PTS - Personal Track Safety Safe Access and Egress Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: You arrive at the designated access point detailed in your work pack, but find it is blocked by a locked gate for which you do not have a key. What is the correct course of action?
- Find a low point in the fence nearby and climb over to avoid delaying the work.
- Contact your COSS or supervisor, inform them of the situation, and await their instructions. (Correct answer)
- Walk along the boundary fence until you find an unofficial opening to get trackside.
- Drive to the nearest public level crossing and walk along the track to the worksite.
Correct answer: Contact your COSS or supervisor, inform them of the situation, and await their instructions.
Personal safety and adherence to the Safe System of Work (SSOW) are paramount. Unofficial or unauthorised access points have not been risk-assessed and may contain hidden dangers. The COSS is responsible for the safety of the workgroup and must be informed immediately so they can implement a revised, safe plan for accessing the site.
Question 2: When walking to a site of work, what is the safest place to be, assuming there is no authorised walking route and you have not been instructed otherwise?
- In the 'four-foot' (between the running rails), as it provides the clearest view.
- In the 'six-foot' (between two tracks), as it allows you to see trains on both lines.
- In the cess, walking towards the direction of oncoming trains where possible. (Correct answer)
- On the ends of the sleepers, as they provide a firm and level footing.
Correct answer: In the cess, walking towards the direction of oncoming trains where possible.
The cess is the area beside the track and is the designated place of safety. Walking in the cess keeps you clear of passing trains. Where it is safe to do so, you should face oncoming trains to maximise your awareness and give you the most time to react.
Question 3: To get to your worksite, you must cross two lines of railway, both of which are open to traffic. Which of the following describes the correct and safest method for crossing?
- Cross the first line, wait in the 'six-foot' between the tracks, then cross the second line when it is clear.
- Run across both lines together as quickly as possible to minimise time spent on the track.
- Wait until you have a clear view and can see that BOTH lines are clear of traffic before crossing both lines without stopping. (Correct answer)
- Wait for a train to pass on the nearest line and then immediately cross both lines behind it.
Correct answer: Wait until you have a clear view and can see that BOTH lines are clear of traffic before crossing both lines without stopping.
It is critical to ensure all lines you intend to cross are clear before you start. Stopping between tracks (in the 'six-foot') is dangerous as you are not in a position of safety. Furthermore, a train on one line can hide the approach of another train on an adjacent line. You must wait for a clear view of all lines before crossing.
Question 4: Which of the following is a critical safety rule when crossing the line on foot?
- Always step on the rail head as it provides better grip, especially in wet conditions.
- If crossing with a tool, carry it horizontally to keep your centre of gravity low.
- Take the shortest route by crossing at a right angle (90 degrees) to the track. (Correct answer)
- It is safest to cross at a set of points as the check rails provide extra footing.
Correct answer: Take the shortest route by crossing at a right angle (90 degrees) to the track.
Crossing the track at a right angle, or as close to it as possible, ensures you spend the minimum amount of time in the 'four-foot' and therefore in a position of danger. You should avoid stepping on the rail head as it can be very slippery, and you must never cross at points as your foot could become trapped.
Question 5: What is the primary reason for using only official, designated access and egress points?
- They have been surveyed and risk-assessed to ensure they are the safest places to enter and leave the railway. (Correct answer)
- They are the only places where parking is guaranteed to be available for work vehicles.
- They are always closer to the welfare facilities than any other part of the track.
- They are recorded on a national database, which is a legal requirement for all entry points.
Correct answer: They have been surveyed and risk-assessed to ensure they are the safest places to enter and leave the railway.
Designated access points are specifically chosen because they have been deemed safe for entry and exit. This involves assessing factors like ground conditions, visibility of approaching trains, proximity to electrical hazards, and safe clearance from the line. Using unofficial routes introduces unknown and unmanaged risks.
Question 6: At the end of your shift, what must you do before leaving the railway infrastructure?
- You can leave via the most convenient route as long as you have finished your tasks.
- Wait for your entire team to finish, then leave as a group without needing to inform anyone.
- Walk directly to the access point in the 'four-foot' as it's the quickest route.
- Inform your COSS that you are leaving the site of work and use the designated egress point. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Inform your COSS that you are leaving the site of work and use the designated egress point.
The COSS must maintain an accurate record of everyone who is on or near the line within their worksite at all times for safety and accountability. You must personally inform the COSS when you are leaving and use the pre-agreed, safe egress route that was identified in the safety briefing.
PTS - Personal Track Safety Safe Access and Egress Questions and Answers
You arrive at the designated access point detailed in your work pack, but find it is blocked by a locked gate for which you do not have a key.
What is the correct course of action?