PTS Individual Working Alone (IWA)

Question 1

What does IWA stand for in the context of railway track safety?

Accepted Answer

Individual Working Alone

Answer

Immediate Warning Alarm

Answer

Integrated Warning Authority

Answer

Internal Work Assessment

Question 2

Which of the following is a key condition that must be met for an IWA Safe System of Work to be used?

Accepted Answer

The line speed must not exceed a specified maximum and the work must be of a type permitted under IWA rules

Answer

The worker must be accompanied by at least one other person at all times

Answer

The worker must hold a COSS licence rather than just a PTS licence

Answer

A full possession of the line must always be in place before IWA can be used

Question 3

When working under IWA, who is responsible for providing warning of approaching trains?

Accepted Answer

The IWA worker themselves, using their own observation and any applicable warning system

Answer

A dedicated lookout who is always required even under IWA

Answer

The signaller, who will phone the worker before every train

Answer

A COSS appointed by the contractor

Question 4

An IWA is only permitted on lines where the maximum permissible speed does not exceed:

Accepted Answer

50 mph

Answer

10 mph

Answer

100 mph

Answer

125 mph

Question 5

How does an IWA differ from a COSS-controlled safe system of work?

Accepted Answer

Under IWA there is no separate COSS or lookout — a single competent person manages their own protection

Answer

An IWA requires more workers on site than a COSS system

Answer

IWA systems always require a full track possession

Answer

IWA can only be used on electrified lines

Question 6

Which type of work would NOT normally be permitted under an IWA Safe System of Work?

Accepted Answer

A large team of workers laying new ballast on a 100 mph main line

Answer

A single inspection walk along a low-speed siding

Answer

A lone engineer conducting a brief visual survey on a 40 mph line

Answer

An individual checking drainage equipment on a 30 mph industrial branch