Clear and Safe

“Clear and safe” is a formal safety phrase used throughout recreational and competitive paintball to confirm that a marker is no longer capable of firing a paintball. It is typically used by referees, techs, and players to prevent accidental discharges in areas where masks may be off or where technical work is being done.

A marker is considered clear and safe when:

1. No paintballs are inside the chamber, breech, or feedneck. 2. The loader or magazine is removed or confirmed empty. 3. The barrel is unobstructed. 4. The air system is removed or the marker is fully degassed. 5. The safety mechanism (if present) is engaged.

Tournament procedures often require players to demonstrate “clear and safe” before leaving the field. This may include dry-firing at the chrono station with a barrel sock on to ensure no paint remains in the breech, or purging remaining air from the firing chamber. Once confirmed, players may remove their masks in designated safe areas.

At fields with rental equipment, staff use the term to ensure beginner participants return their markers in a safe condition. This prevents unintentional discharges in staging areas and protects both players and field employees. In tech pits or maintenance zones, “clear and safe” is mandatory before working on triggers, solenoids, bolts, or regulators.

The concept reinforces the overarching priority of safety across all formats of paintball, standardizing how players and officials communicate about equipment status.