Range Safety Management

Civilian shooting ranges have historically been inspected and certified by the military. This scheme was used help ensure that target shooting takes place safely. Home Office and Scottish Executive approved clubs are required to have regular use of a range with a safety certificate, and a standard condition is included on firearm certificates for individual target shooters requiring them to shoot only on ranges with a safety certificate issued by the Ministry of Defence.

Following an internal review, the military has ended its inspection and certification scheme for civilian ranges.

The responsibility will now be placed more firmly on range owners/operators to ensure that their range is constructed and maintained safely. Failure to do so will leave them liable to sanctions under a range of legislation, such as the Occupiers' Liability Act 1957, the Occupiers' Liability (Scotland) Act 1960 and the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974.

There are many other health and safety aspects in addition to ballistic criteria that may be considered by the authorities in considering the overall range suitability, such as waste disposal, trip hazards, noise pollution, and toxins, just to name a few.

Energetix Limited can assist clubs and range operators assess your shooting range over a number of safety issues which would include your obligations under Health & Safety at Work Act, range construction, maintenance, safety rules or range orders, all of which should reflect accurately the conduct of practices contained within Infantry Training Volume IV, Ranges Pamphlet Number 21,Range Conduct and Safety Rules( All Arms) 1978, Army Code number 71080 and the issued guidance of the National Rifle Association / National Small-bore Rifle Association.

This advice would help you keep within the existing parameters of certification, or when applying for certification for the first time it will make the most pragmatic use of your time in avoiding re-inspections in the event the authorities are unhappy with your first application. A good grounding in to the principles of heath and safety will also help prevent claims against you from attending members of the public or employees. Ultimately, you will be able to demonstrate your competency to the inspectors.

This service can be provided as a one off inspection or as part of an ongoing service agreement.

Contact us for further information