PTS - Personal Track Safety Safety Critical Communications Questions and Answers

Question 1

When relaying a message to the signaller that contains important alpha-numeric information (e.g., a signal number like 'T345'), what is the correct communication protocol to ensure clarity?

Accepted Answer

Use the standard railway phonetic alphabet for the letters and say each number individually.

Answer

Say the letters and numbers clearly and then ask if they understood.

Answer

Repeat the entire message three times to ensure it is heard correctly.

Answer

Text the information to the signaller as a follow-up to the verbal conversation.

Question 2

A COSS is using a radio to inform the team that the line is blocked. Which of the following phrases is the standard and correct way to conclude the transmission when a reply is expected?

Accepted Answer

"Line is blocked, over."

Answer

"Line is blocked, got it?"

Answer

"Line is blocked, end of message."

Answer

"Line is blocked, roger."

Question 3

You are part of a work group and your COSS gives you a safety-critical instruction. To ensure the instruction is understood perfectly, what should be the second step in the three-way communication process?

Accepted Answer

You repeat the instruction back to the COSS in your own words to confirm understanding.

Answer

You immediately carry out the instruction as given.

Answer

You ask another member of the work group if they heard the same thing.

Answer

You wait for the COSS to ask you if you understood the instruction.

Question 4

If you make a mistake while relaying information during a safety-critical call, what is the correct procedural word to use immediately before stating the correct information?

Accepted Answer

"Correction."

Answer

"My mistake."

Answer

"Ignore that."

Answer

"Belay that last."

Question 5

A colleague is struggling to hear your instructions over a noisy radio connection. Which of the following is the most appropriate action to improve the clarity of your communication?

Accepted Answer

Speak slightly slower than normal in a clear, distinct voice.

Answer

Shout as loudly as possible into the microphone.

Answer

Speak much faster to get the message across quickly.

Answer

Move the microphone further away from your mouth.

Question 6

Which of the following statements best describes the purpose of using standard communication protocols, like the phonetic alphabet and three-way communication, in a railway environment?

Accepted Answer

To minimise the risk of misunderstanding, which could lead to an accident.

Answer

To make communications sound more professional and technical.

Answer

To reduce the time it takes to pass on important messages.

Answer

To create a formal record of all conversations for audit purposes.