WHAT IS A WEAPON?

In my experience however, the average bobby on the beat (policeman) will not be able to tell the difference between a blunt sword and a sharp, so we must take "weapon" to also mean anything which even resembles an object designed for inflicting bodily harm.

For the purposes of this page, "weapons" can be broken down into six main categories.

• Firearms
• Theatrical firearms
• Deactivated firearms/ Reproduction guns
• Sharps
• Blunts
• Wall hangers

Weapons used  in production must be operated under the observation and advice of an armourer and/ or fight director.

You do not need a license for a theatrical firearm but to all intents and purposes they should be treated in the same manner as the real thing. They look and act very similarly and are very dangerous if used incorrectly. 

A deactivated firearm (De-ac), is a firearm which has been altered so that it is no longer capable of discharging a projectile or igniting a charge. In the UK all deactivated weapons must have a proof house certificate. (See image opposite >)

A reproduction gun (repro) is a plastic or metal replica of a firearm. It may have moving parts or be a cast that does not move. It has the look and many characteristics of a gun, and is made in 1:1 scale (Full size). Toy guns may be regarded as reproduction/ replica guns.

FIREARMS IN PRODUCTION

What hazards are associated with firearms?

• Flying objects/ projectiles
• Noise
• Delayed firing or misfires 
• Burns
• Inhalation of smoke
• Causing onlookers fear, or distress*

*This last point should not be taken lightly, as it can lead to serious charges and possibly court proceedings.

What about blanks?

It is worth noting that blanks are dangerous in the extreme. Blanks can set fire to costumes, scenery etc and are likely to blind. Several people have been injured or killed by blanks. When a firearm discharges a blank, it also discharges some of the wadding which has kept it in place and much of the dirt build up from inside the barrel.

What precautions should be taken?

Precautions should be taken as necessary, after a risk assessment has been completed. Where weapons are required in production a risk assessment must be undertaken. Where the armourer or fight director is employed that person should contribute to the assessment and endorse it. The significant findings should be communicated to all members of the production.

Where firearms are employed, an assessment must be made of the possibility of exposure to noise above the peak action level. this must be done by a competent person. 

In addition to this:

• An armourer must be present whenever a firearm, arrow, projectile or missile is required to be discharged. A FIGHT DIRECTOR IS NOT AN ARMOURER.
  
• In the UK armourers must be approved by the BBC. When working abroad, stringent checks should be made to assure the competency and reliability of the person involved.
  
• Appropriate training is required in the safe use of all types of weapon. Training should be provided to the actors, presenters etc. by the armourer.
  
• Live ammunition should not be discharged without first checking your company's (or insurance company's) safety guidelines, and without the presence of your armourer. 
  
• Firearms should not be discharged or even shown in public (That is, out with a theatre or known performance area) without first contacting the police.* 
  
• If a misfire occurs do not walk in front of the muzzle as there could be a delay in firing, caused by a slow burn, lasting two seconds or more. In the event of a misfire always check with the person in charge of the firearm.
  
• People must be kept out of the line of fire. Including blanks. NB With theatrical firearms the line of fire may be to the sides, top or bottom of the device!!!
  
• Ear protection must be used where risk assessment has identified a risk of hearing damage. Artistes in shot can use proprietary ear plugs of flesh colour, matched by the make up designer. Other persons at risk should use ear defenders.
  
• Never over rule advice from the armourer, or other weapons specialists

How should firearms be stored when not in use?

• The storage of firearms is the responsibility of the person in legal possession of the the weapon(s) and not the production. This may be an armourer, police officer, member of the armed forces etc.
  
• If a weapon is lost or stolen, the local police must be informed immediately. Persons must not be permitted to leave the site until the weapon is recovered or the police arrive.
  
• In theatres, loaded firearms should not be left on the props table overnight, but unloaded and locked away in a secure area. They should only be loaded prior to the show, and removed immediately after their final appearance on stage. It is worth remembering that Harold Lloyd lost several fingers after a prop exploded in his hand. He had picked the prop off the props table to examine it.
  

How should firearms be transported?

The transport of firearms is the responsibility of the armourer. Theatrical firearms should be treated as the real thing. In the UK there are few laws regarding the transport of theatrical firearms other than that they should be covered/ hidden at all times. It is illegal however  to carry them loaded and easily accessible, such as in a pocket. Blanks should be carried in a separate container from the firearm.

When traveling abroad, theatrical firearms should be either:

Many countries have differing laws for theatrical firearms, so check this out prior to the tour, shoot etc. e.g. Some US states require that weapons be dismantled when in transport and their parts carried in two or three separate areas, and not beside the ammunition. 

* Armed response officers will respond to public phone calls, if they are not aware of your production schedule. Call the armed response unit prior to filming, and again on the day of filming or other appropriate time. If the armed response unit arrive unexpectedly, lay all weapons on the ground immediately.

OTHER WEAPONS IN PRODUCTION

*Purchasing a weapon can often be a viable option if needed for some weeks or months. Some armouries however may need time to actually make the item.

What hazards are associated with other weapons?

As indicated above, other weapons (specifically swords) can be broken into three categories. Sharps - with a sharp edge or tip capable of being used in combat, blunts - with a blunted edge and tip capable of being used in combat and wall hangers - purely decorative weapons with little or no use in combat.

What precautions should be taken?

Weapons should be locked in a secure dry area, or kept under guard by security when not in use. In theatre productions, dangerous weapons or small easily removable weapons should be locked up and not left on the props table overnight.

When moving weapons abroad, some countries are very stringent about blades. Keep the airline, airport and other appropriate authorities informed. It is best to travel with weapons such as swords dismantled.