DANGER ZONE
WARNINGS:
The blank cartridge (powder charge), when ignited in the field piece tube, throws a cone of flame 25 feet down range from the muzzle of the field gun. An accidental discharge with an object such as the rammer, the worm or a small solid piece of debris in the tube will throw fragments down range an unpredictable distance. The spent primer is launched upward in a column of flame as the field piece is fired. It sometimes comes down outside the danger zone.
PRECAUTIONS:
During firing demonstrations, no one places anything in the Ammunition Chest or takes anything out except Cannoneers Number 6 or Number 7. The Ammunition Chest cover is closed prior to the "Ready" command and is kept closed until after all pieces are discharged or, in the case of a misfire, until the misfire is cleared. No debris of any description is to be stored in the Ammunition Chest, The blank cartridge (powder bag) is placed in the muzzle of the field piece with the flat end toward the breach.