Welcome to a TLA Information Page
This page contains safety rules, safety checklist items, camp rules
and other items we have found in various places. It is posted as
a source of ideas for those wishing to write rules for an
event, or review existing rules for an event.
Not everything on this page will apply to every event ;
the
rules for a battle reenactment will, of necessity, be different from
those
of a school history day. Some places allow digging campfire pits, some
do
not, and some are where the ground is just too hard. These are here
to
spur thought, and if a rule does not fit your site or event, make
it
fit or skip it. Some of these seem contradictory; use the part that
fits
your site or event. It is well to remember that not everyone writing
rules
for an event has had the experience of doing what we do. We must also
remember
that a part of what we do is to teach what things were like "back then"
and
how people lived. Sometimes it is necessary to attempt this while
constrained
by the modern rules of a State park or site, or private facility.
Some of these rules seem like common sense. Personally I appreciate
reminders of what I should have thought of.
If you have a rule or checklist item you think should be on this page, Email it to us and we'll
review it for that purpose.
Many thanks to our friends who have provided various parts of the
following.
Here is a letter we
received after
posting this page. Well worth reading.
Sample Title:
Safety Rules and Safety Checklist for living history volunteers
carrying muzzle loading arms to the (Name of Event)
Sample:
Safety rules:
To reduce the risk of injury to participants, staff and visitors,
all groups and individuals engaged in historic demonstrations will be
required to:
(1) Designate a group safety officer approved by the Site
Manager and Event Safety Officer. Safety officers will be identified by
a (color) sash (or armband). Event staff will wear (color) sash
(armband).
(2) Refrain from all smoking, and keep a safe distance
from fires, when wearing or using any container that contains
gunpowder.
(3) Insure that each participant be responsible for the safe
operating condition of his or her individual arm and bring concerns
about unsafe
weapons to the Event Safety Officer immediately.
(4) Insure that all flintlocks are equipped with a (flash guard
and) hammer stall. No exceptions.
(5) Discharge weapons only in a designated area during scheduled
demonstrations, the place and time for which will be agreed upon with
staff at the outset of the event.
(6) Submit to a safety inspection before each demonstration
conducted by a safety officer and observed by a designated staff
person. During each inspection the safety officer will be required to
insure:
(a) that each weapon is unloaded by means of pinging the ramrod,
(b) that each weapon will hold a half cock at an appropriate trigger pressure,
(c) that all ramrods are left in camp during (demonstrations)
(battle reenactments), and
(d) that all flintlocks are equipped with a (flash guard and)
hammer stall.
(e) that all weapons passing inspection be identified with a
proper colored ribbon tied to the trigger guard. Ribbon color and style
will be disclosed at the event; these will be provided at that time.
(Also see the below checklist.)
(7) Insure that all (all demonstration) firing will be done with
the muzzle pointed well into the air, at least 45 degrees from the
horizontal. All visitors will be located behind the shooter(s), at a
distance of not less than five yards. (depends on event)
(8) Provide a contact person (the group safety officer) who will
act as liaison between participants and staff. This contact person will
be required to attend all safety/demonstration coordination meetings
scheduled during the event. All individuals participating independently
(not as part of a group) will be required to attend all these meetings
(alternative: assigned to a group safety officer).
(9) Require that upon completion of a demonstration, a safety
officer shall check for any loads not discharged. In the event an
individual has a “hot load”, the arm shall be de-primed, the cock or
hammer set down to
its lowest position, and the arm shall be pointed in a safe direction
until an opportunity is granted by (Event Safety Officer, staff) to
discharge the load.
(10) Be advised that battle reenactments and/or demonstrations
that involve firing at opposing lines, the taking of casualties,
prisoners, colors, or any other form of simulated warfare will be
absolutely prohibited. (depends on event)
(11) Be advised that State laws prohibit open containers and
public consumption of alcohol on State Park grounds and that no
alcoholic beverages will be allowed at any time on the grounds of X
State Site. (depends on site)
(12) At all times, weapons are to be secured by the participant,
and under (no or specific) circumstances will the general public be
allowed to handle, pick up, or use a weapon. No edged weapons or
implements, and no pistols, will be handled by the public at any time. Unloaded
rifles and muskets may be handled by the public only with permission
and under
direct close supervision of the weapon's owner, to allow for historical
instruction/explanation and photography. Under no circumstances will
the general public be allowed to handle, pick up, or use any loaded
weapon.
(13) Edged weapons are to remain sheathed unless in use for
predetermined, approved, rehearsed use on the battlefield. No
unauthorized drawing or use of edged weapons will be allowed. Knives
and other edged implements for camp use are to remain sheathed or
otherwise secured unless being used for their camp purpose. Under no
circumstances will the general public be allowed to handle, pick up, or
use any edged weapon or implement.
(14) At no time will handguns be loaded or drawn. (depends on
event). Under no circumstances will the general public be allowed to
handle, pick up, or use any pistol or handgun.
(15)All loading will be done from cartridges. All powder horns will be empty. Cartridges will be pre-made before the event (issued to all battle participants at a cost of $ per 10 cartridges) and will contain no more than the following amount of powder for the following calibers: pistol, 30 gr FFFg; rifle up to .50 cal, 70 gr FFFg; rifle above .50 cal, 80 gr FFg; musket, 100 gr FFg including priming charge.
(16)Artillery and Cavalry will abide by these safety rules and the additional rules for their
specialty. Artillery pieces will always be placed with (at least) the muzzle cordoned off, to prevent pedestrian traffic in front of the
muzzle. (Note: Artillery and Cavalry reenactors, commanders, and safety officers are usually very helpful in establishing such specialty rules, and it is wisest to make use of such resources.)
Sample:
Weapon Safety Checklist:
□ No splinters, rough edges, or large cracks in the stock.
□ No burrs on the butt plate or trigger guard screw heads large enough
to snag clothing or hands.
□ Barrel properly secured to stock with all pins or bands.
□ Generally, no splinters or rough edges.
□ Two piece stocks have sections securely joined.
□ Lock works smoothly.
□ The hammer or cock fits tightly on the lock tumbler.
□ All of the lock positions are firm and solid.
□ The half cock (safety) position works properly.
□ When pulled, the trigger lets off smoothly without catching on half
cock.
□ Trigger pull is proper; not a “hair” trigger (set triggers: "proper"
depends on if the "ready" trigger is set).
□ Lock fits snugly into the stock and snugly against the barrel.
□ Jaws of the cock grip the flint securely.
□ There is a proper leather or lead flint cap between flint and cock
jaws.
□ The flint is in good condition and set at a proper angle.
□ The barrel is free from visible cracks.
□ All weapons for firing blanks will withstand the pressures of firing
live
rounds. Testing will be done at _____ .
□ The vent is clear and of acceptable size.
□ A flash guard is installed.
□ The frizzen is equipped with a hammer stall (leather cover), tied to
the trigger guard or other appropriate point.
Reenactor’s Name: ___________________
Safety Officer: _________________
Type of weapon (e.g. musket, long rifle, trade gun): ___________
Date: __________
Sample:
Release of Liability for living history volunteers carrying muzzle
loading arms to the (Event) at (Site)
I, _______________ (print name), understand and agree with the
following statements.
1. Living History is by its very nature is a potentially hazardous
hobby that I voluntarily engage in at my own volition.
2. Living History requires that I cross rough terrain in all types of
weather and may result in injury or death if safety rules are not
followed.
3. I will be using, or in close proximity to, black powder weapons,
destructive devices, and/or equipment that are potentially lethal and
may result in permanent hearing impairment or other major injury to me
if I do not follow the safety rules.
4. Pre-existing health problems that may adversely affect me during
public events are my sole responsibility.
5. Unsafe or negligent actions on my part that result in injury or
death to another participant are my sole responsibility.
6. I will follow the rules of (Site) and (Sponsor) at all times.
7. I will police the area that I am using and pick up all litter and
equipment before leaving.
8. I have read the Safety Rules and Safety Checklist and agree to
abide by them.
9. I agree that violation of any of the foregoing may result in my
expulsion from the event and site.
I agree to hold (Sponsor) free of any liability arising from injury
and/or death to myself, or damage to my personal property or vehicles.
Signature: ______________________________ Date: _____________
Mailing Address:__________________________________________
Sample:
Camp Rules for (Site, Event)
To reduce the risk of injury to participants, staff and visitors,
and to enhance the event for all concerned, all groups and individuals
engaged in historic camping will be required to:
(1) Be advised that State laws prohibit open containers and
public consumption of alcohol on State Park grounds and that no
alcoholic beverages will be allowed at any time on the grounds of X
State Site. No alcohol consumption will be allowed prior to dark,
after all firing is completed, or when the last visitor has left the
site, whichever is latest. Responsible consumption of alcohol is
required.
(2) Campfires are allowed and (but no) digging into the ground
will be permitted. Fire pans or braziers are (recommended, required) to
contain campfires. Fire pits dug will be refilled and the sod replaced
prior to leaving the site.
(3) Fire pails (buckets) will be kept within reach of all
campfires and tents. The safety officer will coordinate with staff to
insure that water is available at all times. Modern extinguishers will
be covered
and marked with an emblem denoting fire fighting equipment. (Note: See
our article on “Fire Safety
”.)
(4) All fires are to be tended at all times. Untended fires will
be extinguished by the safety officer. This includes lanterns.
(5) All tent stakes will be hammered in fully to present the
least practical trip hazard. Guy ropes for tents and awnings will be of
a light color (ex: manila, white cotton) if available.
(6) Knives, axes, and other edged implements for camp use are to
remain sheathed or otherwise secured unless being used for their camp
purpose. Under no circumstances will the general public be allowed to
handle, pick up, or use any edged weapon or implement.
(7) Some visitors may not be familiar with safety around open
flame and camp equipment. Be more vigilant when visitors are present.
(8) All post-1840 items are to be hidden during display /
visitors hours.
(9) Drinking water will be available. Some firewood will be
available. Trash cans will be provided. Please bring your own trash
bags. Note:
Availability of showers, permanent rest room facilities or port-a-johns
(sometimes referred to as "hooters") and any provided meals should be
noted; it affects planning and packing for the event.
(10) Pets will not be allowed. All pets must be on a leash
and under control of their owner at all times.
(11) Lead casting
demonstrations will (not) be permitted (under the following
restrictions: visitors must be kept 5 feet from the casting process,
wind must carry smoke/fumes away from visitors). At no time will public
be allowed to have lead souvenirs (handle any lead product). Anyone
handling lead must be advised to wash hands thoroughly before eating,
drinking, or smoking.
(11) First aid kits will be kept at least at tents marked with a Medico (square yellow) flag. All participants are encouraged to bring first aid gear. The safety officer will coordinate with staff to insure that first aid kits are available at all times. Kits will be covered and marked with an emblem denoting first aid equipment. (Note: See our article on “First Aid
”.)
Sample:
Authenticity Guidelines
To be in effect: (Dates) from (Time)am-(Time)pm
Over the years we have seen a tremendous improvement in the level
of authenticity and safety employed by the demonstrators involved with
the Texas Revolution reenacting community. As you know, our goal and
obligation to the public is to provide an accurate, entertaining, and
educational experience relevant to the Texas Revolution events and
their time period. We realize the success of this goal depends on
considerable commitment of money,
time, and research by the event participants. The following guidelines
will also help us to reach these goals.
1. Participants, including children, are required to be in pre-1840
attire for the duration of the event. Absolutely none of the following
will be allowed: non-period sunglasses, dusters, civil war uniform
items, chamois clothing, cowboy boots, chaps, T-shirts, blue jeans (of
any color), tennis shoes, shower shoes, non-period sandals, rubber pacs,
or logger boots. NOTE: Wellington boots, moccasins, huaraches and high
buttoned shoes are fine. Children will be in appropriate children's attire.
2. No modern tentage.
3. No post 1840 items are to be visible at any time. This includes
snack food bags, ice chests, and plastic water containers.
4. All drinks shall be in period containers.
5. Participants’ vehicles will not be allowed in camp during the hours
in which these guidelines
are in effect.
6. Parents will be responsible for the actions of their children.
7. All pets must be on a leash and under control of their owner at all
times.
8. Trash cans will (not) be provided. Please bring your own trash bags,
and a canvas or burlap bag to put them in.
Remember, leave nothing but footprints.
9. Only pre-1840 historic replica weapons will be allowed.
10. Non-period tobacco use, e.g. cigarettes, shall take place away from
public view.
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