Free PTS Basic Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does it mean to be "on or near the line"?
- Outside the rail-bound border fence
- In between the cess and the railroad boundary fence
- In line or no more than three meters (10 feet) from a line (Correct answer)
- On a line or two meters, or six feet, six inches, from a line
Correct answer: In line or no more than three meters (10 feet) from a line
In Personal Track Safety (PTS) regulations, 'on or near the line' defines a critical hazardous zone. It means being either directly on the railway track or within a distance of no more than three meters (approximately 10 feet) from the nearest running rail. This area poses a significant risk of being struck by trains or moving railway plant, requiring strict safety protocols.
Question 2: What does it mean to be "on the line side"?
- six feet from the closest running rail and from the boundary fence
- From the boundary barrier to the location designated as being on or close to the line (Correct answer)
- From the closest running line to the border fence
- fifteen feet away from the closest running rail and from the boundary fence
Correct answer: From the boundary barrier to the location designated as being on or close to the line
In Personal Track Safety (PTS), 'on the line side' refers to the entire area adjacent to the railway line, extending from the boundary barrier or fence up to the designated 'on or near the line' zone. This area is within the railway operational boundary and requires PTS awareness, even if not immediately next to the running rails. It encompasses the space where railway personnel might work or move alongside the tracks.
Question 3: When is it okay for you to cross the running line or get close to it?
- in the daytime when visibility is good
- To expedite the process of signing on point
- whenever they are on duty
- If you hold PTS and your job need it, only when it is absolutely necessary (Correct answer)
Correct answer: If you hold PTS and your job need it, only when it is absolutely necessary
Crossing or getting close to a running railway line is inherently dangerous and strictly regulated by Personal Track Safety (PTS). It is only permissible for individuals who hold a valid PTS certification and when it is absolutely necessary for their specific job task. This emphasizes that such actions should never be taken unnecessarily and only under controlled conditions with proper authorization.
Question 4: A safe place to stand when a train is passing is called a position of safety.
- False
- True (Correct answer)
Correct answer: True
True. In Personal Track Safety (PTS), a 'position of safety' is a designated location where an individual can stand clear of all lines and moving trains, ensuring their safety. Identifying and moving to a position of safety is a fundamental requirement when a train is approaching or passing, or when instructed by a Person In Charge (PIC).
Question 5: What is the lowest point at which a line with a top speed of 100 mph is safe?
- 1.5 m
- 1.25 m (Correct answer)
- 2 m
- 1 m
Correct answer: 1.25 m
In Personal Track Safety (PTS) regulations, the minimum safe distance from the running rail (a position of safety) varies depending on the line speed. For a line with a top speed of 100 mph, the lowest safe point or minimum safe distance is 1.25 meters from the nearest running rail. This distance is crucial for personnel safety when trains are operating at high speeds.
Question 6: When on or near the line, the safest location to stroll is an authorized pedestrian route. Where could you locate published details? Mark all that apply.
- Directory of Hazards (Correct answer)
- Route maps for SWT
- Signing on points as a train crew (Correct answer)
- Publication of walking routes authorised by SWT (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Directory of Hazards
When working on or near the line, the safest way to move around is by using authorized pedestrian routes. Details about these routes, along with potential hazards, can typically be found in official railway documentation. Key sources include the 'Directory of Hazards' and specific 'Publication of walking routes authorised by SWT' (South West Trains, a specific railway operator).
Question 7: When you are "Lineside or On or Near the Line," what personal safety measures do you need to take? Mark all that apply.
- Step over rails, cross tracks at a ninety-degree angle, and tread ballast to ballast (Correct answer)
- Keep an ear out for any trains. (Correct answer)
- Recognize the locations of safe spaces and entryways. (Correct answer)
- Utilize your smartphone as needed.
- Keep a lamp handy at night. (Correct answer)
- Wear a high-vis vest and appropriate footwear. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Step over rails, cross tracks at a ninety-degree angle, and tread ballast to ballast
When working 'Lineside or On or Near the Line,' several personal safety measures are crucial. These include safely navigating the track by stepping over rails, crossing tracks at a ninety-degree angle, and treading ballast to ballast. It is also essential to constantly keep an ear out for any trains, recognize the locations of safe spaces and entryways, and utilize appropriate personal protective equipment such as a high-vis vest, appropriate footwear, and a lamp handy at night for visibility.
Question 8: When a train is approaching while you are on or close to the line, what should you do?
- Remain at your current location.
- Move to a safe location right away. (Correct answer)
- Hold off until instructed to go to a safe position.
- Immediately take a seat in the four-footed
Correct answer: Move to a safe location right away.
When a train is approaching while on or near the line, immediate action is crucial for personal safety. Moving to a safe location right away ensures you are clear of the train's path and potential hazards. Delaying action or remaining in place would put you at severe risk of injury or death.
Question 9: How would you respond to an incoming train's warning horn after you were in a secure spot?
- Elevate and descend one arm.
- It is not necessary to accept the driver's alert.
- Stretch one arm out in front of you. (Correct answer)
- Stretch both arms out in front of you.
Correct answer: Stretch one arm out in front of you.
Stretching one arm out in front of you is the recognized hand signal in railway environments to acknowledge a train driver's warning. This signal communicates to the driver that you have seen their warning horn and are now in a safe position. It confirms your awareness and safety, which is vital for operational communication.
Question 10: If a train is approaching and you are unable to get to a safe distance, what would you do?
- Lift a single arm above your head.
- All of your clothes should be gathered in a four-footed stance.
- Remain at your current location.
- Place yourself on the six-foot mat with all of your clothes piled inside. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Place yourself on the six-foot mat with all of your clothes piled inside.
In an emergency where you cannot reach a designated safe distance from an approaching train, the last resort is to get into the safest possible position on the ground. Placing yourself on the 'six-foot mat' (referring to the space between adjacent tracks) and making yourself as small as possible minimizes your profile. This extreme measure is taken to reduce the risk of being struck by the train.
Question 11: What is meant by the term refuge?
- a location designated for the disposal of garbage
- a safe spot carved out of a bridge, tunnel, or cutting's wall or built into an embankment (Correct answer)
- an intersection of trains with more than three routes
- a location where standing is unsafe
Correct answer: a safe spot carved out of a bridge, tunnel, or cutting's wall or built into an embankment
A refuge, in the context of railway safety, is a specifically designed safe area for workers to stand clear of passing trains. These are typically recesses or platforms carved into the walls of bridges, tunnels, or cuttings, or built into embankments. Refuges provide essential protection from the dangers of moving rail traffic.
Free PTS Basic Questions and Answers
What does it mean to be "on or near the line"?