PTS - Personal Track Safety Positions of Safety Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the minimum distance you must be from the nearest running rail to be in a position of safety on a line where the permitted train speed is 80 mph?
- 2 metres (6 feet 6 inches)
- 1.25 metres (4 feet) (Correct answer)
- 1 metre (3 feet 3 inches)
- 3 metres (10 feet)
Correct answer: 1.25 metres (4 feet)
For lines where the train speed is 100 mph or less, the minimum distance for a position of safety is 1.25 metres (4 feet) from the nearest running rail.
Question 2: You are working on an embankment with your team. The lookout sounds a warning for an approaching train. The designated position of safety is down the embankment slope. What must you do immediately?
- Acknowledge the driver by raising your arm, then move to the position of safety.
- Stop work and move directly to the designated position of safety. (Correct answer)
- Gather your tools before moving to the position of safety.
- Check with the COSS before moving from your work location.
Correct answer: Stop work and move directly to the designated position of safety.
When a warning is given, your first and only priority is to stop what you are doing and move to the agreed position of safety immediately and without delay.
Question 3: Which of the following locations would be considered an unsuitable position of safety?
- Inside a designated lineside refuge.
- In the 'six-foot' area between two open running lines. (Correct answer)
- On a wide, level cess clear of obstructions.
- On a designated walkway over a bridge.
Correct answer: In the 'six-foot' area between two open running lines.
The 'six-foot', the space between two tracks, is never a position of safety as you could be in danger from trains on either line. A true position of safety must be clear of all running lines.
Question 4: After a lookout gives a warning, you must reach the position of safety and be standing stationary in that place for a minimum period before the train arrives. What is this minimum period?
- 5 seconds
- 20 seconds
- 10 seconds (Correct answer)
- The moment the train comes into view.
Correct answer: 10 seconds
The rules require you to be in the position of safety at least 10 seconds before the train arrives. This ensures you are stationary, secure, and clear of the line well before the train passes.
Question 5: What is the mandatory minimum distance for a position of safety on a line where trains are permitted to travel at 125 mph?
- 1.25 metres (4 feet)
- 3 metres (10 feet)
- 1.5 metres (5 feet)
- 2 metres (6 feet 6 inches) (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 2 metres (6 feet 6 inches)
On lines where the speed limit is over 100 mph, the minimum distance for a position of safety is increased to 2 metres (6 feet 6 inches) to account for the increased aerodynamic effects of the passing train.
Question 6: You are walking along the track and observe a sign showing a person in silhouette with a red line through it. What does this indicate?
- An authorised walking route is ahead.
- There is no position of safety on this side of the railway. (Correct answer)
- You are approaching a designated worksite.
- The line ahead is closed to all personnel.
Correct answer: There is no position of safety on this side of the railway.
This specific lineside sign is a limited clearance warning, which indicates that there is no position of safety on that side of the track for the length of the structure (like a bridge or tunnel) you are approaching.
PTS - Personal Track Safety Positions of Safety Questions and Answers
What is the minimum distance you must be from the nearest running rail to be in a position of safety on a line where the permitted train speed is 80 mph?