This means that shooters may handle their firearms on the firing line. They may also handle their firearms in the ready area provided the actions are open or otherwise made safe. Load only on the firing line. At all times the 3 basic NRA safety rules must be observed. 

1. ALWAYS keep the gun pointed in a safe direction.
2. ALWAYS keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
3. ALWAYS keep the gun unloaded until ready to use.

 "Range is Cold"

This means that the Range is closed with respect to handling any firearms either on the line or in the ready area. All firearms are to be cleared: magazines removed, actions open with chamber flag inserted or made safe. Hand guns may lay on the bench with the action exposed and chamber flag inserted for verification by a Range Safety Officer. All shooters, after benching their firearms, must step back from the firing line and stay behind the yellow line until a hot range is called. Except to change targets, and police brass on RSOs command. Firearms may be transported into and out of Range when the Range is cold, if there is no one downrange and firearms are cased.

"Commence Firing"

This command should be given by the Range Safety Officer after the range is declared hot. It informs the shooters that they may begin firing at authorized targets.

 "Cease Fire"

Whenever this command is given, all shooters must immediately stop shooting, remain in position with the firearm pointed in a safe direction with action open, and wait for further instructions from the Range Safety Officer.  NOTE: This command may be given by anyone who observes an unsafe condition on the range.

 Other commands:

There are other Range commands like, "Ready on the right, ready on the left, ready on the firing line,” etc. that the Range Officers may see fit to use. The intent is to make sure that everyone is ready to begin firing. These commands will be given by the Range Safety Officer when a competitive match is in progress.