Ensure Backstops

• Any ballistic range must have a suitable dead space to catch rounds once they pass through the target area. The most common solution for this is by constructing an artificial berme. A berme is a rounded and raised area, several feet high and thick. The berme should span the length of the target area to catch bullets, preventing them from careering into open country as a result of ricochet. A berme is most efficiently built with the use of a backhoe and can be established in a matter of a few hours by a trained backhoe operator. Sandy areas often provide the best settings for berme building.
  
  

Post Range Rules

• Place signs so that all shooters on the range can read the range safety requirements. These signs should include that all shooters always treat every weapon as though it were loaded and to never point their pistols or rifles at anything they do not intend to shoot. These are the two foundational rules of shooting safety. Any horseplay must be immediately corrected. Many range safety personnel will ban any shooters engaging in horseplay because of the dire risk it poses. Also, many ranges prohibit alcohol or tobacco use on the premises.
  
  

Regularly Sweep the Range Area

• Spent casings and other various trash can pose a significant safety hazard. Of course, the range supervisor should make sure that all regular employees make a regular police of the area to cut down on this risk. However, it is also good to encourage a culture of collective responsibility among the shooters using the range. Make shooters do a cursory check of the area before they leave. While they might not be as thorough as you would prefer, another pair of eyes is worth having on the range, especially when safety is the concern. Also, make sure the area is secure when not in use. This prevents unauthorized material and people from appearing downrange at the worst possible moment.