PTS PTS - Personal Track Safety Safety Critical Communications 2

Question 1

What is a 'three-part communication' and why is it used for safety-critical messages on the railway?

Accepted Answer

A protocol where the sender states the message, the receiver reads it back, and the sender confirms it is correct — ensuring the message is accurately received

Answer

Three-part communication (challenge, readback, confirmation) ensures that safety-critical messages are accurately received and understood, reducing errors that could cause accidents.

Question 2

What should a COSS do if they are uncertain that a verbal message from the signaller has been fully understood?

Accepted Answer

Request the signaller to repeat the message and use three-part communication to confirm accuracy

Answer

If any doubt exists about a received message, the COSS must ask for it to be repeated and use three-part communication to verify accuracy before acting on it.

Question 3

What is the purpose of using standard railway terminology in safety-critical communications?

Accepted Answer

Standard terminology ensures unambiguous communication by using precise, universally understood terms that reduce the risk of misinterpretation

Answer

Standard railway terminology provides precise, unambiguous language understood by all trained personnel, eliminating misinterpretations that could cause accidents.

Question 4

When is radio communication preferred over mobile phone for safety-critical messages on Network Rail infrastructure?

Accepted Answer

Network Rail Integrated Electronic Control Centre (IECC) radios or GSM-R are preferred as they provide direct, reliable communication with signallers in real time without network congestion issues

Answer

GSM-R (Global System for Mobile Communications — Railway) or IECC radio provides dedicated, prioritised communication with signallers that is more reliable and secure than standard mobile networks for safety-critical use.

Question 5

What action must be taken if a COSS's radio fails during an active line blockage?

Accepted Answer

Suspend all work within the safe working limits immediately, ensure workers are in a position of safety, and attempt to re-establish communication — work may not resume until communication with the signaller is restored

Answer

Radio failure during an active line blockage means the COSS cannot confirm the blockage status — all work must stop and workers must be withdrawn until communication is restored.

PTS - Personal Track Safety Practice Test

PTS - Personal Track Safety Practice Test

PTS PTS - Personal Track Safety Safety Critical Communications 2