What must the RSO verify after firing or firing order is completed?

After the firing or firing order is completed, the Range Safety Officer (RSO) must ensure that all weapons and weapon systems are clear and safe. This is a critical step in maintaining safety at the range and preventing accidents or injuries. Ensuring that weapons are clear means confirming that they are unloaded and that there is no ammunition present in the action or chamber. This action helps to maintain a safe environment for all personnel on the range and minimizes the risk of unknowingly handling a loaded weapon.

The process of clearing weapons and ensuring safety is a fundamental responsibility of the RSO, who must be vigilant and thorough in this verification to uphold safety protocols. This practice not only protects the individuals at the range but also enforces the importance of adherence to safety rules that govern weapon handling and usage.

Recording participation attendance, accounting for ammunition, and storing weapons, while important aspects of range operations, come after or alongside the primary concern of ensuring that all weapon systems are operated safely and are secured post-firing. Hence, verifying the safety status of all weapons takes precedence in this context.