PTS - Personal Track Safety Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to Network Rail standards (NR/L2/OHS/021), what are the minimum mandatory items of PPE that must be worn at all times by a PTS holder when on or near the line?
- Safety helmet, ear defenders, high-visibility trousers, and safety footwear.
- High-visibility upper body clothing, gloves, safety glasses, and a bump cap.
- Safety helmet (white, unless a new entrant), high-visibility clothing (upper and lower body), and safety footwear with ankle support and mid-sole protection. (Correct answer)
- A high-visibility vest, steel toe-capped boots, and a safety helmet.
Correct answer: Safety helmet (white, unless a new entrant), high-visibility clothing (upper and lower body), and safety footwear with ankle support and mid-sole protection.
Network Rail standard NR/L2/OHS/021 specifies the minimum PPE requirements. This includes a white safety helmet (blue for new entrants/visitors), full high-visibility clothing (top and trousers) to standard RIS-3279-TOM, and safety footwear to BS EN ISO 20345 that provides ankle support and has a penetration-resistant mid-sole. While other items like gloves and glasses are often required by risk assessment, they are not part of this core mandatory list for simply being on or near the line.
Question 2: A PTS cardholder is preparing for a night shift. Why is it critical that their high-visibility clothing meets the RIS-3279-TOM standard?
- Because the standard guarantees the clothing is flame-retardant.
- Because the standard specifies retro-reflective materials that make the wearer visible in the headlights of an approaching train. (Correct answer)
- Because the standard ensures the clothing is bright orange, which is the most visible colour in low-light conditions.
- Because the standard requires the clothing to be insulated for warmth during colder nights.
Correct answer: Because the standard specifies retro-reflective materials that make the wearer visible in the headlights of an approaching train.
While the fluorescent orange colour is for daytime visibility, the RIS-3279-TOM standard (which is based on EN ISO 20471) also mandates specific requirements for retro-reflective tape. This tape reflects light back to its source, such as a train's headlights, making the wearer conspicuous in the dark.
Question 3: Which of the following conditions would make a piece of high-visibility clothing non-compliant and unsafe for use on the track?
- The manufacturer's label has faded from washing.
- The garment is heavily soiled with dirt and grease, obscuring the fluorescent material. (Correct answer)
- A small, stitched repair has been made to a pocket.
- The sponsor's logo on the back is slightly peeling at the edges.
Correct answer: The garment is heavily soiled with dirt and grease, obscuring the fluorescent material.
The primary function of high-visibility clothing is to make the wearer conspicuous. If the fluorescent material is covered in dirt or grease, its luminance is significantly reduced, and it no longer meets the required standard for visibility. It must be kept clean to be effective and compliant.
Question 4: You are issued with new safety footwear for trackside work. Which specific features must these boots have to comply with Network Rail standards?
- Steel toe caps and a waterproof lining.
- Electrical hazard resistance and slip-resistant soles.
- Ankle support and a penetration-resistant mid-sole. (Correct answer)
- Quick-release laces and a comfort insole.
Correct answer: Ankle support and a penetration-resistant mid-sole.
Network Rail standards mandate that safety footwear must not only have a protective toe cap but also provide ankle support to prevent twists and sprains on uneven ballast, and a penetration-resistant mid-sole to protect against sharp objects underfoot, such as sheared bolts or track clips.
Question 5: A risk assessment for a task involving the use of a ballast tamping machine has identified a significant noise hazard. In this scenario, what is the most appropriate action regarding PPE?
- Proceed with standard mandatory PPE as the helmet provides some noise reduction.
- Wear task-specific hearing protection in addition to the mandatory PPE. (Correct answer)
- Request a quieter machine before starting work.
- Ensure your high-visibility clothing has a hood to cover your ears.
Correct answer: Wear task-specific hearing protection in addition to the mandatory PPE.
Standard mandatory PPE does not typically include hearing protection. When a specific hazard, such as high noise levels, is identified in the risk assessment and Safe System of Work, appropriate task-specific PPE, like ear defenders, must be worn in addition to the minimum requirements.
Question 6: What is the specific Railway Industry Standard that governs the requirements for high-visibility clothing worn by people on or near the line in the UK?
- ISO 20471
- BS EN 397
- RIS-3279-TOM (Correct answer)
- NR/L2/OHS/021
Correct answer: RIS-3279-TOM
RIS-3279-TOM is the specific UK Railway Industry Standard for high-visibility clothing. While it is based on the European standard EN ISO 20471, it contains specific requirements for the UK rail network, most notably mandating the use of a specific shade of fluorescent orange. BS EN 397 relates to safety helmets and NR/L2/OHS/021 is the overarching Network Rail standard for all PPE.
PTS - Personal Track Safety Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Questions and Answers
According to Network Rail standards (NR/L2/OHS/021), what are the minimum mandatory items of PPE that must be worn at all times by a PTS holder when on or near the line?