel. No projectiles of any kind or condition are to be fired at any battle or living history demonstration, unless prearranged and approved by the Event Staff. At no time will any object of material be fired from a cannon if that object or material will pass over the 75-foot safety boundary, and thus endanger the participants and/or spectators during the event. The artillery ammunition box will be placed 25 feet to the rear of its associated cannon and 25 feet from the spectator’s line. The lid hinge must be nearest the cannon. The artillery ammunition box is to be constantly manned when unlocked. When the box is not in use, it is to be removed from the field of operation and placed in a secure location. Ammunition boxes must be fitted with self-closing lids, i.e., lids, which fall closed when your hand is removed. Lids may not be fitted with any hold-open device or prop. It is recommended that artillery powder charges be kept in individual safety containers. Each charge must be placed in a leather haversack when being carried. Each unit will have a red/yellow 4 x 5 signal flag for use to stop a battle when a cannon issues exists. All artillery pieces used shall be inspected each day by the Battery Commander and a report on each gun made to the Sergeant Major before morning parade. The daily inspection checklist will include the following: A. Overall cleanliness and any evidence of tampering such as pins or keys removed, rocks or other foreign objects in the tube or rotting wood in any part of the piece. B. Wheels tight and dished or any signs of stress to the barrel. C. Implements present and in proper working order. D. Limber chests clean and organized with proper equipment.
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A rammer leaning against or upon the wheel hub is a clear signal that the cannon is loaded and ready to fire. A cannon that has misfired can be extremely dangerous. When a cannon misfires the implements will be crossed over the barrel of the cannon. When continuing efforts to clear a cannon that has misfired are unsuccessful for a period of 5 minutes then a red flag is the signal used to alert troops. This results in a battle stop.
Additional Guidelines All event participants will carry a FULL CANTEEN at all times. NO PETS will be allowed at this event under any circumstances. Infantry will not charge artillery units with loaded weapons or without loaded weapons within 25 ft unless prior scripted and approved by safety officers and overall commanders. There will be no firing of any weapon on Sunday, 4/12/15 by order of the County of Appomattox. They have decreed this day of remembrance. All weapons will be cleared and unloaded by 12 midnight, 4/11/15. With unaffiliated organizations no person shall carry the non-commissioned rank of Sgt/Major or the commissioned rank of Lt. Colonial or above without approval of army command (Federal or C.S.A.) No General Officers will be allowed on the field without prior approval by the Event Staff. All reenactors must meet accepted standards for authenticity. In case of dispute all decisions will be made by the respective commanders. The use, of modern fireworks of any type is prohibited. There shall be no consumption of alcoholic beverages by any participant while the event is open to the public. Over indulgence of alcoholic beverages is forbidden at this event. Those who over indulge to the point of drunkenness will be turned over to the local authorities. Use of illegal drugs is prohibited at all times. Fighting is prohibited and will result in expulsion from event. Respect is to be given to all. This goes for both officers and enlisted. In general treat others as you would wish to be treated. Any mistreatment or abuse of a soldier observed by the event staff may be grounds for dismissal from the event.
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Use of vulgar language (cursing) while the event is open to the public is forbidden. Remember the time period you are portraying. Military etiquette of the day would have never allowed such behavior.
Camp Safety-All Company streets must be kept clear of all obstructions, camp gear, and furniture. The company streets will be used for formations, troop movements, and provide emergency access to the camps. Fire pits must be at the top and bottom of the tent rows with enough room to allow passage even if a crowd is around the fire pit. Fire pits may be dug, with the sod reserved for replacement when the fire pit is filled. All dug fire pits will be filled prior to the breaking of camp at the end of the event. No trash is to be burned in the fire pit. This includes empty or full cans or bottles. Straw and hay and other flammable substances are to be stored well away from any fire pit. Campfires shall not be left unattended. A one gallon (minimum) container of water will be kept within ten feet of each campfire. There will be no bonfires. Fire pits are for cooking only. Mounted personnel are not authorized to travel through infantry camps. If, for some reason, this cannot be avoided, the mounted soldier should dismount and lead his mount until clear of the camp. Vehicles are to be removed from the camp area after they are unloaded and moved to the designated parking area on site. All vehicles are to be out of camp and moved to the designated Reenactor parking area by 6pm on Thursday. Vehicles are not allowed in camp except when specifically authorized during emergency situation. Vehicles are allowed in camps after the event closes to the public at 1pm on Sunday. Participants can not break camp before the conclusion of the event on Sunday, unless written permission is given by the Event Staff. At the conclusion of the event, trash and unburned firewood shall be gathered and deposited in designated areas. Remember we are honoring those who actually fought, lived and died in this great conflict.
Let’s have a memorable and safe event for all.
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