Nevada
Civil War Volunteers
Safety Standards
|
Nevada
Civil War Volunteers
|
|
The purpose of this document is to provide an awareness of general and specific Safety Standards governing the portrayal of a lifestyle and activities which are inherently and potentially dangerous to each person participating in or viewing battle or camp life reenactments.
All participants in NCWV events must first complete and pass a safety test with regard to understanding that Safety for yourself and all others is our first and foremost priority.
Each Chief of Staff is required by NCWV Bylaws to keep the safety tests of all participants of their respective department, signed, dated, and filed for easy access and reference. Anyone, including minors twelve (12) years of age or older accompanied by a parent or guardian, participating on the field must first pass the safety test.
The Safety Committee consists of the military and civilian Chiefs of Staff and the Safety Marshal. When any Chief of Staff or the Safety Marshal is not present, the most knowledgeable person appointed by the Chief of Staff, or Commander, or senior in the Chain of Command will fill the position. Field enforcement of safety rules will be handled by the Safety Committee and assigned Safety Deputies. Safety Sashes will be used at all events to easily identify the Safety Marshal and Deputies.
1. All members and participants must acquaint themselves with the NCWV Safety Standards. It is the responsibility of each Chief of Staff to ensure that they do so.
2. Chief's of Staff have overall responsibility for safety enforcement at events with all members and participants subject to their orders on safety matters. Infractions will be dealt with tiered discipline depending on the severity of the infraction beginning with the Commanding Officer.
3. Ultimately, YOU are responsible for your own safety.
4. It will be the responsibility of parents to supervise and care for their own child or children at all times, unless they have been sponsored; in which case, that Sponsor, acting as guardian, will take responsibility.
5. Possession and/or use of illegal drugs is prohibited and is grounds for immediate suspension from activities and dismissal from the organization.
6. Any individual found to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be suspended from the day's activities and will be disciplined.
7. Alcohol may be used only in moderation and under the following circumstances:
8. Smoking and open flames are prohibited during the following times:
9. FIREWORKS ARE NOT ALLOWED at any event.
10. Campfires will be no closer than six (6) feet of tents.
11. Hazardous conduct on the field or in camp is prohibited
12. Any verbal provocation or physical abuse is strictly prohibited.
13. Any violation of the Safety Standards is subject to disciplinary action.
14. All rules and regulations of the host park and recreation districts, property owners, &c., will be obeyed without question, but are subject to negotiation and amendment to coordinate with the rules and regulations of the Nevada Civil War Volunteers prior to the scheduled event or activity. See your Chief of Staff for negotiated amendments.
15. In the event of an actual injury, first aid is to be quickly administered, with the least amount of attention drawn as possible. The term "MEDIC" is reserved for real, actual emergencies only. Do not move the seriously injured!
16. Non-participants are not allowed on the field of battle except by express permission of the NCWV Commander and/or Chief of Staff.
17. All weapons are to be handled as though live ammunition were being used. "Weapons" are defined as Civil War era, using blackpowder.
18. There will be no discharging of weapons within the camp.
19. At no time will a weapon be discharged at anyone. Aim to the right, left, or above the person and from a distance of no less than 30 feet.
20. There will be no ball ammunition used in any weapon during any event. The only exception will be scheduled range (live-fire) shooting.
21. No weapons (handguns, rifles, knives, bayonets, etc.) except sabers and dress swords will be brought to any military ball.
22. To avoid unnecessary conflict, at no time will any person pick up another person's weapon without prior permission of said person. The only exception will be if is is evident that the weapon was lost or misplaced. The weapon should then be turned into the company headquarters or Chief of Staff.
1. All Safety Standards will be adhered to on the field of battle with ultimate responsibility delegated to Company Commanders.
2. Weapons may not be fired without your Company Commander's expressed orders. Cap firing does not require permission, but must be done in the designated capping area, and away from the public.
3. Chief's of Staff will designate and mark a specific area for capping and discharging of weapons. All malfunctioning and loaded weapons will be handled in this area.
4. All longarms will be loaded on command of the Company Commander.
5. Pistols must not be loaded and capped until just prior to "ASSEMBLY".
6. Once loaded, pistols may be carried only as long as they are not removed from the person and remain holstered.
7. All longarms will be "cleared" at the end of each battle.
8. Any firearm with a barrel length less than 39 inches shall not be fired from the rear ranks unless front ranks are kneeling.
9. Pistols and rifles will not be carried at full-cock during a charge.
10. Those who are "wounded" may never fire from the prone position.
11. Skirmishers may fire from a prone position if they keep their muzzles well elevated.
12. Cannons will not fire when troops, in front of the blast cone, are closer than 75 feet. An appropriate marker will be placed at the 75 foot mark and identified to all combatants.
13. Frontal charges on loaded cannons are prohibited. A cannon is loaded when the rammer is raised and resting upon the wheel hub.
14. When troops are parallel to or in advance of a cannon, neither cannon nor small arms fire is authorized unless those troops are at least 15 feet laterally beyond the line of the cannon wheels.
15. A "CEASE FIRE" may be called by any participant at any time and a hold on all movement will occur if any unauthorized person (such as a spectator) comes onto the field during a battle activity.
16. Any participant may call CEASE FIRE at any time if the participant witnesses an unsafe act.
17. Skirmishes, battles, and raids are prohibited at public events except when coordinated between Chief's of Staff, Company Commanders, and the site host. At backcountry events, raids may be expected 24 hours a day.
18. All Company Commanders and Chief's of Staff will make note as to where ground charges are concealed on the battlefield.
19. Colors or Standards must be given up, as part of a battle scenario, only if the bearer is "killed" or "captured" on the battlefield. Prior notification and approval of Company Commanders is necessary, as is the safe and immediate return of said Colors and/or Standards after "RECALL" has been sounded.
20. No ramrods will be drawn during battles. Ramrods may be used in firing demonstrations when no opposing troops are present and only with Company Commander or Chief of Staff approval.
21. The battlefield will be inspected prior to every battle and swept immediately after every battle.
22. The Safety Marshal shall attend all Officers Calls prior to every battle to identify the scope and dimensions of the battlefield. The Safety Marshal will the brief the Deputy Marshals to ensure everyone is aware of the scope and dimensions of the field of battle.
23. Safety Deputies will be assigned positions and given safety sashes for easy identification prior to every battle.
24. The Master of Ceremonies will have use of the sound system, if applicable, so he/she can explain to the audience our safety rules; especially battlefield restrictions and the handling of loose cartridges and caps that they may find.
25. Combatants may enter the field only from designated staging areas once the battle has begun.
1. All weapons must be clean and in good repair prior to use.
2. All weapons and ammunition will be inspected by the Company Commander at each event prior to the first battle.
3. Any weapon found to be unserviceable (e.g., a cracked stock, malfunctioning lock, etc.) will be banned from the field.
4. Any weapon found to be rusty or fouled will be cleaned immediately.
5. All weapons will be cleaned at the end of each day. The ramrod should make a definite "clink" in the barrel.
6. It is recommended, time permitting, that barrels be rinsed out after each battle and dried. Fouling in blank cartridge firing is severe and large flashes will travel greater distances as the core diameter is reduced.
7. Weapons will only be loaded at designated time before each battle or demonstration and at no other time when the public is present.
8. No items which can readily fit down the muzzle will be permitted in the cartridge box except a nipple pick if it is not carried in the cap pouch.
9. Blank cartridges must be carried on the battlefield in a leather cartridge box.
10. Loose percussion caps may not be carried with any cartridges or powder.
11. Unsupervised weapons must not be readily accessible to the public during an event.
Longarms  |
.58 Caliber | 70 Grains |
| .50 Caliber | 60 Grains | |
| .45 Caliber | 50 grains | |
Pistols  |
.54 Caliber | 40 Grains |
| .50 Caliber | 40 Grains | |
| .45 Caliber | 35 Grains | |
| .36 Caliber | 30 Grains | |
Revolvers  |
.44 Caliber | 30 Grains |
| .36 Caliber | 20 Grains | |
| .31 Caliber | 16 Grains |
- Repeat Firing
- Follow the procedures given by your Company Commander for loading the weapon. To help prevent premature ignition, do not remove the expended cap until ready to re-cap (i.e., until after the powder has settled).
- Malfunctions
- If your weapon fails to discharge, with the muzzle pointed in a safe direction (preferably with the muzzle pointed up), tap the side of the weapon to assure seating of powder, remove the failed cap or cartridge and replace it with another. If the weapon once more fails to fire, repeat the procedure, use your nipple pick to clear the nipple and try to discharge the weapon. DO NOT RE-CHARGE! If after three (3) tries your weapon still fails to discharge, dump your powder and become a casualty.
Nevada Civil War Volunteers' artillery and crews will be governed by the National Safety Rules and Procedures for Shooting Muzzleloading Artillery. Artillery is defined and means any form of cannon, howitzer, mortar, or any other firearm whose original (full size) bore is greater then 1.5 inches. In this document the term "artillery" or "cannon" shall include all forms of these weapons.
1. The size of the artillery piece to be placed on the firing line at NCWV events must be at lease 3/4 scale and of period design and construction.
2. The minimum distance required between guns is determined by the area needed by the gun crews to work the guns safely as determined by the Chief of Artillery and/or Chief of Staff. A spacing of 20-25 feet between the nearest wheel hubs of adjacent cannon is suggested.
3. The placement of artillery is the responsibility of the Battery Commander or his individually designated gun commander(s).
4. Artillery will be permitted to fire with a minimum crew of three (3) persons for each gun; except breech loading cannons which will require two (2) persons. One member of each crew must be knowledgeable and experienced in artillery operations and care.
5. All artillery will have the proper equipment on site and be in a safe condition as per NCWV regulations. Improperly equipped or unsafe artillery must be removed from the field of fire.
6. No projectiles of any kind or condition are to be fired at any NCWV battle or living history demonstration unless pre-arranged and approved by the Chief's of Staff and all Company Commanders.
7. The safety boundary for artillery is 75 feet. No projectiles of any kind or condition are to 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.
8. The artillery ammunition box will be placed 25 feet to the rear of its associated cannon and 25 feet from the spectators' line. The lid hinge must be nearest the cannon.
9. The artillery ammunition box must be constantly manned when unlocked. When the box is not in use, it must be removed from the field of operation and placed in a secure location.
10. Ammunition boxes must be fitted with self-closing lids (i.e., lids which will fall closed when your hand is removed). Lids may not be fitted with any hold-open device or prop.
11. 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 from the ammunition box to the cannon muzzle.
12. The thickness of the foil wrapper for the cannon powder charge is the responsibility of the Battery Commander, giving the highest regard and consideration for the safety of his crews, other crews, respective members, and the public.
13. Before each battle, participating artillery must be inspected by Battery Commanders from the opposing side. Each artillery piece must successfully pass the safety inspection before being allowed to fire in any event.
14. Each artillery piece must have a certificate issued by an approved business or organization which has inspected the artillery piece by means of radiography, x-rays, magnifluxing, or similar NCWV approved methods.
15. Failure to present a copy of a Certificate of Inspection or some form of certification is sufficient grounds for a NCWV Chief of Staff to deny the artillery piece permission to participate in the NCWV event. There are no exceptions! Forgetfulness or accidental loss of the certificate in no excuse.
16. A raised rammer leaning upon the wheel hub is clear signal that the cannon is loaded and ready to fire. A mis-fired cannon can be extremely dangerous and a Red Flag is the signal used to alert troops.
1. Each new NCWV Commander will appoint a Chief of Cavalry (COC). The COC is responsible for enforcing all NCWV Bylaw requirements for cavalry and horsemen. The COC may designate an Evaluator to test and certify the qualifications of horses and their rider/handlers. The COC must meet the necessary qualifications as an Evaluator and have a minimum of one (1) year experience in mounted cavalry leadership and knowledge of 19th century tactics. If no one qualifies as COC, the NCWV Commander shall appoint the most experienced person as COC.
2. NCWV cavalry unit members, horsemen, or reenactors permitted in guest regulations must maintain dual membership with the Nevada Civil War Volunteers and the Old West Living History Foundation (or its equivalent) for liability insurance coverage. All participants intending to use horses in NCWV events must provide proof of their insurance coverage on demand of the COC or NCWV staff member.
1. Anyone intending the use of a horse at an NCWV event will be tested, thoroughly, by a NCWV Mounted Safety/Skills Evaluator, for their ability to control the horse. Written certification will be presented at least one hour prior to arriving on the battlefield.
2. Any non-military re-enactors who intend to use a horse at an event must be tested for their ability to control their horse. It is the responsibility of the Civilian rider to arrange for this evaluation. This written certification must be presented to the Evaluator at least an hour prior to the event. The Evaluator will give a written and dated statement of approval to the Civilian rider who must present it to the Commander prior to using the horse at an event.
3. Questions concerning the fitness or abilities of any rider or horse must be referred to the unit Evaluator for his determination of fitness.
4. Horses may only be handled by the horse's owner or person(s) designated by the owner.
5. Unruly or uncontrollable horses will be removed from the battlefield or event at the discretion of the Chief of Cavalry.
6. Due to the dangers involved and the unpredictable nature of a "runaway" horse, no one is to approach a "runaway" unless specifically instructed to do so by the cavalry commander on site.
7. The owner of a horse is legally responsible for the actions of that horse at all times. Horses may NOT be left unattended at any time.
1. The owner of a horse is legally responsible for the actions of that horse, even if another person rides that horse, unless other arrangements have been made through liability contracts or written rental/leasing agreements.
2. All horse equipment must be used in a safe, humane, and correct manner.
3. A "quick-release" knot will be used to tie horses by the halter lead. Horses shall never be tied by the reins; link-straps shall be fixed to the halter, not the bit.
4. The Mounted Safety/Skills Evaluator(s) for the NCWV Cavalry group shall be:
a. Knowledgeable on horse safety, horse training, riding, and trooper instruction.
b. A member of the NCWV, Old West Living History Foundation (or its equivalent), and have two (2) years documented expertise in horsemanship.
5. Qualified Evaluators' names shall be submitted to the NCWV Board to be kept on file. Any Evaluator shall report to the NCWV Commander and Chief of Cavalry any dangerous practices, equipment, horses, or riders/handlers observed.
6. A horse will be allowed on a battlefield only if that horse and its rider have TOGETHER successfully completed a NCWV mounted skills evaluation administered by the COC or his designated Evaluator.
7. Horses will NOT be left unattended in camp. Units will restrict public access to picketed horses. A horse guard sentry will be posted while the public has access to the area.
8. A pre-skirmish inspection for cavalry will include all weapons, tack, and items carried onto the battlefield. Horses' hooves shall be inspected for loose shoes, lodged stones, or any condition dangerous to the animal.
9. Picket lines are to be kept taut. Saddled mounts should be tied so as to keep the saddle from catching the picket rope.
10. Individual picket pins are discouraged and, if used, must be away from camp and watched by a guard at all times.
11. Mounted men shall keep a reasonable and prudent distance from their own infantry or artillery troops. Riders should maintain a 30-foot distance from enemy ground troops and simulated casualties. When riding within areas where men are casualties, all action is confined to a walk.
12. Horses should not be chased if loose. They should be “hazed” in a non-threatening way towards other horses or their camp picket line. Event planners should not site spectator crowds between the battlefield and any cavalry camps.
13. The public in a controlled situation such as a talk or demonstration may touch a gentle horse.
14. Hand-to-hand saber combat between mounted participants can occur only if scripted in advance and approved by both Company Commanders, and respective Chief’s of Staff.
15. No person may take the reins of another rider’s horse while the rider is mounted. If a rider becomes a casualty or prisoner, the person leading the horse shall use the lead strap, and the rider shall keep the reins.
16. Safety will always take precedence over the authentic way of doing things with mounted troops if a conflict of methods arises.
17. Saber use between mounted and any opposing ground troop is prohibited.
18. Riders must not let a drawn saber tip drop below the wrist during engagement.
GROUND CHARGE and AIR BURST SAFETY GUIDELINES
A ground charge is any explosive or smoke effect placed in the ground or in flash pots above the ground.
1. It is the responsibility of each Chief of Staff to coordinate and safely place the ground charges and to be sure of no obstructions.
2. Ground charges are to be placed in holes six (6) inches in diameter and ten (10) inches deep or in flash pots of at least six (6) inches diameter, maximum ten (10) inches, and 2-3 inches deep. These charges are usually located along fence lines and at the front of cannon. They look like cans which are either buried upright in the ground or placed upon the ground with plastic wrap or a light layer of peat moss on top and flour beneath. Wires leading to each charge will be either buried two (2) or more inches in the ground or strung in such a manner as not to cause obstruction or danger to troops.
3. A safe distance from an exploding ground charge is five (5) feet. Do not look directly into the ground charge container.
4. Be aware that casing paper coming back to earth may still be hot and has the potential to cause burns and/or grass fires.
5. Each Artillery Corps and Chief of Staff will have fire-fighting equipment available in case of fire.
Nevada Civil War Volunteers
Bylaws * Safety Standards * Safety
Questionnaire * Cavalry Certification
Staff * Events * Authenticity *
Sutlers *
Membership Application
1st Nevada Volunteer Battalion
3rd Co., Bttn of
SS, McGowan's SC Brigade
