Guidelines for Use (Safety)

Usage Guidelines of STS Targets

Firearms shooting is an inherently dangerous activity, as such all-safety precautions must be considered and executed when both handling and utilising firearms. Please read and adhere to the following safety guidelines when using STS Steel Targets. It is also strongly recommended that the Customer be aware of the National Firearms Safety Code as issued by the Australian Government:

STS Targets strongly recommends the following:

1.            Always wear AS/NZS 1337.1:2010* approved safety glasses with side shields to protect your eyes.

2.            Always wear AS/NZS 1270:2002** approved hearing protection to protect your hearing when using firearms.

3.            Always ensure the STS manufactured target is supported and on a 15 degree downward vertical angle to ensure the projectile fragments are likely to ricochet towards the ground.

4.            Always maintain a minimum distance of at least 25 metres in front of the STS steel targets when using a handgun to protect from lead and jacketed particles splashing upon a bullet’s impact or the bullet ricocheting in any given direction.

5.            Always maintain a minimum distance of  at least 150 metres in front of the STS steel targets when using a rifle to protect from lead and jacketed particles splashing upon a bullet’s impact or the bullet ricocheting in any given direction.

6.            Always use frangible (disintegrating) ammunition when shooting STS steel targets closer than 25 metres for handguns.

7.            Always use frangible (disintegrating) ammunition when shooting STS steel targets closer than 150 metres for rifles.

8.            Always maintain a minimum distance of 50 metres from STS steel targets when using rimfire cartridges.

9.            Spectators should always maintain a minimum distance of 10 metres behind the shooter.

10.          Always position steel targets as close as possible to the ground to ensure shooting is performed on a downwards angle. Never position a target above the shooter resulting in projectiles striking the target when travelling in an upwards direction.

11.          Always inspect STS steel targets and the mounting hardware for signs of fatigue or damage prior to use and replace if necessary.

12.          Never position STS steel targets above the standing height of the shooter.

13.          STS recommends that the STS steel targets impact surface must be smooth and flat to ensure any projectile ricochets in a predictable manner as practicably possible.

14.          STS recommends all STS steel targets are mounted in a manner that permits them to swing and move freely on impact to minimise projectile energy absorbed by the target and maximise product life.

15.          STS does not recommend the use of STS steel targets that has surface craters caused by wear and tear.

16.          Only use recommended ammunition on STS steel targets.

17.          Never shoot hardened, steel core or Armour Piercing (AP) ammunition at any STS steel target.

18.          Never shoot any type of shotgun slug or steel ball bearings at any STS steel target.

The onus is on the user (be it an individual, sporting club, government agency or commercial entity), to ensure STS Targets products are used in a safe manner. It is the sole responsibility of the ‘user’ to develop, review and adhere to, safe use procedures based on their intended use as well as be aware of the National Firearms Safety Code.

Any breaches in the STS Targets recommended Usage Guidelines of STS Targets may void any warranties and guarantees afforded to the customer.

* AS/NZS 1337.1:2010 specifies minimum requirements for non-prescription eye and face protectors and associated oculars. These guidelines are designed to provide protection for the eyes and faces of persons against common occupational hazards such as flying particles and fragments, dusts, splashing materials and molten metals, harmful gases, vapours and aerosols.

** Under the Australian Standard AS/NZS 1270:2002, a simple way to select a hearing protector appropriate to a noise exposure depending on the activity undertaken by the user. Once the extent of the noise hazard has been determined by a noise level survey, the user simply applies to its context

Limitation of Liability

STS Target products come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law. STS Target products are intended for a specific use as part of an inherently dangerous activity. These products must only be used in the intended manner and in direct compliance and accord with the enclosed instructions. Even so, injury may occur. Due to the inherently dangerous nature of the activity, no warranty of these products is given other than that they will perform as designed when they are used as intended. Any alteration of these products or use in ways other than as intended shall void all warranties expressed or implied. Other than the foregoing, there are no warranties or guaranties given nor any liability assumed by the manufacturer in the use of these products. All risk of injury is assumed by and shall pass to the purchaser of these products. Please check with your local firearms authority regarding the laws in your state. We accept no responsibility for illegal or irresponsible use of our equipment by any individual or organisation.

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