In the Laboratory

Semiautomatic pistol in a safe condition with
the chamber empty, the slide to the
rear, and the magazine removed

Courtesy of St. Petersburg College
Firing Range

The rules which follow constitute an additional layer of precautions that must be observed when examining firearms in the laboratory:

Be aware of all safety policies and procedures of the laboratory and their implementation.
Examiners are responsible for their own safety and that of others in the working environment.
Every firearm should be treated and handled as if it were loaded until it has been checked by an examiner.
When unpacking and inventorying a new firearm evidence submission, it should be assumed that the firearm is loaded. Open the action and ensure that the firearm is in a safe condition and unloaded. Follow the procedure for the particular laboratory regarding the receipt of loaded firearms.
Any submitted firearm that cannot be readily cleared due to rust or damage should be taken to the range to be cleared.
Always ensure that the action of a firearm is open when receiving or giving a firearm to anyone.
Never place unfired ammunition in a firearm at the laboratory bench. If necessary to check the feed mechanism of a firearm, use dummy cartridges.