Direct answer: Safe handling of a muzzleloader centers on always keeping the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, never blowing down the barrel or leaning over the muzzle, loading only one properly measured charge, using the appropriate black powder or safe substitute, priming only when ready to fire, and wearing eye and ear protection during shooting. Never load from horns or flasks directly, keep propellants and primers stored away from the firing area, and wait the appropriate time after a misfire before taking further action. Follow the specific muzzleloader’s manual and local wildlife/safety regulations for your region. Key safety points for muzzleloaders:

• Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction at all times; never point at people or anything you don’t intend to shoot. [safety guidance]
• Do not lean over, stand in front of, or blow down the muzzle; never blow down the barrel to clear residue. [safety guidance]
• Load only one charge at a time using a calibrated powder measure; do not load directly from horns, flasks, or other containers. [safety guidance]
• Use only black powder or a safe substitute as recommended by the firearm’s manufacturer or applicable safety guidelines. [safety guidance]
• Prime or cap the muzzleloader only when ready to fire; avoid priming the pan or nipple until the moment of firing. [safety guidance]
• Wear appropriate eye and ear protection when shooting a muzzleloader, and consider protective clothing as recommended. [safety guidance]
• Keep propellants and primers separate from the firing area; never smoke near powder sources. [safety guidance]
• Treat any misfire with caution: keep the muzzle in a safe direction and wait a moment (e.g., 30 seconds) before attempting to clear or reload. [safety guidance]

If you want, I can tailor these guidelines to a specific muzzleloader type (flintlock, percussion, or inline) or to a particular jurisdiction’s safety rules.