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

To prevent misinterpretation of letters that can sound similar (e.g., 'B' and 'C', or 'M' and 'N'), the standard railway phonetic alphabet (Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, etc.) must be used for spelling out letters in safety-critical communications. Numbers should be spoken as individual digits (e.g., 'Three Four Five').

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

In standard radio communication protocol on the railway, the word 'Over' signifies that the sender has finished their message and is expecting a reply from the receiver. 'Out' is used when no reply is expected.

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

Three-way communication is a key safety protocol. The process is: 1) The sender gives the message. 2) The receiver repeats the message back (repeat-back) to the sender to confirm they have understood it correctly. 3) The sender confirms that the repeat-back is correct. This ensures mutual understanding before any action is taken.

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

The standard phraseology for correcting an error in a spoken safety-critical message is to say the word 'Correction,' followed by the correct word or phrase. This is a clear, unambiguous way to alert the listener to the error and the information that will replace it.

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

When radio communication is difficult, shouting can distort the sound and make it harder to understand. The best practice is to speak clearly and slightly slower than your normal pace, without shouting, to give the listener the best chance of understanding the message.

PTS - Personal Track Safety Practice Test

PTS - Personal Track Safety Practice Test

PTS - Personal Track Safety Safety Critical Communications Questions and Answers