What is the proper procedure to follow when a fusee needs to be lit?

The proper procedure for lighting a fusee is to strike it against the striking cap, ensuring that it is done away from the body. This method helps to minimize the risk of injury and ensures that the fusee ignites safely and effectively.

Striking the fusee away from the body is crucial because it prevents hot debris and sparks from coming in contact with you, thus enhancing safety during the lighting process. This procedure also ensures that the fusee is lit in a controlled manner, allowing for the intended signaling purpose to be carried out effectively afterwards.

The other options do not align with safe practices for lighting a fusee. Pointing a lit fusee away from the body for hand signals is relevant for visibility and safety, but it does not address the critical step of how to properly light it. Twisting off the striking cap suggests a method that does not apply to the actual ignition of the fusee, as fusees are designed to be ignited through striking. Finally, hitting a fusee against the railhead to extinguish it reflects a misunderstanding, as this is not a standard or safe extinguishing method, and it could lead to unintended ignition instead.