Even though it's not one of the Four Rules, we practice a modified form of gun shop protocol - "Every gun is loaded until it is safely shown to be unloaded in the presence of all concerned."
Basically, open action while observing muzzle control, verify unloaded, leave action open (if possible), and then and only then, begin disassembly for cleaning, hand it to someone else for inspection, etc.
Even if no ammo is in the room, same protocol before handing it back or putting it back in the safe.
At our private shooting range, we observe the Rules without modification, as nobody is supposed to be inspecting rifles and pointing the muzzle anywhere but downrange. Rifles not in use are racked with the action open or cased.
IMO, gun shop protocol isn't a bad idea to add to firearm handling, even in your home.